Configure Election Outreach

Election Outreach can be used to educate the public and help voters find an appropriate voting center or Election Day polling place.

In this topic, you will learn how to configure the Election Outreach solution to meet specific needs in your organization.

Manage election data

The Election Data Management ArcGIS Pro project includes a series of tasks to help guide you through creating, loading, and maintaining an inventory of electoral districts, voting locations, and voting precincts.

Get started

To get started with Election Data Management, complete the following steps.

1. Sign in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Election Data Management Desktop Application Template.
2. Open the item page, and then click Download.
3. Unzip and open the Election Data Management ArcGIS Pro project.
4. On the View tab, in the Windows group, click Catalog Pane.
5. In the Catalog pane, expand the Tasks folder, and then double-click the Election Data Management task item.
6. In the Tasks pane, click the Getting Started task group to expand the collection of tasks.

Election Data Management is used to load, create, and edit foundational election data used in apps such as My Elected Representative, Election Polling Places, and Election Manager. The solution uses three foundational datasets:

• Voting Locations
• Voting Precincts
• Electoral Districts

Voting Locations contains facilities where voters can cast ballots and is defined by a point layer. They can be either polling places, voting centers, or ballot drop boxes, depending on your community's needs. Voting centers and ballot drop boxes can be modified to allow early voting.

Voting Precincts contains areas that define your community's precincts and is defined by a polygon layer. They are related to voting locations by a unique ID and define the unique polling place where voters in a precinct should cast ballots.

Electoral Districts contains geographies that define an elected office's area of representation and is defined by a polygon layer. For example, a mayor's Electoral District is the municipal boundary. Key attributes are used in My Elected Representative app.

Before proceeding to subsequent tasks, follow the instructions in the Add election geography layer task to add the ElectionGeography feature layer deployed with the solution.

Load existing election data

Your election agency may have existing polling place, voting center, ballot drop box, voting precinct, or electoral district data, which can be loaded into the ElectionGeography feature layer.

Voting Locations are designated as either Polling Places, Voting Centers, or Ballot Drop Boxes using the Voting Facility Type field. Both Voting Centers and Polling Places use a standard for operational days and hours in the Voting Centers and Election Polling Places apps included with the Election Outreach solution. To load existing voting location data, designate the type and format the operational days and hours, following the instructions in the Polling places, Voting centers, and Ballot drop boxes tasks.

The voting precinct’s relationship with a polling place is defined by populating the Polling GlobalID field with the GlobalID from the corresponding polling place. Establishing this relationship allows the Election Polling Places app to display the appropriate polling place when a user searches by address or defines a location on the map. Follow the instructions in the Voting precincts task to load existing data and establish the relationship.

Follow the instructions in the Electoral districts task to load existing electoral district data.

Create new election data

You may need to create new election data if existing data is not available. Follow the instructions in the Create new election data task group to create new voting locations, voting precincts, and electoral districts.

Note:

Map layers must be visible to create new data.

Prepare for the next election

Election data changes over time as new voting locations are established, precincts are modified, and election cycles are completed. You must update key fields, such as the next election date, to maintain election data accuracy and ensure that public facing apps included with the Election Outreach solution display the correct information. Use the Next election date, Next voter registration date, and Early voting start and end date tasks to update key date fields as election cycles are completed. Use the Modify voting locations, Modify precincts, and Modify electoral districts tasks to edit your election data.

Populating operational hours

This solution leverages the Opening Hours Specification to display operating hours for a place or service. When you populate the data fully, Arcade expressions interpret the data and display the operating hours in a human-readable format in the map pop-up. Understanding the data specification and options in the Arcade expressions will help you populate your data and display it in the maps and apps provided with the ArcGIS Solution.

Operating Hours Specification

The Operating Hours Specification allows you to store a combination of operating hours in a single field but relies on a series of data standards to render the information correctly. To ensure operating hours are displayed correctly, follow the standards below:

• Enter all times using a 24-hour clock without a leading 0—for example, Tu (7:00-19:00).
• Use a two-letter abbreviation for each day, with the first letter capitalized—for example, Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su.
• When a location is open 24 hours a day, use 24 Hours—for example, Mo (24 Hours).
• When a location is closed on a specific day, use Closed—for example, Sa-Sun (Closed).
• Enclose all times and closed statuses in parentheses—for example, Tu (7:00-19:00); We-Mo (Closed).
• Separate days and ranges with a semicolon to denote the two (or more) groups—for example, Th-Fr (7:00-19:00); Sa (24 Hours).

