In Focus This Week
I. In Focus This Week
First Person Singular: Doug Lewis
Reflections on democracy
Doug Lewis, executive director, Election Center
Private citizen (as of January 15) who still cares deeply for the elections process
Of all the things that I have seen and worked with in public policy work during the last 45 years, I am constantly amazed that we are able to have such a high caliber of election administration when the nation and state and local jurisdictions continuously undervalue the necessities for serving the public well in making democracy function.
The beauty and hope of American democracy is that it is still the most vibrant example in the world of how a free people can assure self-governance.
For all the foibles that have happened to elections during our lifetime, our system has proven amazingly resilient.
We go through periods of where an observer has to wonder if we are not intentionally trying to kill democracy and then we rediscover our roots, our balance, our system of fair play, and we right what is ugly or simply ill-advised.
I have been around the elections process long enough now to know and feel both the hopes for and the concerns about election administration in the United States of America.
I lived through and witnessed some of the horrible systemic abuses that perverted democracy. While many of those abuses were in states previously covered by the Voting Rights Act of 1965, there were also some systemic abuses in major urban areas of America where the “political machines” of people in power were using election administration to assure that they stayed in power.
There are still pockets around the U.S. where partisans and politically powerful work hard at making sure that the election process results in the overwhelming numbers of only one party or one philosophy.
Democracy is too important to allow it to be manipulated.
Elections must be fair. Not just fair in the accurate counting of votes so they are a reflection of the voters’ will. Elections have to be fair to young and old, to rich people and not so rich, to all races and genders, to be equally as fair to gays as we are to straights, and to all viewpoints. If the election process is presumed to be rigged or unfair then the voters cannot believe in the government that results from the election.
Along with that concern, it is truly disturbing that both political parties engage in political tactics that foster doubts about the fairness of elections: Republicans allege consistently that fraud is possible in American elections and that it occurs with such regularity that voters can’t really trust outcomes. Democrats are no better: they consistently allege that there is systemic “voter suppression” or “voter intimidation” and that it occurs with such regularity that voters can’t really trust outcomes.
Each side is filled with true believers that their point of view is the correct one. No one seems willing to hold up a hand and say STOP!!!!
The allegations are most often unprovable, but that does not stop each side (and the media outlets that agree with each respective viewpoint) from howling it loudly during each election cycle. Haven’t sensible people yet figured out that if they keep alleging the process is unfair and broken and tainted, that the public will believe what is alleged? Doesn’t it do democracy a disservice?
My concern for the future is this: we must, as a nation, as a people, as individuals, do what is necessary to protect the process itself. Democracy is not just a form of government, and no matter how inadequate it appears at some times, it is not simply a methodology or a structure to be bent and manipulated when it suits the purpose. Democracy is more than that: it is a way to assure that freedom prevails for humans.
It is an ideal that many of the world’s non-free citizens want desperately to experience. Of all the ways that we on this planet have tried to discover a way to govern ourselves through, with, and by the affected people, it is consistently the only process that allows opportunities for freedom.
At the risk of making this sound like unrealistic idealism, it concerns me that otherwise intelligent people truly believe that a democracy restructured so that more of their party, or their philosophy gets elected is an improvement.
Democracy perverted to assure the election of “more of us and fewer of them” soon becomes no democracy at all.
As I leave the election administration world I would encourage stakeholders to step back from their own ideologies and look at this from a fresh perspective. Have respect for how fragile democracy can become. Have respect for the belief systems of others and be somewhat less certain that “more of us and fewer of them” is a good solution.
Democrats and Republicans at the most intense partisan level truly believe the other side is trying to pervert democracy. There is little or no respect for the viewpoints of the opposition party.
But if we can understand and listen to concerns, can’t we find a way to assure that the greatest fears of each side have protections built into election administration that recognizes some validity to each other’s concerns?
