Persuasive Writing

This award is presented to the best example of persuasive writing, such as news release, blog, feature story, etc. 

This is awarded one per each region and among those, an international winner is selected.

Each agency may submit only ONE entry.

Criteria for selection:

  • Content 
  • Clarity
  • Engagement
  • Effectiveness


2025 Winners

International and Region 3

Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) One-Pager  Iowa DOT MVD

The Iowa MVD policy team created an ignition interlock device (IID) one-pager to serve as a policy recommendation and provide background information and related statistics displaying the benefits of a compliance-based IID removal method. With the primary objective of promoting and advancing legislation that would improve safety and reduce alcohol-related crashes on Iowa roadways by adopting a compliance-based removal method for IIDs in Iowa law, this persuasive writing was provided to key members of the Iowa General Assembly and stakeholders for use during the 2024 legislative session. 




Region 1

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles 

Mobile ID Commentary New York DMV 

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles launched the New York Mobile ID (MiD), a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver license, learner permit or ID on a smartphone. Privacy advocates came out against the state’s Mobile ID program, claiming that the MiD puts customers’ most intimate information at risk. DMV addressed those concerns in an August 12 commentary in the Albany Times Union, written by Deputy Commissioner for Communications and Customer Service Lisa Koumjian, using a real-life example to explain how it protects privacy. 



Region 2

Service Oklahoma 

Live Wait Map and Online Check-In News ReleaseService Oklahoma   

Struggling to find an appointment slot. Waiting for hours in line. That’s the stereotypical DMV experience. But it’s different at Service Oklahoma. Our agency announced a service in 2024 that completely changes the customer experience for the better. We published a news release in March 2024 that officially unveiled our live wait map, a convenient online tool that helps customers get in line for in-person driver services at one of the 30-plus locations around the state, right from the comfort of their own home. Accessed on Service Oklahoma's website via either a desktop computer or a mobile device, the live wait map shows a bird's-eye view of Service Oklahoma locations closest to the user based on the customer’s current location. The system also suggests the best location for the user to visit by calculating the shortest distance and wait time for the service they are seeking. For added convenience, the live wait map draws out the optimal travel route to whichever location it recommends. If the user prefers a different location, they can simply click on their preferred location. The live wait map displays the distances and wait times for all 30-plus Service Oklahoma Licensing and Exam offices across the state, as well as our two dedicated Drive Test Centers. The news release encourages Oklahomans to try the live wait map by emphasizing the convenience of the service. The release explains that once the user selects their desired driver service and picks a location, they simply click a button and fill out a short form to join the online waitlist. The user will then receive a personalized status page detailing what documents to bring and when to arrive. This system allows our customers to schedule same-day services and then continue to go about their lives – without the need to come early and wait in line. To further motivate Oklahomans to utilize the live wait map, the news release walks them through the exact steps to access it on Service Oklahoma’s Driving & Auto Locations page. They just need to click on the “Join Waitlist” icon, select the service they need in the new window, and the live wait map will appear. Since the live wait map’s launch in February 2024, the locations page has seen more than 360,000 unique visitors and more than 521,000 total visits. Customers have reported very positive experiences from using the online wait map to virtually get in line for services, with many saying they only had to wait 10 minutes or less once they arrived at our locations. One person wrote on Google reviews, “I got on the waitlist online to save time and was quickly in and out. They were efficient, extremely kind, and quick!” Another person wrote, “When we arrived at the station, we walked right in, had no wait, AND it was a Friday. I’m so happy and pleased with our service and the ease of the process.”    


Region 4

Washington State Patrol 

WSP's Surviving Summer Campaign  Washington State Patrol 

The WSP, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), and partner law enforcement agencies across Washington state participated in a statewide “Surviving Summer: 90 Dangerous Days” campaign, with the goal of reducing serious injury and fatality collisions during the summer of 2024. Law enforcement partners across the state committed to consistent messaging to inform motorists of the importance of safe driver behavior. Washington State Patrol created traditional and social media content that included joint WSP/WTSC media releases, campaign logo, and graphics for Instagram, X, and Facebook. Districts across the state utilized the Surviving Summer logo to create localized graphics for their specific areas. A tri-fold brochure in English and Spanish languages was handed out at various community outreach events. During the 90 dangerous days, preliminary numbers indicate a 16% reduction in fatality collision investigations done by the Washington State Patrol.