In Focus This Week
I. In Focus This Week
News Analysis: Rights restoration on the rise
Restoration of voting rights for ex-felons grows, gets easier
This election year, more than a quarter of a million people previously prevented from casting a ballot will be able to join their neighbors at the polls thanks to the work of state legislatures and officials.
Voting rights restoration for ex-felons has become one of the hot topics for the 2016 election cycle driven largely by the actions of elected officials in Maryland and Virginia.
Currently 38 states and the District of Columbia allow ex-felons to regain their voting rights upon the completion of their incarceration. In other states ex-felons may have their rights restored following the completion of all the terms of their service. In eight states they must apply for the restoration of their rights and in two states — Maine and Vermont — felons are permitted to vote while incarcerated.
What follows are some of the more headline-grabbing rights restoration situations in six states.
Delaware
Just this week, the Delaware Senate approved legislation that will allow felons who have been released from incarceration, but may still have to complete some form of financial restitution in connection with their sentence.
Those still serving probation and with disqualifying felonies—murder, sexual crimes and public trust crimes—will still not be permitted to vote.
According to Elaine Manlove, state election commissioner, the change in law, if signed with the governor, will have no impact on the processing registrations for her office.
Iowa
The voting rights of about 20,000 ex-felons hangs in the balance waiting for a ruling from the state’s highest court.
Currently, ex-felons in Iowa who have not committed “infamous crimes” may have their voting rights restored upon application to and approval of the governor’s office. However, in late March the Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments in a case brought on behalf of Iowa woman who lost her right to vote based on a 2008 non-violent drug charge. Lawyers on behalf of the plaintiff argued that the crime does not meet the definition of “infamous crime.”
Arguments inside and outside of the court have been passionate. Secretary of State Paul Pate penned an op-ed for The Des Moines Register supporting the state’s current system of restoring rights to certain ex-felons through an approval process.
While the Supreme Court is considering the arguments, the office of Gov. Terry Branstad has streamlined the existing process for ex-felons to have their voting rights restored.
“This newly re-designed application form strikes a balance between ensuring that offenders have demonstrated their ability to regain their voting rights, while also creating a more user-friendly process for offenders who would like their voting rights restored,” Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said in the release. “This application form is just another example of our administration’s commitment to promote fairness for the victims of crime while being mindful that rehabilitated offenders should have an opportunity to receive clemency.”
Kentucky
In the waning days of his administration former Gov. Steve Beshear (D) signed an executive order restoring the voting rights to about 140,000 Kentuckians, however, within hours of being sworn-in, Gov. Matt Bevin (R) signed another executive order rescinding Beshear’s order. Bevin’s order though, does not take away the voting rights of ex-felons who received a rights restoration certificate from the Department of Corrections between Nov. 24 and December 22, 2015.
Bevin, who had been on the record as supporting rights restoration justified his actions by saying it should have been done legislatively and not through executive order.
“While I have been a vocal supporter of the restoration of rights,” Gov. Matt Bevin (R-Ky.) said in announcing the order, “it is an issue that must be addressed through the legislature and by the will of the people.”
In the Legislature, the House approved legislation that would automatically restore the rights of some nonviolent ex-felons once they have completed the terms of their service. On the Senate side, the Senate approved a bill that would put the issue before the voters.
Maryland
This April, about 40,000 Marylanders had an opportunity to cast their ballot in a primary election due the restoration of their voting rights.
In 2015, the General Assembly approved legislation restoring the rights of ex-felons to vote upon their release from incarceration and even if they still have terms of service to complete — parole, probation, financial restitution.
Gov. Larry Hogan (R) vetoed the legislation on the last day of the bill signing calendar. Upon returning to session in 2016, the General Assembly voted to override Hogan’s veto.
Since becoming law on March 10, rights groups have worked to get as may ex-felons registered as possible, especially in advance of the April primary.
“All of us will be working very hard over the next couple of years to register more and advertise it,” Baltimore NAACP president Tessa Hill-Aston told WBAL.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, felons must complete their parole and probation before their voting rights are then automatically restored, but some, including Gov. Mark Dayton support speeding that process up.
Dayton told reporters recently that he would like to be able to restore voting rights in the same fashion that Virginia Gov. Terry McAullife has done, but said that legal counsel have told him his office does not have that unilateral authority.
