In Focus This Week
What Suffrage means to me
The nation’s top female elections officials talk about Suffrage
By M. Mindy Moretti
electionline.org
One hundred years ago this week, the Senate approved the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ultimately give women the right to vote.
After the June 4, 1919 passage (the House approved it two weeks prior) it took 16 months to get three-fourths of the states to ratify the Amendment.
Wisconsin is credited with being first and it was Tennessee that pushed the needle over the line for ratification on August 26, 1920.
Interestingly, several states — Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina and Virginia — rejected the 19th Amendment initially, but eventually ratified the Amendment after it was law with Mississippi being last in 1984.
During the next 16 months we’ll be highlighting the Suffrage movement in different ways, including last week’s look at three exhibits celebrating the centennial.
This week, we asked the highest ranking female election official in each state what Suffrage means to them. The responses come from large and small states, from both coasts and the Heartland. We heard from Democrats, Republicans and some whose party affiliation we have don’t even know! It’s a fascinating read and we really hope that you will enjoy it as much as we did.
Thank you to everyone who responded.
Alaska
Gail Fenumiai, director, Division of Elections
I cannot imagine not having the right to vote. It is the core of our nation’s democracy. I am thankful for the courageous and wonderful women who fought hard for this precious right. As an election official, it is hard for me to comprehend barring individuals from voting. It is our job to ensure that we never forget their struggles and continue to strive to remove barriers to voting and provide equal access for all.
Arizona
Katie Hobbs, secretary of state
In August of 2018, during the suffrage celebrations, I was a candidate for Secretary of State. The moment I realized that I would (hopefully) be in the office for the 100th anniversary was profound. The magnitude of what this anniversary means, how far we have come, and the opportunity to be in a position to help create a meaningful celebration gave me chills. Arizona has been a state where women lead, and I am grateful to all the women who paved the way for me. I also feel an incredible sense of responsibility to continue to be vigilant and protect access to our elections for everyone who is eligible. My daughter will be able to vote for the first time in 2020, during the 19th Amendment Centennial. She represents the next generation of voters who will share their stories to ensure future generations never take this right for granted.
Arkansas
Leslie Bellamy, director
I think especially for me as an election official the fight for the passage of our 19th Amendment has not only provided me a right to voice my opinion through casting my ballot, but a career path I am passionate about. I started in elections over 20 years ago as a Voter Registration clerk, and will end my state career as Director of Elections for the state of Arkansas. The suffrage movement has provided a path where I can participate in legislative changes to carry on the movement of not being denied the right to a voice. I continue to utilize my experience to work in legislative sessions and training sessions to protect the democratic process with the evolving industry.
California
Jana Lean, chief of elections
The hundred year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote reminds me that not so long ago in history, women were suppressed and marginalized in our society. We have made huge strides, but we are again at a crossroads where the rights of women are being threatened.
I believe it is not just our civic duty to let our voices be heard through the ballot box, but it is a moral imperative to protect the rights of all of the women who will follow us. It is our time to continue the impressive work of the Suffragettes that paved the way for us today.
Respectful discourse, the peaceful transition of power, and fair representation is the foundation our county was built on. I think we should honor the anniversary of women gaining the right to vote by continuing the fight for free and fair elections for everyone!
Colorado
Jena Griswold, secretary of state
The significance of the 19th Amendment’s 100th anniversary is both historic and an important reminder that we must continue to strive for access to our democracy. Because of the suffragists who advocated to expand the right to vote to women, Colorado became the second state to allow women to vote in 1893. On this anniversary of women across our country gaining that right, we must commit to ensuring, as a nation, that every eligible voter can have their voice heard in our elections. Together, we can build a democracy that all Americans can believe in.
Connecticut
Denise Merrill, secretary of state
The movement for women’s suffrage is a testament of the power of direct action to expand democracy. Not just a reminder of the laws that were changed, I plan to use this centennial anniversary as a reminder of what is possible when ordinary people organize in the name of justice. And, although we celebrate the end of the denial of the right to vote on the basis of sex, it’s important to also remember that it was only a first step towards universal suffrage and equality of the sexes, and it left out women of color almost entirely.
We should celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment as more than a single event, and instead celebrate it as the introductory chapter in the long stories of women’s equality and voting rights alike. We will mark the centennial, but we will also use it to remember the work that remains. It is a promise to remain committed to that work until it is complete.
Delaware
Elaine Manlove, election commissioner
While I’ve never seen myself as a “feminist”, voting is not something I take for granted. I am thankful to the women who went before me and fought for all of us to have this right. There should have never been a fight! If we are governed by the law, we should be able to vote on those who make those laws.