There are partisans from each side who use the issues and concerns strictly as political fodder to arouse their own troops of volunteers, supporters and campaigned hardened operatives. So some of this is likely purely callous in alleging manipulation of the system that is based on fears and pandering. But listen to rank and file party supporters, be they liberal or conservative, and there is simply a core belief that the “other side” is trying to rig the system for themselves.
We read, we hear the two sides’ points of view and yet there is not enough respect among the participants to truly listen to the concerns of each. This belief system is so strong that no amount of factual information seems to sway the conversation.
Both sides are ultimately right: there is fraud and there is voter intimidation. Is it rampant? No. There are just enough legitimate examples to remind us that there are still people willing to manipulate the process. The value system is so rigorous for each side (fraud or intimidation) that the viewpoint held is akin to a deep seated religious belief which makes it difficult to proceed in a manner that allows us to make changes to election administration that catch or better still, prevent, the bad actions of fraud or intimidation.
If we don’t find some common ground on these issues then there is no respect for the process itself. We end up with constant attempts to make sure that only “our view” prevails even if it means bending the process by whatever means necessary to assure that “our people” get elected. And there is righteous indignation whenever anyone challenges the belief system of either side.
Both Democrats AND Republicans believe they hold the moral high ground and therefore any legislation or any court proceeding that gives an advantage to the “correct” side is hailed as justified or railed against whenever the opposite happens. I would hope we can have enough respect for each other’s worst fears on these matters to actually shape good but neutral election administration policy.
To the lawyers and legal activists who insist on filing lawsuits late into an election cycle, I encourage you to really think about the impact on democracy (not the immediate impact on the current election). Late changes in an election cycle, whether from a legislature, or from a court, have the potential to lead to confusion and chaos in the election that then can have a fundamental impact on voters’ views about the process. It can also lead to serious malfunctions in election administration because they come so late into the cycle that training, education, policies and procedures become all but impossible to complete.
Have respect for democracy even if you have no respect for the other candidate or the other party. If there is truly an egregious law or procedure that needs to be remedied, then can’t the lawsuits be filed and completed more than nine months before the election?
I know that judges consider themselves the best arbiters of fair or unfair practices and legal action is a primary principal of our form of government (as are legislatures and administrative bodies), but even they need to be more willing to have respect for democracy. This simply means judges may still hear cases on elections but delay implementation of any rulings so they only affect elections that are greater than nine months away. If judges can show more restraint and more respect for the process itself, then some of the lawsuits will diminish over time. Clearly some of the court cases are not truly about righting inequities but about assuring a set of court ordered rules that affect the most immediate election to influence the potential outcome.
If it a court case is truly about inequity, then the cases can be filed and adjudicated far enough in advance of an election cycle that election administration can adjust to the court decision to assure voters of a smoother process that maximizes voters’ rights. We want the process to have the highest chance for success and to serve voters well.
So with my apologies to both Rodney Dangerfield (“I don’t get no respect) and the wonderful Aretha Franklin (“R-E-S-P-E-C-T”), it is my hope that the future of election administration includes a wider sense of responsibility and respect from all stakeholders.
Democracy can be lost. Its survival is not assured and justifying the manipulation of laws and processes because it means “more of our kind gets to govern” diminishes democracy. Prolonged manipulation for partisan gain is likely to cost us the very thing all claim to want – a fair process.
When the Greeks lost democracy it took humankind almost 2,000 years to form another democracy. If we lose it this time, our children and grandchildren and untold future generations may never get to know the freedom we have grown up with and lived under. On Election Day we are all equal and that is as it should be.
So, is it too much to ask for Respect? Respect for each other, respect for other viewpoints and enough respect that we can find ways together to overcome fears about the process, respect for the need to allow the process time to adjust to changes, and enough respect for democracy to challenge anyone who advocates changes to assure victory of one segment of society over another.