“We looked very carefully to see what the boundaries are,” Dayton said according to the Pioneer Press. “I think people who have served their time and paid their debt to society deserve to be re-enfranchised as citizens of this country.”
Currently about 47,000 ex-felons could have their rights restored much faster if they were able to have them restored upon being released from incarceration, but still had terms of service to complete.
In 2015, bi-partisan legislation would have restored the rights to ex-felons upon release from incarceration, but according to local press reports, while it was bi-partisan it didn’t have enough support to make it out of committee.
This year, the Senate has once again approved legislation that would restore ex-felons voting rights, but its passage by the House seems unlikely at this point.
Virginia
Gov. Terry McAuliffe made headlines in April when he signed an executive order restoring the voting rights to more than 206,000 ex-felons.
Upon announcing the executive order, McAuliffe said: “There may be some individuals who will try and demagogue this issue and will make reckless accusations,” McAuliffe said. “Our action today does not pardon or change the sentence for any man or woman affected by this plan. These individuals have completed their sentences. They have atoned for their actions.”
According to a report released by McAullife, about 80 percent of the ex-felons who had their rights restored were convicted of non-violent crimes.
In about three weeks of the executive order, several thousand ex-felons have registered to vote.
Backlash from the state’s Republican Party was sift and they have enlisted the help of an attorney to pursue legal action and some members of the General Assembly are meeting to see what they can do legislatively.
Ex-felons quickly began taking advantage of McAuliffe’s action and in some cases, the number of new registrants overwhelmed local registrars. Within in days of the announcement, elections officials in Richmond and Henrico County were sifting through hundreds of voter registration applications.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, much of the confusion arose among registrars because they said they were not able to verify restoration of a felon’s voting rights either on the Virginia Election Registration Information System, VERIS, or a searchable online site operated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
About 10 days after the executive order state officials said they had completed the data entry to make the registration process easier, but some registrars are still having issues and in some cases it can take up to two weeks to verify that an ex-felon is now eligible.
Like in Maryland, voting rights groups in Virginia are working hard to get the word out about the rights restoration and get those ex-felons registered.
“Might sound strange to say this but I felt so much possibility now. I felt like I was going to have the chance to participate in all phases of society again, and I was just tickled to death,” Joseph Miler told 13 News Now.
Miller was convicted of grand larceny in 1994 and served two years in prison. He has not been able to vote since then saying that he gave up on the process of rights restoration because it was so overwhelming.
“I sort of the believe in the old saying that you don’t really want something until it’s taken away from you, and one of the biggest things was the right to vote,” Miller told the station.
Primary Update
II. Primary Update
Nebraska
Things were pretty quiet on election day in Nebraska, which saw state and local races as well as a muted GOP presidential primary. Legislators are looking into moving the state’s primary up earlier in four years to give Cornhuskers more of a say although according to final number, the state had its highest turnout since 2000.
The day wasn’t without problems though. About 700 voters in Webster County weren’t able to vote in the University of Nebraska Regents race because the race was not included on the ballot. In addition to those missing voted, because the difference in candidates is only about 166, a recount is expected.
There were some polling place issues even though it was a quiet day. Recent storms did force some polling sites to find new locations. And a gas leak in Omaha caused on polling place to be shut down and relocated on primary day. Also in Omaha, voters were frustrated that the Douglas County election commission had failed to notify them that their polling place had been relocated.
The great thing, in our opinion anyway, about quieter election days is that the local media has time to find more human interest stories like the one about 104-year-old Susan Wiese of Grand Island who cast her first ballot for FDR in 1932 and voted in every election since then. “Voting is a very important privilege,” Wiese said. “The minute you were allowed to vote, I started to vote.” She was 21 years old in 1932 when she cast her first ballot.
KWBE took some time to feature long-time Johnson County poll workers—some who have been on the job for 40 years.
“We didn’t have polling machines when we started and we had counting boards back in those days, where once you had 25 ballots in the box, you could take them out. You’d go in a separate room and count the ballots. Now, they just put them in the machine and they’re counted right when you put them in. When we leave tonight, everything will be totaled up, doesn’t make a difference if there’s two people on the ballot or if there’s 20,” Imogene Mason told the station.
