ORLANDO — As we close the book on an extraordinary year, Glen Gilzean, Supervisor of Elections for Orange County, reflects on a period marked by unprecedented milestones, enhanced voter engagement, and continued advancements in election security and transparency.
From March 2024 to December 2024, the office achieved historic levels of voter participation, community outreach, and technological innovation, further cementing its commitment to ensuring fair, secure elections for Orange County residents.
Key Achievements (March 2024 – January 2025)
Under the leadership of Supervisor Glen Gilzean, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office has consistently demonstrated excellence in voter service, electoral integrity, and civic engagement.
- Historic Voter Turnout and Election Integrity
In 2024, the office conducted seven elections, matching a historical record for election activity. Notably, the November General Election saw a remarkable 73.3% voter turnout, with over 2.4 million ballot images processed. The office achieved an outstanding 99.999% accuracy in ballot image processing through meticulous attention to detail, reflecting an unwavering commitment to election integrity.
- Expanding Voter Outreach and Engagement
The Elections Outreach department was pivotal in educating and registering voters across Orange County. The department hosted more than 100 events, reaching diverse communities and ensuring every eligible voter was informed and prepared to participate. Through initiatives like the O.C.V.O.T.E. Grant Program, the office strengthened partnerships with local organizations, expanding vote-by-mail participation and growing the Adopt-A-Precinct program.
- Empowering the Next Generation of Voters
As part of its ongoing efforts to engage younger voters, the office recruited 70 Gen Z students to serve as poll workers in the 2024 elections. This initiative fostered civic education and brought fresh energy to the polls, enhancing the overall voter experience and inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.
- Strengthening Election Security
Election Security remained a top priority for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office. In 2024, additional law enforcement officers were deployed to oversee the secure transportation of ballots. Officers were stationed at every supervised voting location, providing protection and ensuring all ballots were safely returned to the office for processing. These enhanced security measures reflected the office’s steadfast commitment to protecting the integrity of every vote.
- Leading in Election Transparency
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance transparency, the office introduced a first-of-its-kind livestream feature in 2024, allowing voters to watch ballot processing in real-time. This initiative, combined with other transparency measures, demonstrated the office’s commitment to building public trust and ensuring accountability throughout the electoral process.
- Advancements in Technology and Infrastructure
The office continued to invest in cutting-edge technologies to streamline elections and improve voter experience. From state-of-the-art voting machines to secure, user-friendly online registration systems, these innovations helped facilitate accurate and efficient processing of ballots while ensuring that voters could easily access the information they needed.
- Deepening Community Connections
Through its O.C.V.O.T.E. Grant Program, the office formed key partnerships with local organizations to foster greater community engagement. These partnerships helped bring new voters into the process, particularly in underrepresented communities and strengthened the office’s relationship with diverse groups across Orange County.
A Legacy of Dedication and Service
“2024 was a year of transformation and unparalleled achievement for Orange County Elections. Together with my incredible team, we shattered records, empowered voters of all generations, and set a new standard for election security and transparency.” said Supervisor Gilzean. “Our mission has always been to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted, and last year, we brought that commitment to life in extraordinary ways.”