Using the standards above, a diverse set of operating hours can be populated for your places and services. Some common examples include the following:

• To specify the place is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week, populate the operating hours field with the following: Mo-Su (9:00-17:00).
• To specify the place is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the week and closed on weekends, populate the operating hours field with the following: Mo-Fr (9:00-17:00); Sa-Su (Closed).
• To specify the place is open one day (Tuesday) a week, populate the operating hours field with the following: Tu (7:00-19:00); We-Mo (Closed).
• To specify the place has operating hours that vary by day, populate the operating hours field with the following: Mo-Tu (9:00-17:00); We (Closed); Th-Fr (7:00-19:00); Sa (24 Hours); Su (Closed).

Operating hours data can be populated all at once for many places and services using Calculate field values or uniquely entered for each place or service using an application provided with the solution.

Arcade expressions

The Arcade expressions include several settings that allow you configure the look and feel of the operating hours when they are displayed in the web map pop-up. The expressions work with the operating hours data and web map pop-up configurations to display current operating hours in your map and app.

This solution uses several Arcade expressions. To modify one of these expressions, complete the following steps:

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Election Polling Places or Voting Centers map.
2. Open the item page, and then click Open in Map Viewer.
3. In the Layers pane, click the Polling Places or Voting Centers layer, and then in the settings toolbar, click Configure Pop-ups.
4. In the Configure Pop-ups pane, locate and click the Arcade element that you want to modify.
5. Click Edit Expression to open the Arcade expression editor window.

   Each Arcade expression has a set of variables that can be configured according to your organization’s needs.

6. Review the expression notes and modify the variables as needed.

   Tip:

   Copy and save all the Arcade syntax in the editor. This allows you to restore the original expression or discard changes.

7. Click OK.
8. Click Save.

Modify elected offices

My Elected Representative allows the general public to find who represents them in local, state, and federal elected offices. My Elected Representative includes several elected office layers, such as Mayor, County Clerk, Governor, and United States Senate. You can modify the elected offices available in the app to fit your needs. For example, you can configure My Elected Representative to display only locally elected offices.

Update domain values

First, you will review the elected offices in the ElectionGeography feature layer and identify an elected office your organization may want to add to My Elected Representative.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the ElectionGeography feature layer.
2. Open the item page, and then click the Data tab.
3. Click Fields.
4. Click the Layer drop-down menu and choose Electoral Districts.
5. In the list of fields, click the Elected Office display name.
6. In the List of Values (Domain) section, review the existing categories and identify ones that are not applicable and ones that are missing.
7. Next to List of Values (Domain), click Edit.
8. Optionally, click the Delete button to remove a category from the list.
9. Click Add.
10. In the Displayed Value and Stored Value text boxes, type the new elected office name.
11. Repeat steps 9–10 to add the remaining elected offices.
12. Optionally, drag the elected office to a new location in the list to reorder them.
13. Click Save.

Update map

Next you will configure the My Elected Representative map to display the elected offices that you want to display in the My Elected Representative app.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the My Elected Representative map.
2. Open the item page, and then click Open in Map Viewer.

   The map opens. The Layers pane displays a list of several preconfigured elected office map layers ranging from Mayor to President of the United States. Each layer is filtered using the Elected Office field on the Electoral Districts feature layer.

3. To remove an unnecessary elected office layer, click Options, and then click Remove.
4. To duplicate a layer, click Options and then click Duplicate.

   A new layer appears in the Layers pane.

5. To update the new layer’s name, click Options, click Rename, type the elected office name in the Title text box, and click OK.
6. With the new layer selected, click Filter on the settings toolbar.

   An existing filter expression is displayed. You will modify the expression to display the new elected office. The Value drop-down menu displays the values that you configured in a previous task.

7. From the drop-down menu, choose the appropriate elected office domain value, and then click Save.
8. Optionally, drag the layer to a new location in the Layers pane.

   Tip:

   You can also configure existing layers using the above steps. Modify the name and filter of an existing layer to match your configuration needs.