West Virginia
While early voting numbers broke records in the Mountain State, primary day turnout was mixed, but still higher than normal. There were reports of long lines in some counties and there were reports of some voters still in line as the polls closed.
Voters in Harrison County reported waiting 40 to 45 minutes to vote. County Clerk Susan Thomas told WDTV that for the first time since she’s been a clerk, people were still coming into vote right up until closing time. Thomas said despite the number of voters, things went smoothly and chalked that up to the county’s electronic voting machines.
Lines and electioneering were the two big issues facing voters in Monongalia County on Tuesday. Several voters complained to officials that campaign staff were not adhering to the 300-foot rule.
In Fayette County, large turnout and paper ballots slowed down the counting process that wasn’t complete until about 3 a.m. on Wednesday. County Clerk Kelvin Holiday told WOAY that he hopes to have additional electronic voting machines at each precinct in the fall.
It was a late night in Doddridge County as well when computer glitches delayed the counting of votes in 12 precincts until after midnight. According to Clerk Beth Rodgers, the problems came from the county courthouse printer and not the county’s iVotronic machines.
Strong turnout also slowed the tally in Upshur County and has left county officials considering a switch to electronic voting machines.
Human error—in the form of folded ballots and over-votes—slowed the counting process in Mineral County. Only six of 30 precincts were counted by 2 a.m.
And in secretary of state news, incumbent Secretary of State Natalie Tennant (D) will face Mac Warner (R) in November. We’ll have more on that race as it gets closer to Election Day.
Missouri
In more follow-up to the April 5 primary in St. Louis County, Secretary of State Jason Kander has released a report which found that a mix-up of ballot types caused the ballot shortages in some polling places and excesses in others.
Recommendations to solve the problem included creating a step-by-step process to assure the correct number and type of ballot reached each location, creating more peer oversight on proofing and ensuring the correct amendment draft, and creating a contingency plan, should another ballot shortage occur.
“This was an egregious mistake by St. Louis County officials that should never happen again,” Kander said in a statement to The Missouri Times. “I hope St. Louis County takes the Elections Integrity Unit recommendations seriously to help ensure that every eligible voter in the county has an opportunity to cast a ballot in every election.”
Election News This Week
III. Election News This Week
- When it rains it pours. The Arizona secretary of state’s office failed to send out more than 200,000 publicity pamphlets for next week’s special election. The failure affects more than 400,000 voters. According to KTAR, spokesman Matt Roberts said the pamphlets should have reached voters 10 days before early voting started on April 20 and blamed a private vendor for the problem. By the time the mistake was discovered and new voter guides mailed and received, it was May 6. He noted that the voter pamphlet is available online and the vendor has been fired. On another note, a coalition of voting-rights advocates will form a new commission to examine everything from polling locations to voter education in Maricopa County.
- Wichita County, Texas Clerk Lori Bohannon is saying no mas. Bohannon addressed the county court this week and asked that the clerk no longer be responsible for handling elections and that instead the county create an election administrator position like other counties in Texas already have. Bohannon said that while she loves running elections, being clerk requires her to spend too much time on other duties. “… [W]ith election laws changing rapidly, it would be best to have an election administrator,” Bohannon told the court.
- Steve Bousquet and Michael Auslen of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times have a great look at voter fraud in Florida and how no matter how much candidates like to claim there is a lot of voter fraud in the Sunshine State, there really is very little. It’s definitely an interesting read.
- “Not just hashtags, but votes.” We think electionline has found our new tagline. During his commencement address at Howard University, President Barack Obama addressed getting involved in the political process, especially voting. “It is absolutely true that 50 years after the Voting Rights Act, there are too still many barriers in this country to vote,” the president said. “There too many people trying to erect new barriers to voting. This is the only advanced democracy on earth that goes out of its way to make it difficult for people to vote, and there’s a reason for it, there’s a legacy to that. But even if we dismantle every barrier to vote, that alone does not change the fact that America has one of the lowest voting rates in the free world.”
- Hurray! A Dane County, Wisconsin public service announcement about the state’s voter ID law and staring Chad Vader has won the best municipal public service announcement from Engaging Local Government Leaders. The video, written by Dane County Clerk Scott McDonnell. “Once you do something and you break the ice, and there’s no penalty and people like it, then it lets the creative juices flow around here,” McDonell said on a podcast announcing the winners. The Chad Vader video received 477 of the 883 votes cast — and we promise we were only one of those!