District of Columbia
Alice Miller, executive director
Having worked in elections for most of my career, this 100th anniversary of suffrage resonates with me for a number of professional and personal reasons. As women throughout the District of Columbia occupy an increasing number of elected offices both locally and nationwide, and occupy other high level positions of authority, enfranchising voters of all genders is vitally important for the protection of accurate representation in our city. As the mother of a daughter, I am committed to ensuring that the next generation of voters and candidates in the District of Columbia feels that their electoral process is available and accessible to them regardless of their race, gender, or national origin. On this historically significant anniversary, it is my hope that we continue to make progress so that all District voters feel they can participate in our elections.
Florida
Laurel M. Lee, secretary of state
Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, which provided women the right to vote. The suffragist movement was a long and difficult battle, but it was fought with the utter and absolute conviction that women should be full and equal citizens with the right to participate in our democracy.
These women, and the men who supported them, paved the way not just for our future, but also for the future of our children and the many generations to come. Now, nearly 100 years later, women continue to help shape the trajectory of our nation and our world through their leadership.
I’m thankful for those women who led the way 100-plus years ago because without them, women would not have the rights and privileges of citizenship that we enjoy today.
We honor them by continuing to be leaders in our communities, our state and our world and by fully participating in our democracy.
Indiana
Connie Lawson, secretary of state
100 years ago, the 19th Amendment was passed by Congress, and American women won the right to vote. After decades of civic exclusion and political irrelevance, hundreds of thousands of women were finally handed enfranchisement at the ballot box.
It is striking how recently these changes took place. My mother was born only a short while after ratification, and in my younger days I spoke with many relatives and family friends who could recall this seismic change. Furthermore, if we are painfully honest with ourselves, some women were still denied the right to vote until 1965, simply because of their skin color.
So often we accept the twists of history as inevitable fact, but these rights came only after many years of fighting and perseverance. It is often said, correctly, that we stand on the shoulders of giants. I pray we never take our electoral equality for granted.
Iowa
Christy Wilson, deputy secretary of state
It is a huge honor for me to work in elections in a state that has historically been a leader in voting rights and remains that way today. Iowa was the first state to elect a woman to public office, the first state to appoint a female to the bar and one of the first states to allow women to vote. Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt was a national leader in the women’s suffrage movement.
Today, we’re one of the few states that has online voter registration, same day voter registration, early voting and no-fault absentee voting. We strive every day to encourage and help all Iowans to register to vote and participate in elections. Our country has come a long way in the last 100 years and this centennial anniversary is a great reminder that we are a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Kentucky
Alison Lundergan Grimes, secretary of state
“The right is ours, have it we must, use it we will,” said Elizabeth Cady Stanton. This echoes in my head every time I enter our Capitol.
As Secretary of State, I’ve worked hard to ensure all eligible citizens have access to our ballot box and vote. Sadly, the struggle which began 100 years ago to ensure the basic inalienable rights of women, continues today.
Suffrage describes a moment in time where a movement for equality began. Personally, I’m reminded of my grandmothers. They saw the right to vote be realized.
While women can now get an education, own property, vote, hold office, get a job and practice our faith – equality doesn’t exist. As long as “firsts” continue – like being the first statewide elected official to have a child in office – the movement is not finished and little girls everywhere rely on our fortitude to stand up and speak out.
Maryland
Linda Lamone, administrator of elections
Every election makes history, but the 1920 election in Maryland was indeed historic. A special session of the Maryland legislature was held on September 20 – 22, 1920. The result was a bill that granted Maryland women the right to register and to vote. I cannot tell you the number of women that cast a vote at the November 9, 1920 General Election, but 1,288,931 Maryland women cast a vote in the 2018 General Election!
Thus, while we celebrate the anniversary of an action by a body of men that changed a law, we also celebrate and recognize the powerful and determined women that sacrificed so much to make this happen. Countless women across the country spent years attending secret meetings, organized, protested and went to jail all to gain the right to vote.
It may be difficult for us to understand the complexity, time and overall effort that it took to made this change around the country, especially without today’s methods of communication and ability to get a message out. No website, no email, no social media.
An interesting side effect of the historical legal change was the impact it had on election administration. It is clear from a review of the 1920 Maryland legislation that the legislators were aware that they also had to address what would be required to implement a change to the voting process. For example, they added extra days for the Registration Boards to sit, added polling places to accommodate more voters, added clerical employees at the boards of elections, added a new requirement to record the sex of the applicants in the registration records, and increased the compensation of poll workers and clerks of registration (by no more than $2.00).
We read so often that voter turnout is not what we would like it to be. It is disheartening to think of the sacrifices and difficulties that it took to gain the right to vote by half of our population and yet so few take advantage of the franchise.
Thank you so much to those pioneering women who made it possible for me to vote and to run the elections for the State of Maryland.
Massachusetts
Michelle Tassinari, director and legal counsel, Elections Division
As we approach the 100th anniversary of woman’s suffrage, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the current state of women’s rights in our country. I have great admiration for the suffragists who successfully fought for the rights of women 100 years ago. While we gained the right to vote, there is still more to do to achieve true equality for all. A century ago, brave, strong women took to the streets during difficult times in our country’s history. The fight for women’s suffrage lasted for decades and finally achieved victory, which was just one of the first steps toward women’s equality. We must never forget those who came before us and who fought for our rights. I am proud to be a woman working in elections and using my position to help make sure all who are eligible can exercise their right to vote.