9. Click Save.

Update app

You will now configure the My Elected Representative app to use the elected offices configured in the My Elected Representative map.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the My Elected Representative app.
2. Open the item page, and then click Configure.
3. Click the Zone Lookup tab.
4. Click Options.
5. In the Layers to include in results section, configure the layers searched in the app.

   Tip:

   Check the check box next to each of the layers available.

6. Click Publish.
7. Click Confirm.
8. Click Launch.

Manage wait times

When paired with the Election Management solution, Election Polling Places and Voting Centers can display election wait times on the map so that voters can make an informed decision about when to vote.

Share polling place wait times

The Election Polling Places map includes a Polling Place Wait Times layer that displays the current wait time. To share wait times in the Election Polling Places app, you’ll make use of the included Polling Place Wait Times map layer.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Election Polling Places map.
2. Open the item page, and then click Open in Map Viewer.
3. Hover over the Polling Place Wait Times layer and click the Show layer button.

   The map now displays the most recently reported wait time symbolized by the length of the wait reported. When an election is completed and you want to remove the wait times symbol, you can hide the Polling Place Wait Times layer.

4. Click Save.

Share voting center wait times

The Voting Centers map includes a Voting Center Wait Times layer that displays the current wait time. To share wait times in the Voting Centers app, you’ll make use of the included Voting Center Wait Times map layer.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Voting Centers map.
2. Open the item page, and then click Open in Map Viewer.
3. Hover over the Voting Centers layer and click the Hide layer button.
4. Hover over the Voting Center Wait Times layer and click the Show layer button.

   The map now displays the most recently reported wait time symbolized by the length of the wait reported. When an election is completed and you want to remove the wait times symbols, you can show the Voting Centers layer and hide the Voting Center Wait Times layer.

5. Click Save.

Hide polling place wait times

On Election Day, the Election Polling Places app automatically displays wait times tracked using the Election Management solution. Follow the steps below to remove wait times from the Election Polling Places app.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Election Polling Places map.
2. Open the item page, and then click Open in Map Viewer.
3. In the Layers pane, click the Polling Places layer, and then in the settings toolbar, click Configure Pop-ups.
4. In the Configure Pop-ups pane, locate the Wait Times Arcade element.

   Tip:

   Click the Wait Times Arcade element and click Edit Expression to open the Arcade expression editor window. Copy and save all the Arcade syntax in the editor in order to restore wait times or discard changes.

5. Delete the Wait Times Arcade element from the pop-up.
6. Click Save.

   On Election Day, the pop-up does not display wait times but continues to display current information, such as the Today is Election Day message and operational status.

Hide voting center wait times

A voting center can be open on Election Day as well as for a period prior to Election Day. When a voting center is open and active, the Voting Centers app automatically displays wait times tracked using the Election Management solution. Follow the steps below to remove wait times from the Voting Centers app.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Voting Centers map.
2. Open the item page, and then click Open in Map Viewer.
3. In the Layers pane, click the Voting Centers layer, and then in the settings toolbar, click Configure Pop-ups.
4. In the Configure pop-ups pane, locate the Wait Times Arcade element.

   Tip:

   Click the Wait Times Arcade element and click Edit Expression to open the Arcade expression editor window. Copy and save all the Arcade syntax in the editor in order to restore wait times or discard changes.

5. Delete the Wait Times Arcade element from the pop-up.
6. Click Save.

   When a voting center is open and active, the pop-up does not display wait times but continues to display current information, such as the early voting timeframe and operational status.

Configure directions for the Voting Centers app

Note:

This workflow is optional and doesn't need to be completed to work with the solution.

The Voting Centers app can be used by the general public to locate voting centers and ballot drop boxes where they can cast their ballots. Directions to the nearest voting center or ballot drop box can be enabled so that users can quickly find the location they are looking for.

Follow the steps below to enable directions.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Voting Centers app.
2. From the item page, click Configure.

   Close the Welcome to the App Setup Page splash page, if necessary.

3. On the Contents (dark) toolbar, turn off the Express Setup toggle button, if necessary.
4. Click Nearby > Options and turn on the Show directions toggle button.
5. Next to the Ballot Drop Boxes and Voting Centers layers, check the check boxes.
6. Click Publish.

Configure the Promoting Transparent Elections site

The Election Outreach solution includes the Promoting Transparent Elections ArcGIS Hub site. This site can be configured with your organization's branding and used to share election information with the public.