- And just when we the news this week couldn’t get any better, we came across this news item. Beginning this year, Los Angeles County will include “I Voted” stickers with the county’s 1.6 million mail-in ballots.
- Personnel News: Betty Ann Canizio-Aquil, deputy chief clerk for the New York City Board of Elections in Brooklyn has been suspended as part of the ongoing investigation into the city’s April primary. Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos has submitted petitions to run for re-election in 2016. The Lebanon County Voter Registration Office recently honored Joan Sauers for working her 90th election. Longtime Wisconsin elections chief Kevin Kennedy announced this week that he will be retiring effective June 29.
- Get Well: We’re wishing Sussex County Board of Elections Administrator Marge McCabe a speedy recovery from a sprained neck she suffered in a car accident on the way to the polls this week. When medical staff insisted that she go home instead of to the polls, her staff sprang into action and got a court order so she could cast an emergency absentee ballot at home. McCabe told the New Jersey Herald that she hopes other voters are encouraged by her story. “I hope it makes a statement, that every election is important,” she said.
Research and Report Summaries
IV. Research and Report Summaries
electionline provides brief summaries of recent research and reports in the field of election administration. The summaries are courtesy of the research staff of The Pew Charitable Trusts Elections Initiatives. Please email links to research to Sean Greene at Pew.
San Mateo County Report to the State Legislature & Secretary of State, November 3, 2015 All-Mailed Ballot Election – Mark Church, Assessor, County Clerk, Recorder & Chief Elections Officer, San Mateo County, May 3, 2016: Last November San Mateo County, California became the first county in the state, under a pilot project authorized by recent state law, to conduct an election wholly by mail. A report to the state legislature about the local consolidated municipal, school and special district elections, found it was one of the most efficient and successful elections ever held in the county. The election had the highest voter turnout in over 20 years with a 15 percent increase in turnout compared to the last similar election in 2013. There were also significant cost savings when compared to 2013, as cities had an average savings of 17 percent, special districts 15 percent, and school districts 39 percent.
Latino Voters at Risk: Assessing the Impact of Restrictive Voting Changes In Election 2016 – NALEO Educational Fund, May 2016: This new report finds that more than 875,000 Latino voters in 19 states may find it more difficult to cast ballots in 2016 than in 2012.
Legislative Updates
V. Legislative Updates
Alabama: On the final day of the session lawmakers approved a bill that would require the state operate a driver’s license office in every county at least two days per week. The bill was approved 99-1 in the House and 24-3 in Senate.
California: Measure C on the June election ballot in Hayward will determine whether or not the city move council and mayoral races to November.
Also in California, San Francisco supervisors voted to send a ballot measure to voters this week and if approved, it would lower the voting age for local elections to 16. The board voted 9 to 2 to place the measure on the November ballot. “Regardless of whether this measure is approved or not, (San Francisco) is starting a trend that will happen across the country, where cities like ours will consider whether young people can vote,” Supervisor John Avalos said during the meeting this week.
Delaware: The Legislature has approved SB 242 that will allow eligible ex-felons to have their voting rights restored as soon as they are released from prison, but before financial obligations may be met. The fees and fines will not be forgiven, but the ex-felons ability to cast a ballot will be restored before they are fulfilled.
New Hampshire: Senate Bill 4, that will require new state residents to live in New Hampshire for 30 days before they are able to vote, has been approved by the House. The bill was approved 203-144 but must return to the Senate due to changes made by the House. Gov. Maggie Hassan vetoed a similar bill last year.
New Jersey: Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Christopher Bateman (R-16) to permit counties to conduct a study replacing traditional paper polling records with electronic poll books during the 2017 election cycle has cleared the Senate State Government Committee.
New Mexico: By an 8-0 vote, the Clovis City Commission approved a city ordinance that would require voters to show photo ID in order to vote in city elections. Earlier this year, voters approved the creation of an ordinance with 72.7 percent of the vote. The final vote on the ordinance will be June 2.
Ohio: Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) has introduced legislation that would consider all provisional ballot cast as valid unless they are cast by someone who is not registered to vote.
Also in Ohio, legislation to allow voters to register online to vote is moving forward although changes to the bill have pushed the implementation date back to 2017.