Editor’s Note: On behalf of electionline and election geeks everywhere, we would just like to thank Doug Lewis for his long and thoughtful tenure in the world of elections administration. He was always willing to take a call or answer an email when we had questions about elections and for that we’ll always be grateful. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Election Center and new director Tim Mattice, but we will miss “the other Doug” very much. Thanks for everything Doug Lewis and please enjoy your next adventure, whatever it may be!
Election News This Week
II. Election News This Week
- The Jackson, Mississippi chapter of the NAACP has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice against the Hinds County Election Commission following issues with ballot shortages in the November 2014 election. “We took a look at all the options and decided to file the complaint,” Wayne McDaniels, president of the Jackson NAACP chapter told The Clarion-Ledger. “We’re also waiting to hear back from the (Hinds County) district attorney’s office.” In addition to the DOJ complaint, the Hinds County board of supervisors is also conducting an investigation.
- The special panel looking into the problems that plagued Hartford, Connecticut on Election Day in 2014 requested additional time to complete it’s probe and will now issue a report on January 16. Staff for the panel said they needed additional time to gather transcripts from earlier meetings as well as conduct some follow-up research.
- Like the U.S. Postal Service, neither snow nor rain nor heat…will stop elections officials from conducting an election. Such was the case this week in Fairfax County, Virginia when a special election coincided with the first significant snowfall of the season. Not only did all polling places open on time, but turnout was actually higher than expected. “We are trying to get more ballots at each site, so that indicates that turnout has been heavier than usual,” site Chief Election Officer Joe Gofus told The Connection Newspapers.
- Let’s hope the check is in the mail! Pima County has sent the Arizona Secretary of State’s office a bill for $35,000 to cover the expense of the recount in Congressional District 2 race. It took the county about two weeks to complete the recount. According to the Arizona Daily Star, Cochise County is still tabulating…its bill.
- A light bulb has gone off for Broward County Elections Supervisor Dr. Brenda Snipes. Literally. Following a complaint from a failed candidate and an inquiry from the Sun Sentinel, Snipes said she will review procedures for absentee ballots. Apparently, according to the paper and the candidate, anyone can see through the county-provided “privacy” envelopes for the ballots by holding them up to a 100-watt light bulb. “Of all the tests we’ve done as a part of our election prep, we missed the one about holding the envelope up the light of a hundred watt light bulb,” Snipes told the paper in an email. “Although we have never done this test, we have always been concerned, and proactive about the integrity of the election process…”
- Personnel News: Sheri M. Bowen has been terminated from her position with the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners after 24 years on the job. According to a report obtained by the Chicago Sun Times, Bowen was terminated for an “inability to comply with set procedures in processing absentee envelopes and ballots…” during the November election. Newtown, Connecticut Republican Registrar of Voter Karin Aurelia has retired after 12 years on the job. Donna Eldridge, Jefferson County, Washington auditor for 20 years retired at the end of 2014. Embattled Flagler County, Florida Elections Supervisor Kimberle Weeks resigned this week. Weeks had two years left on her current term and recommended that Senior Deputy Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart be allowed to serve in the interim. The county has a special election scheduled for January 27. Former Cherokee County, Georgia Director of Elections Janet Munda has been charged with felony theft by taking. She is accused of using her county-issued credit card to make personal purchases. Munda was fired in July 2014. This week, Interim Director Kim Stancil was chosen as the permanent replacement for Munda. Haley Salazar, Lowndes County, Mississippi circuit clerk announced her plans to retire at the end of 2015. Monmouth County, New Jersey Clerk Claire French announced that at age 77 and 18 years on the job, she will retire this spring. Debra Fellenbaum was sworn in as the new Republican registrar of voters in Milford, Connecticut. J. Bradley King has been reappointed as co-director of the Indiana Election Division. Springfield, Missouri City Clerk Brenda Cirtin will retire in August after more than 20 years on the job. Bobbi Shearer is no longer the director of the New Mexico Bureau of Elections although she will remain on contract to help out with elections-related legislation during the coming session. Saying that she wasn’t enjoying her job as much as she used to, Guadalupe County, Texas Elections Administrator Sue Basham resigned this week. Following the resignation of Elections Administrator Audrey Wessels, Deputy Administrator Rebecca Hernandez will fill the role in the interim for Wharton County, Texas. Sabra Srader has been chosen to serve as the new Wise County, Texas elections administrator.
