The State Board of Elections is using new tools this year in an attempt to simplify the process of finding valuable election information.

Two interactive maps have been added to the Virginia State Board of Elections Website in anticipation of the November General Election.

The first, a Google Maps gadget, will help voters find their polling precinct. Any Virginia resident accessing the State Board of Elections Website will be able to find their polling location, obtain directions to the polls, and view the list of candidates appearing on the ballot.

The gadget uses information directly from the Virginia State Board of Elections and matches it with corresponding Google maps information.

After the polls close Tuesday evening, SBE will deploy a second map application that will make it easier for citizens to follow the outcome of the statewide elections as ballots are counted.

The online map will display, in real time, the results of the statewide races by locality and the percentage of precincts reporting. A drop-down menu will allow voters to see results in the race for Governor, Lieutenant Governor or Attorney General.

“SBE is always looking for partnerships to help simplify the election process for Virginians,” says State Board of Elections Secretary Nancy Rodrigues. “These maps will significantly improve our ability to provide valuable election information to the general public.”

The maps were developed in partnership with the Voting Information Project and the Virginia Public Access Project, respectively. The groups are committed to continuous improvement of the processes that inform Virginians about the election process.