Preview. This is a test version of a free suite tool, on the suite's test site.
Make a notice easier to read
Paste in a notice, letter or web page. You'll see its reading grade level, sentences that run long, stiff words with plainer ones to use instead, and wording that may be passive. Then fix it right here and copy it back.
Your text stays on this computer. It isn't sent anywhere, saved, or read by AI: all the checking happens in this web page. When you close the page, the text is gone, so copy it out first.
1. Your notice
2. How easy it is to read
Many election offices aim for grade 8 or lower, so most voters can read a notice the first time.
This text is short, so the score is rough. A few sentences or more give a steadier number.
- Reading ease
- Words
- Sentences
- Words per sentence
How the score works
The reading grade level (the Flesch-Kincaid grade) is worked out from two things: how long the sentences are, and how long the words are (counted in syllables, the beats in a word: "e-lec-tion" has three). Shorter sentences and shorter words give a lower grade, which means more people can read it easily.
The reading ease score (the Flesch reading ease) uses the same two things, on a scale of 0 to 100. Higher is easier: 60 to 70 is plain English, and under 30 is very hard.
Both are a guide, not a grade for your work. A short, clear sentence with one long word ("Bring your identification") can score high. Read your notice out loud too.
3. What to fix
Your notice, marked
Marked words match the list. To change your text, edit it in box 1 or use the buttons in the list.
What we found
Some notices must use the exact words of a law. If a word comes from the law, check before you change it.
Nothing to flag. Read it out loud once to be sure it sounds like you talking to a voter.
Tips for plain notices
- Put the most important thing first: what's happening, when and where.
- Keep most sentences under 20 words. One idea per sentence.
- Say "you" to the reader and "we" for your office.
- Say who does what: "We will mail your ballot", not "Your ballot will be mailed".
- Use lists for steps, dates and places.
- Explain an election word the first time you use it.