Legal Update
III. Legal Updates
California: A lawsuit has been filed in the tightly contested Chula Vista city council race. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the lawsuit contends that 15 provisional ballot and mail-in votes were not included in the official results. Most of the votes were not counted because the address on the ballot differed from the address on file, but an attorney for the plaintiffs says state law and election guidelines say those ballots should be counted.
Georgia: A three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has returned a Fayette County voting rights case back to the lower court for trial. The ruling is the latest in a more than three year fight between the county and the NAACP on behalf of a group of black voters who said the commission’s at-large voting system prevents blacks from being elected.
Indiana: Despite the sudden death of the candidate, an Indiana attorney has vowed to continue the election challenge in the Clark County clerk’s race. Attorney Larry Wilder told WAVE he will file an appeal to a lower court’s decision to award the race to Susan Popp instead of Kelly Harrod. Harrod won the race on election night, leading Popp by 21 votes. A hand recount reversed the outcome, providing Popp with a 43-vote victory because of numerous ballots that voting machines hadn’t initially recorded. Wilder said Harrod had a heart attack before Christmas and never recovered. The candidate previous said he wanted to pursue an appeal, and Wilder agreed.
New Jersey: Superior Court Judge Robert C. Wilson has tossed out a lawsuit filed by former Bogota Mayor Tito Jackson and candidate Ingrid Brito. In their suit, the two had contended that votes were illegally cast, but Wilson said the plaintiffs failed to show that enough illegal votes were cast — or that enough legal votes were rejected — to alter the outcome.
In Asbury Park, a suit has been filed challenging the recent mayoral election. The suit, filed by the runner-up, contends that the Monmouth Co. BOE improperly voided more than 300 votes for the runner-up, votes the plaintiff contends would have changed the outcome.
South Dakota: The U.S. Department of Justice has responded to a motion filed by Jackson County to toss a voting rights lawsuit with harsh rebuke. “Let’s be clear, South Dakota does not have a proud history when it comes to providing Native Americans an equal right to vote,” U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson wrote. “We should be doing more, not less, to protect the right of every South Dakotan to vote in our elections.” The county was initially sued for not providing a satellite-voting center near or on the Pine Ridge Reservation. After pressure, the county placed one voting center in the nearby town of Wanblee and contends because of that, they are not violating anyone’s voting rights. DOJ begs to differ and has asked the judge to move forward with the suit.
U.S. Virgin Islands: The ongoing battle over a recount in an Island senate race continues into the New Year with a notice to appeal being filed with the U.S.V.I. Supreme Court. Incumbent Sen. Alicia Hansen is appealing a lower court ruling that denied Hansen’s petition for a recount and made null and void any actions taken with regard to the recount petition.
Wisconsin: This week the American Civil Liberties Union and other voting rights groups asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a decision upholding the state’s voter photo ID law. According to The Associated Press, in their filing, the groups argued that the Wisconsin case provides an “ideal vehicle” to settle the legal debate over all voter ID laws. “Unless this court acts now, the court likely will continue to be put in the untenable position of refereeing voter ID disputes on an emergency basis on the eve of elections every two years,” the ACLU’s attorneys argued. “Given the stakes for so many voters across the country, and the uncertainty among lower courts … this court should grant (review).”
Legislative Updates
IV. Legislative Updates
California: One of the many laws effective January 1 is the Ballot Initiative Transparency Act, which is an attempt to give voters more user-friendly information about proposed initiatives. One provision of the new law provides a 30-day public comment period on proposed initiatives before backers may begin gathering signatures.