Legal Updates
VI. Legal Updates
Ohio: U.S. District Judge George C. Smith has ruled that blind Ohioans have been denied “meaningful access” to the state’s absentee voting system. In his decision, Smith wrote, “The inability of disabled voters to vote absentee in a private and independent manner evidences that these voters do not have the same meaningful access to mail-in absentee voting that non-disabled voters enjoy.”
Oregon: An unlawful termination suit is headed to trial later this month in Clatsop County. Former County Clerk Maeve Kennedy Grimes’ claims that she was unlawfully fired in 2014 after errors were discovered on the November general election ballot. According to Kennedy Grimes’ $1 million suit against the county, she was fired because her boss, County Manager Scott Somers did not like that he was not consulted about how to fix two ballot mistakes.
Utah: Plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit against San Juan County over vote-by-mail, have filed a motion in U.S. District Court of Utah to dismiss a counterclaim by the county. The original claim, filed in early 2016, argues that the county is violating parts of the Voting Rights Act and 14th Amendment by only voting by mail.
Virginia: Phyllis Booze, former Botetourt County registrar, has dropped her unlawful termination suit against the county. Booze had claimed she was terminated from her job for political reasons. In agreeing to the dismissal, the electoral board made no settlement and admitted no wrongdoing. “Everybody is just walking away,” County Attorney Michael Lockaby told the Roanoke Times.
Washington: The City of Yakima owes the ACLU $3 million to cover costs and fees associated with the long-running voting rights fight which the city ultimately lost.
Tech Thursday
VII. Tech Thursday
Iowa: According to the Quad-City Times, Scott County voters will be the first in Iowa to be able to utilize a new web-based tool to see and interact with sample ballots for the June 7 primary. The interactive sample ballots allow people to type in a name and date of birth to get the ballot that fits their part of the county. Voters then can pick their candidates and print out a ballot. Alternatively, they can download the ballot to a computer or mobile device. The ballot is a sample, and actual votes are still only cast at a polling place or via absentee ballots. But officials say this will help people see their choices and make selections before going to a polling place or voting with an absentee ballot.
Oregon: Hood River County, in partnership with the secretary of state’s office is offering new technology that will allow voters to track the delivery and receipt of their ballot for next week’s primary. According to Hood River News, BallotTrax, allows voters to sign up online to receive alert messages via text, phone or email. Voters will receive messages when their ballot is mailed out and when it is accepted for counting. “We are excited to offer this resource to voters in Hood River County,” Kim Kean, elections supervisor told the paper. There is no charge for the service, but message charges from carriers may apply.
Texas: Fort Bend County is offering a new feature on its website to help make election day voting easier. On voting day, when visitors to the county’s elections website click on the map of voting centers, each voting center will be pinned with a colored pin that will reflect the anticipated wait time at each location.
Opinions This Week
VIII. Opinions This Week
National Opinions: Voting Rights Act, II | Ex-felon voting rights, II, III | National primary
Arkansas: Vote centers
California: Voting age, II | Election costs | Ballot selfies | Voter registration
Delaware: Ex-felon voting rights
Florida: Write-ins | Voting machines
Illinois: Automatic voter registration
Indiana: Turnout, II, III | Tippecanoe County
Iowa: Ex-felon voting rights
Kansas: Voting concerns | Brian Newby
Massachusetts: Early voting
Minnesota: Number of elections
Missouri: Voter ID, II, III, IV | St. Louis County
Montana: Missoula County
Nebraska: Douglas County
New York: Election costs
Ohio: Polling place hours
Oregon: Secretary of state, II | Mail ballots
Pennsylvania: Voting inconvenience
Rhode Island: Election reform
Texas: Voter ID
Virginia: Ex-felon voting rights, II, III | Voting process | Voter ID
West Virginia: Turnout
Wisconsin: Voter ID
Upcoming Events
IX. Upcoming Events
National Disability Voter Registration Organizing & Training Webinar— The REVUP Campaign is coordinating a National Disability Voter Registration Week to increase the political power of people with disabilities while also engaging candidates and the media to recognize the disability community. The purpose of the webinar is aid organizers across the country to hold their own voter registration events – both physically and online – to increase the number of people with disabilities who are registered to vote and ultimately the number of people with disabilities who cast their ballots on election day this November and in future elections. When: May 24, 3pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click here.