Update with organizational information

After deploying the Election Outreach solution, the Promoting Transparent Elections Hub site layout requires a few updates to fit your local context.

To update the site with your organizational information, complete the following steps:

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Promoting Transparent Elections site.
2. From the item page, click Configure.
3. Scroll to any sections that you want to update, hover over the card, and click the edit pencil that appears in the horizontal toolbar, and then edit the content with information specific to your organization.
4. In the side panel, click Footer.

   A custom footer is provided. In most cases, you will need to update it with your organization's branding, contact information, and social media references.

5. Click the HTML box.

   The HTML window appears.

6. Make the necessary changes and click Apply.
7. Click Save.
8. Click the Save drop-down arrow and click Publish Draft.

Sharing items with the public

Several layer views, maps and apps included in the Election Outreach solution must be shared with everyone so they can be accessed by the public on the Promoting Transparent Elections site.

To share items with the public, complete the following steps:

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Election Outreach folder.
2. Next to each of the following items, check the check box:

   Name	Item type
   VotingLocations_currentwait	Feature layer (hosted, view)
   ElectionGeography_public	Feature layer (hosted, view)
   My Elected Representative	Web Map
   Voting Centers	Web Map
   Election Polling Places	Web Map
   My Elected Representative	Instant App
   Voting Centers	Instant App
   Election Polling Places	Web Mapping Application
   Promoting Transparent Elections	Instant App

3. Click Share.
4. In the Share window, click Everyone (public) and click Save.

   The Warning: Sharing editable layers publicly message appears notifying you that you are sharing editable layers publicly.

5. Click Update.

Configure Election Management solution items

Note:

Complete this workflow when using the Election Management Solution's Become An Election Worker site and Voter Satisfaction Survey.

When paired with the Election Management solution, the Promoting Transparent Elections site can be configured to include links to the Become An Election Worker site and the Voter Satisfaction Survey for recruiting election workers and gauging voter sentiment.

Note:

Before continuing with the steps below, verify that the Become An Election Worker and Voter Satisfaction Survey apps and their associated maps and layers are shared with the public.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Become An Election Worker site.
2. Open the item page and scroll down to the URL section, and then click the Copy button.
3. Paste the URL into Windows Notepad or another text editor for reference.
4. Browse to the Voter Satisfaction Survey.
5. Open the item page, click Open in Survey123 > Open in Survey123 app.

   Note:

   A new tab opens, prompting you to open into Survey123 app. Click Cancel and remove "&open=native" from the URL to open survey directly into the browser.

6. In the address bar of the browser, copy the survey URL, including the question mark and portalURL= statement.

   Note:

   For example, the URL is similar to this one:

   https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/aee97bcef4d24c9187da9590ec86b67c?portalUrl=https://statelocaltryit.maps.arcgis.com

7. Paste the URL into Windows Notepad or another text editor for reference.
8. Browse to the Promoting Transparent Elections site.
9. Open the item page, and then click Configure.
10. Scroll to the Become an election worker section, and then hover over the text card and click the edit pencil.
11. Click the Learn More link, and then click Edit.
12. Enter the Become An Election Worker site URL into the Link Destination text box, and then click Add Link.
13. Scroll to the Measuring voter satisfaction section, and then hover over the text card and click the edit pencil.
14. Click the Share Feedback link, and then click Edit.
15. Enter the Voter Satisfaction Survey URL into the Link Destination text box, and then click Add Link.
16. Click Save.
17. Under Save, click the drop-down menu and choose Publish Draft.

Configure Election Results solution items

Note:

Complete this workflow when using the Election Results Solution.

When paired with the Election Results solution, the Promoting Transparent Elections site can be configured to include a link to the Election Results app to view map-based election results.

Note:

Before continuing with the steps below, verify that the Election Results app and its associated dashboards, maps and layers are shared with the public.

1. Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Election Results app.
2. Open the item page, scroll down to the URL section, and click the Copy button.
3. Paste the URL into Windows Notepad or another text editor for reference.
4. Browse to the Promoting Transparent Elections site.
5. Open the item page, and then click Configure.
6. Scroll to the Election Results section, and then hover over the text card and click the edit pencil.
7. Click the Explore Results link, and then click Edit.
8. Enter the Election Results app URL into the Link Destination text box, and then click Add Link.
9. Click Save.
10. Under Save, click the drop-down menu and choose Publish Draft.