In San Francisco, Joshua Cardenas, a member of the San Francisco Youth Commission has authored a resolution urging the mayor and board of supervisors to explore lowering the city’s voting age to 16. Two supervisors have already indicated their support for the resolution and Supervisor John Avalos said that he is “likely to submit” a charter amendment.
District of Columbia: Legislation was introduced this week that would switch the city to an instant runoff voting system for local elections—mayor, council and attorney general.
Florida: Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-Lake Worth) has filed SB228 that would allow for online voter registration in the Sunshine State. The bill would require the state Division of Elections to create a secure online system by January 1, 2016. Applicants would have to have a state-issued driver’s license or other type of Florida-issued ID with the ID numbers necessary to confirm the voter’s identity.
Illinois: A new law now on the books will allow elections officials to begin process absentee ballots before the polls close on Election Day. Elections officials will now be able to begin processing returned ballots up to 15 days before Election Day withholding results until the polls close.
Kentucky: According to The Courier-Journal voting rights for persons who have completed their sentence for a felony conviction be a top legislative priority when the General Assembly convenes this week. Rep. Darryl T. Owens, chairman of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee said pushing getting legislation through that would automatically restore the voting rights of ex-felons is a top priority for his committee.
Maryland: While San Francisco is pondering allowing 16-year-olds to vote, Hyattsville, Maryland is on its way to becoming only the second municipality in the country to do so following a 7-4 vote this week to amend the city’s charter. According to The Washington Post, based on Census estimates, about 200 to 250 teenagers will be allowed to vote in municipal elections in May. The measure faces a second and final vote later this month. Takoma Park, Maryland is the only other jurisdiction to allow 16-year-olds to vote.
New Jersey: A bill pending before the New Jersey Assembly would lower the number of “messenger ballots” a person is allowed to turn in on behalf of others from 10 to three. The Senate approved the bill 37-0-3 in mid-December.
Tennessee: The Dayton city council has approved an ordinance that will require all property rights voters — voters who own property, but don’t live in Dayton — to cast their ballots via absentee. Rhea County Administrator of Elections Tom Davis supports the switch and told the Rhea Herald News that the new rules would allow for a smoother voting process during both early voting and on Election Day.
South Dakota: This week the bipartisan State Board of Elections said it supports Secretary of State Shantel Krebs’ 2015 legislative priorities including changes that w would allow residents more time to challenge nominating petitions and allow the secretary’s office to audit some voter petition signatures for statewide races.
Tech Thursday
V. Tech Thursday
National Tech: The 1622.2 2014-11-24 draft standard is now in the 1st round IEEE balloting process, in which IEEE members are able to vote and/or submit comments on the draft up until Jan 15, 2015. We are also making the draft publicly available and encouraging the public to vote/comment on it, especially those in the election official and vendor community who may not be members of the IEEE. Your comments will be considered carefully and will be greatly appreciated.
Tennessee: The Wilson County election commission has launched a new website — Wilson Voter News — in an effort to keep voters informed about the process and make sure that voter’s information is up-to-date. “Voter registration maintenance is a daily endeavor at the Election Commission,” Administrator of Elections Phillip Warren told the Lebanon Democrat & Wilson County News. “Being able to include Wilson County voters in the effort contributes greatly to the accuracy and efficiency of our work. Wilson Voter News is another way for us to increase voter awareness of election related news, events and opportunities in Wilson County.”
Opinions This Week
VI. Opinions This Week
National Opinions: Non-citizen voting rights | Number of elections | Election reform | Voting Rights Act
Arizona: Voting Rights Act
California: Voting machines
Colorado: Vote-by-mail
Delaware: Tied race
Florida: Flagler County
Guam: Election lawsuit
Iowa: Online voter registration, II, III
Kansas: Voter registration
Missouri: Voting rights
New Jersey: Election process
New York: Voter registration
Pennsylvania: Voting laws
South Dakota: Election problems
Texas: Voter registration; Vote centers
Vermont: Election modernization, II
Virginia: Slow vote tallies
Wisconsin: Voting machines | Government Accountability Board, II
Upcoming Events
VII. Upcoming Events
Please email upcoming events — conferences, symposiums, seminars, webinars, etc. to mmoretti@electionline.org.