U.S. Election Assistance Commission Public Meeting— Commissioners will meet to: (1) kick off a project to recruit and train additional people needed to work at the polls on Election Day; and (2) explore possible strategies and practices for limiting long wait times at the polls on Election Day. When: May 25, 9am-1pm Eastern. Where: Silver Spring, Maryland. For more information, click here.
Election Law Continuing Legal Education — The International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers (IACREOT), the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks (NACRC), and the Bipartisan Policy Center will host subject matter experts from federal, state and local government, elections activists, and private practice attorneys. Tentative session topics include: Hot Topics in Access and Integrity; UOCAVA Voters: Legal Trends; Preparing for Voting Equipment Issues and General Election; PCEA, Election Day and the Law; Legal Issues in Considering Automated Voter Registration; and Recounts and Contests: How to Prepare/What to Expect. When: June 25. Where: Memphis, Tennessee. For more information and to register, click here.
NACRC/IACREOT Annual Conference — the 2016 annual conference—the last to be held under the NACRC/IACREOT banner will feature plenary sessions, a trade show, committee and board meeting, awards breakfast, annual banquet and a ballgame. When: June 25-30. Where: Memphis, Tennessee. For more information and to register, click here.
National Association of Secretaries of State Summer Conference — NASS will hold its annual summer meeting in Nashville this year. Agenda programming will include: policy discussions on important issues facing secretaries of state, idea-sharing panels highlighting best practices in state programming, sessions designed for professional development and networking, induction of national officers for the 2016-2017 cycle and excursions to explore Tennessee and learn more about the culture and state government. When: July 14-17. Where: Nashville, Tennessee. For more information and to register, click here.
National Association of State Election Directors Summer Conference — the 2016 NASED summer conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Details about the event are still being hammered out, so be sure to check the website often. When: July 14-17. Where: Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, click here.
National Association of Counties Annual Conference — NACo’s Annual Conference and Exposition provides an opportunity for all county leaders and staff to learn, network and guide the direction of the association. The 2016 Annual Conference is hosted by Los Angeles County. The conference will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center. Attending the Annual Conference provides member county officials with the opportunity to vote on NACo’s policies related to federal legislation and regulation; elect officers; network with colleagues; learn about innovative county programs; learn more about issues impacting counties across the country; and view products and services from participating companies and exhibitors. When: July 22-25. Where: Long Beach, California. For more information and to register, click here.
National Conference of State Legislators Summer Meeting — the 2016 Legislative Summit will be held in Chicago. The elections portion will include: Politics 2016: State Election Preview, Evaluating Elections, What to Do If You’ve Got a Disputed Election, Technology: Improving Elections One Bit or Byte at a Time? And Helping our Military Vote. When: Aug. 8-11. Where: Chicago. For more information and to register, click here.
Job Postings This Week
X. Job Postings This Week
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 tommoretti@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.
Civic Research Fellow, Center for Technology and Civic Life, Chicago — “What’s on my ballot?” is the number one question that voters look for online – but the answer to that question is harder to find than you might think. With nearly 8,000 offices responsible for running elections in America, the basic information that voters need to participate in elections is often poorly formatted and hard to find — if it’s online at all. At the Center for Technology and Civic Life, we think all voters should be able to find this information online, and we need your help! We’re looking for a set of 2016 Civic Data Fellows to help us standardize the nation’s ballot information, so that all Americans can find information about what will be on their ballot in November. The fellowship runs from June 1 through the 2016 General Election. Civic Data Fellows will work closely with the Research Manager and Director of Civic Data to collect and standardize information about candidates and referenda from across the country. If you love democracy, researching obscure facts, and turning chaos into order, this is the job for you! Salary: $48,000 per year (pro-rated). Deadline: Open until filled, but job begins June 1. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Customer Relations Manager, Dominion Voting Systems, San Leandro, California — Dominion Voting Systems is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic, Customer Relations Manager, to be based in our San Leandro, California office! This position will be responsible for supporting customers by partnering with the sales and operations teams to exceed customer needs and requirements; addressing and resolving customer concerns; and, identifying ways to implement preventive measures for continuous process improvement. Salary: Negotiable base + bonus target & benefits. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Customer Relations Manager, New Jersey (Remote) — Dominion Voting Systems is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Customer Relations Manager to work remotely and be based in New Jersey! This position will be responsible for supporting customers by partnering with the sales and operations teams to exceed customer needs and requirements; address and resolve customer concerns; and, identify ways to implement preventive measures for continuous process improvement. Salary: Negotiable base + bonus target & benefits. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Data Lead, Voting Information Project — the Data Lead is the VIP team’s stalwart front line as we acquire, parse, and assess a nation’s worth of election data. In this role, you’ll: Manage a dataset that has served millions (and tens of millions) of voters since 2008; train state election offices in data standards and exports; build and maintain parsers, quality assurance checks, and data management scripts; and collaborate with the Democracy Works developer team and Google engineers. Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Democracy Works also offers a benefits package including health insurance, vacation, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Elections Administrative Assistant, McLennan County, Texas —McLennan County, Texas is looking for an elections administrative assistant. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Maintain polling location information, standard list of voters and petition verification in VEMACS; operates BOSS (ballot software), which includes precinct definitions, district definitions, contest and translation, and MBB (mobile ballot box) production; prepares and records election telephone message in English. Coordinate Spanish translations; records audio in English for ballot preparation; Coordinates Spanish translation and audio recording for ballot preparation; assists with ballot proofing, including contest/candidate spellings, district/precinct associations, ballot styles and election code requirements; oversees voting equipment inventory; prepares voting equipment for early voting and Election Day, which includes polling location assignment, diagnostic evaluation, and zero reports; organizes, supervises, and participates in voting equipment distribution for Election Day. Conducts back up and reset of electronic voting equipment; prepares and prints poll books and standard/customized list of voters in Crystal Reports; coordinates public tests for each election; coordinates daily closeout procedures for early voting, including distribution of information to media, candidates and public; operates TALLY (tabulation software), which includes election reporting, supervision of provisional ballots, and write-in candidate tabulation; collects, stores, and submits SOS required reports, back ups, and audit logs for each election; assigns, trains and coordinates troubleshooters for voting equipment; diagnose and performs minor repairs on voting equipment ; and attends vendor training to improve knowledge of election equipment. Salary: $1,452.10-$1,886.41 biweekly. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Elections Specialist, McLennan County, Texas — McLennan County, Texas is looking for an elections specialist. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: review voter registration applications; process – Data Input – permanent records for all New Applications, Changes, Cancellations, Purges from the State, County, Cities; image all documents; send Correspondence, Recruit Workers and Maintain Lists of Election Workers, Polling Places; send Confirmation Cards on Suspended VR; review special request applications or problem apps and reply; create Voter Registration Reports from VEMACS; help incoming customers with applications, corrections and printing of new VR cards; and answer phones, handle questions and answers. Salary: $937.51-$1,306.26 biweekly. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Interns, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Washington, D.C. — do you want to change the world? Are you committed to serving your community and your country? Do you want to develop yourself as civic-minded leader? Spend 8 weeks in the nation’s capital with students from around the country and the world who are just as passionate about making a difference through strong leadership. The intensive and immersive schedule is designed to maximize your time in Washington by combining learning in the classroom with practical internship experience and special events with prominent public leaders. The institute on Leadership and the American Presidency (LTAP) is a new program offered by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in conjunction with The Fund for American Studies. It will help you define and strengthen your leadership skills and learn lessons from the American Presidency, all while giving you an insider’s view of Washington. By the end of the summer you may be ready to call DC home! Application: For the complete listing and to apply, click here.