Voting and Elections Summit— The U.S. and Overseas Vote Foundation, FairVote and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights will host the Ninth Annual Voting and Elections Summit that will examine the profound and persistent issues surrounding U.S. voter participation, engagement in our democracy and what can be done about it. Where: Washington, D.C. When: February 5-6, 2015. For more information and to register, click here.
NASS 2015 Winter Conference — The National Association of Secretaries of State Winter Conference will bring together government and industry leaders to showcase secretary of state initiatives and highlight all the latest developments in state and federal policymaking. The conference will include a special new member orientation session for newly-elected or appointed secretaries of state. Where: Washington, D.C. When: February 10-13. For more information and to register, click here.
NASED 2015 Winter Meeting —The National Association of State Election Directors will hold its 2015 Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. in February. Topics at the meeting will include new voter registration systems, state election legislation, a voting system panel report, and a variety of speakers including Congressional staff and members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Where: Washington, D.C. When: February 11-13. For more information and to register, click here.
Elections Policy & Technology: A Conference for Lawmakers and Practitioners — NCSL is hosting a national meeting to bring together legislators, legislative staff, election officials, voting technology and computer security experts, legal experts, advocates, federal agency staff and other interested parties to discuss the future of elections technology. Sessions will cover: voting technology 101; the Presidential Commission on Election Administration’s recommendations for voting technology; online voter registration and electronic poll books; testing and certifying voting systems; the use of technology for post-election audits, recounts and resolving disputes; accessibility and usability of voting systems; and Internet-assisted voting. Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico When: June 3 – 5. Contact: Katy Owens Hubler, katy.owens.hubler@ncsl.org, 303-856-1656.
IACREOT Annual Conference — The International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Elections Officials and Treasurers will hold its annual conference in Vail, Colorado this year in June and July. Planning is still in the early stages, but be sure to mark your calendar. Where: Vail, Colorado. When: June 27-July 2. For more information and to register, click here.
NASS 2015 Summer Conference — The National Association of Secretaries of State Annual Summer Conference is set for July this year. Planning is still in the early stages, but be sure to mark your calendar. Where: Portland, Maine. When: July 9-12. For more information and to register, click here.
NACo Annual Conference and Exposition— The 80th Annual Conference and Exposition of the National Association of Counties will be in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), North Carolina. Registration opens February 9th. Where: Charlotte, North Carolina. When: July 10-13. For more information and to register, click here.
NCSL Legislative Summit 2015 — The National Conference of State Legislators will hold their 2015 Legislative Summit in August. Planning is still in the early stages, but be sure to mark your calendar. Where: Seattle. When: August 3-6. For more information when it becomes available and to register, click here.
Election Center 31st Annual Conference— The National Association of State Election Directors will hold its 31st Annual Conference in Houston in August. Planning is still in the early stages, but be sure to mark your calendars now. Where: Houston, Texas. When: August 18-22. For more information and to register, click here.
NACRC Annual Conference— The Annual Conference of the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks is set for Houston in August. Planning is still in the early stages, but be sure to mark your calendar. Where: Houston, Texas. When: August 21-25. For more information and to register, click here.
Job Postings
VIII. Job Postings
electionlineWeekly publishes election administration job postings each week as a free service to our readers. To have your job listed in the newsletter, please send a copy of the job description, including a web link to mmoretti@electionline.org. Job postings must be received by 5pm on Wednesday in order to appear in the Thursday newsletter. Listings will run for three weeks or till the deadline listed in the posting.