Junior Product Support Specialist, Toronto, Ontario — Dominion Voting Systems is seeking an out-going, technology savvy, Junior Product Support Specialist, to be based in our downtown Toronto office. This position is responsible for supporting installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of all Dominion Voting Systems products; as well as developing and executing training sessions; and assisting with warehousing and logistics. Salary: Negotiable base + bonus target & benefits. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Product Specialist, Denver, Colorado — Dominion Voting Systems is seeking a tech-savvy and passionate, Product Specialist, to be based in our downtown Denver, Colorado office. This role is responsible for responsible for the installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of all Dominion Voting Systems elections products; providing elections support services and customer training; and interfacing directly with customers, co-workers and election officials.. Salary: Negotiable base + bonus target & benefits. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
RMA Support Consultant, Hart InterCivic — an RMA Support Consultant responds to all return material authorization requests from Hart InterCivic internal and external customers for all Hart Voting System products. The person in this position must possess the ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, or employees. Essential responsibilities include: Acquires a functional level of knowledge for all Hart InterCivic products and their modules; manages and organizes information and documentation for customer issues; applies advanced knowledge of computer software tools to problem-solving situations; knowledge of standard ticket tracking software is a must; in-depth knowledge of standard inventory warehouse processes and procedures; stays informed on support methodologies; keeps up with revisions to any relevant materials (Agile ECOs and effectivity); works cooperatively with Hart InterCivic field personnel to insure customer satisfaction; complies with, and keeps up with changes in, Hart InterCivic policies, procedures and regulations; other duties as assigned. Deadline: Opening until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Senior Assistant Registrar, Albemarle County, Virginia — the Senior Assistant Registrar performs complex technical and clerical work in the Department of Voter Registration and Elections. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for independent judgment. Supervision is exercised over subordinate clerical personnel or Assistant Registrars. Essential functions include, but are not limited to: manages complex and extensive physical and computerized voter registration and election records; supervises Assistant Registrars; processes information on computerized registration system and physical files; interacts regularly with staff from other Virginia localities regarding voter issues; designs and develops materials designed to increase efficient election day operations; provides project development support to Electoral Board, as needed; coordinates and executes special projects for department, as assigned; determines eligibility of voter registration applicants, in accordance with law; prepares official letters of Denial of Voter registration, as necessary; assists with maintenance of departmental website; verifies eligibility and assists voters in casting absentee ballots; provides materials and support to area agencies regarding absentee voting; provides information to the general public concerning voter registration and election related issues; actively participates in professional organization; acts for the Deputy and General Registrar in their absence; and performs other duties, as assigned. Salary: $33,641-$40,360. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Senior Assistant Registrar, James City County, Virginia — Voter Registration Office is seeking an experience professional to be a part of a dynamic team to assist with daily operations of the General Registrar’s Office. Responsibilities include: assist the General Registrar in implementing and maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal election and voter registration guidelines and requirements; update and maintain accurate records of voter information including, but not limited to, eligibility, changes with redistricting/recprecinciting, voting credits, and any applicable forms. assist with coordinating, maintaining, and supervising of all parts of the election and voting process including, but not limited to, satellite registration sites, absentee ballots, training programs for Officers of Election, posting of results on designated sites, and programing of electronic poll books; assist with preparation of budget including preparation of required reports; create and maintain candidate files; accepts, verifies and certifies candidate forms; receive, audit, and acknowledge Candidate Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Reports; and prepare, provide information, and generate support for voter education projects. Salary: $30,685. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Senior Assistant Registrar II, James City County, Virginia — performs responsible work assisting the General Registrar/Director of Elections (GR) in conducting elections, registering voters, and maintaining files. Implements National Voter Registration Act in accordance with Federal and State laws. This position shall be appointed by the GR for a term set by the Electoral Board that coincides with, or is shorter than, the term of the GR, subject to reappointment. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Software Developer II, Denver, Colorado & Toronto, Ontario — Dominion Voting Systems is seeking a highly technical and passionate Software Developer II to be based in either our downtown Denver office or our downtown Toronto office! This position will be responsible for providing high-level technical expertise to design development, coding, testing and debugging of new voting system software and/or significant enhancements to existing software for our customers. This position will work on a team utilizing an Agile development environment. Salary: Negotiable base + bonus target & benefits. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
System Support Specialist, Denver, Colorado — Dominion Voting Systems is seeking a tech-savvy and detail oriented, Network & Systems Specialist, to be based in our downtown Denver, Colorado office. This role is responsible for assisting with the deployment and troubleshooting of advanced elections hardware and software system configurations; providing support to the logistics associated with procuring elections systems and equipment; performing tests and evaluations of various voting solutions; and providing election support to customers both remotely and/or on-site. Salary: Negotiable base + bonus target & benefits. Deadline: Open until filled. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Marketplace
- XI. Marketplace
electionline provides no guarantees as to the quality of the items being sold and the accuracy of the information provided about the sale items in the Marketplace. Ads are provided directly by sellers and are not verified by electionline. If you have an ad for Marketplace, please email it to: mmoretti@electionline.org