Absentee Supervisor, Collier County, Florida — leads and supervises 2 absentee team members. Assigns tasks among staff and self. As a player-coach, executes and contributes to all tasks assigned to staff. Directs, coaches and evaluates staff. Demonstrates the ability to learn and function in voter registration, absentee and address research software. Provides leadership for continuous database quality improvement. Develops links with vendors, other elections jurisdictions and agencies. Designs and operates procedures for communicating with voters. Assists voters by phone, email and in-person meetings. Operates large inbound mail equipment. Prepares records, reports and forms. Establishes, updates and maintains data in automated information systems. Salary: $42,000-$48,000. Deadline: Open until filled. For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Assistant to the Elections Coordinator, Boulder County, Colo.— position is instrumental in our office’s duty to implement successful elections for Boulder County’s voters. The objective of this position is to coordinate and manage the mail-in ballot and replacement ballot processes; manage the voter registration process and workflow; oversee the coordination and implementation of Voter Services Polling Centers, and supervise 1-3 full time staff. We are passionate about the work we do for democracy and the citizens of Boulder County and we’re looking for someone who’s equally passionate about this work. The ideal candidate must have the ability and desire to serve the public and Boulder County. He or she is experienced in supervision and motivating employees to success. Other skills include the ability to implement ideas and processes that are forward thinking; being self-motivated and collaborative with excellent communication skills in both verbal and written form. He or she is willing to learn and has the capacity to set clear goals, prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and effectively work with others for completion of projects. Additionally, he or she demonstrates excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage a project and people in order to meet tight deadlines. This position will require overtime, nights and weekends during election season. This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay. Salary: $41,016-$59,076. Deadline: Open until filled. For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Elections Administrator, Burnet County, Texas — position performs the duties and functions of the Voter Registrar, the duties and functions placed on the County Clerk by the Texas Election Code or by statutes outside the Election Code. This position is filled by appointment of the Burnet County Elections Commission and is a full time, exempt position. The Commission consists of: the county judge, the county clerk, the county tax assessor-collector and the Democratic and Republican county chairs. Salary: $41,000-$53,000. Deadline: January 15. For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Elections Administrator, Williamson Co., Texas — responsible for setting up, administering, and managing elections held in WilliamsonCounty, whether they are for federal, state offices and amendments, countywide races, orfor any of the 110-political jurisdictions such as school districts, community college, cities, MUDs, SUDs, road districts, etc. and primary elections.Works successfully with political parties, candidates, political jurisdictions, staff, mediaand other County departments.Responsible for managing voter registration for Williamson County that consists of over 273,000 registered voters and 88 election precincts.Provides supervision and management to staff members and poll workers.Managesfive budgets, two of which contain discretionary funds.Interprets and applies the provisions of the Texas Election Code to the County voting process. Experience: Combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in management, government, public administration or relevant field; five years of management experience; experience with developing and writing procedures, reading legal codes, working with electronic equipment and software and managing a staff of diverse duties is essential; excellent customer service; ability to work effectively with co-workers, employees and supervisors; strong organizational skills; and experience with Windows, Microsoft Word, 10-key character by touch, fax and copy machines. Salary: $3,071.54-$4,607.31 biweekly. Deadline: January 18, 2015. For more information and to apply please click here.
Network Administrator, Collier County, Florida — administration of computer network to include servers, design, setup, installation, configuration and troubleshooting. Monitors network operations and ensures network connectivity. Ensure network is operating effectively and efficiently. Researches new technology and developments in systems network. Manages network security. Administration of print and switch environments. Identifies users’ needs and prepares users by designing and conducting training programs. Provides network training to internal IT staff. Salary: $58,000-$65,000. Deadline: Open until filled. For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Project Manager, Hart InterCivic, Austin, Texas — project manager plans, directs, and coordinates project activities to ensure that project goals are completed efficiently and on schedule. As a member of the Professional Services Team, the Project Manager works with other team members to manage delivery of the full scope of Hart Voting System implementation and support services. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that project goals and deliverables are met, and is directly accountable for the success or failure of projects he or she manages. For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.