Michigan
Jocelyn Benson, secretary of state
With courage and perseverance, suffragists fought and organized for the right to vote. These trailblazing women brought America closer to the promises of its founding with the passage of the 19th amendment. But as history teaches us, the fight for equality wasn’t over then and isn’t over today. It took 50 more years to expand the right to vote to African Americans and people of color. Now, 100 years after the suffrage movement and 50 years after the civil rights movement, it’s on all of us to continue in the footsteps of the trailblazers who came before us. Our democracy is at its best when all voices are heard. At a moment when women are still underrepresented in industries from sports to business to politics, we must continue to use our votes and our voices to advocate for a seat at every table where decisions are made.
Missouri
Chrissy Peters, director of elections
The celebration of the 100th anniversary of woman’s right to suffrage is an important time of history that should be reflected on with great admiration. I am thankful for my right to vote and reflect with gratitude the hard battles of those before us. I bring my young daughters with me when I cast my ballot. Personally for me, this is leading by example so that my daughters understand the importance of our right, privilege and opportunity to have our voices heard.
Nevada
Barbara Cegavske, secretary of state
Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility that all citizens must take seriously. I am fortunate to have always lived in a time when women have been afforded the opportunity to vote. To mark 100 years of Women’s Suffrage while serving as Nevada’s third female Secretary of State will be a special honor for me and I am extremely proud to join women across the country in celebrating this important milestone in 2020!
New Jersey
Tahesha Way, secretary of state
Every right we cherish as Americans is secured with the ballot box. Thanks to the leadership of women like New Jersey’s own Alice Paul, the right to vote was legally extended to women 100 years ago. While African American women like me were still prevented from exercising this right many years after 1920, the 19th Amendment nonetheless made this country fairer, opening doors for women to participate more broadly in public life and service. It is the knowledge of this history which underscores my commitment to an open democracy that ensures and maximizes ballot access for all American citizens.
New Mexico
Maggie Toulouse Oliver, secretary of state
The victory of women’s suffrage is a powerfully inspiring example of civic change that has deeply shaped my personal and public life. It’s incredible to be alive for the 100th anniversary and to be able to reflect on the advances that have been made toward fulfilling America’s democratic promise and opening the franchise to all eligible voters. But part of that reflection is to know the work is not done. The victory of women’s suffrage in America should serve as a reminder that many communities still face barriers to the ballot box and that efforts at voter suppression are not gone, but have simply taken on new forms. I draw inspiration from the pioneers of women’s suffrage in America everyday as I look for ways to expand voting rights and civic participation and I hope the 100th anniversary inspires a new generation to do the same.
Ohio
Amanda Grandjean, director of elections and deputy assistant secretary of state
“There will never be complete equality until women themselves help to make the laws and elect the lawmakers.” As we consider the powerful words of Susan B. Anthony, we are reminded why the right of women and men to vote equally in elections is unassailable. It’s about tried and true representation in our democratic republic. One hundred years, relative to the duration of our nation’s history, is not a long time for women to be a part of our nation’s democratic process. We’ve broken glass ceilings since then, but there are still quite a few more that need shattered. It’s my hope that women across Ohio and the nation will do far more than use this anniversary as a time to celebrate – instead, use it as a call to action. Get engaged. Get involved. Be a part of the process that our sisters fought so bravely for. Our time is now.
Oregon
Bev Clarno, secretary of state
Woman’s suffrage is such an important but relatively unknown part of our history. Here in Oregon, women were given the right to vote in 1912, eight years before the 19th amendment was ratified. In 2020 we will be celebrating the 100 year anniversary of that historic amendment, and I am so honored that I will be serving as Oregon’s Secretary of State during the centennial celebration.
I often think of my mother, who was alive when women didn’t have the vote, and knew firsthand what it meant to finally be able to vote. I think about myself, as an 83 year old woman serving in public office. 100 years ago I would not have had this opportunity, and I am so grateful for all the women, and men, who fought so hard so that I could have this right today.
Pennsylvania
Kathy Boockvar, secretary of state
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women’s constitutional right to vote, 100 years feels like a blink of an eye. What might be most shocking is how long it took to get there – 144 years after this democracy was founded – plus decades thereafter while the struggle continued for so many.
As Pennsylvania’s chief election official, the magnitude of our – my – responsibility to nurture, protect, and defend this right cannot be overstated.
It has been a long, devastating road to suffrage for all. We committed unspeakable atrocities to our own, and overwhelming numbers of lives were indelibly altered, and lost, in pursuit of voting rights. We must honor the sacrifices of all who brought us to this point by ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised. We must commit every fiber of our being to ensuring we never let such atrocities happen on our soil again.
Rhode Island
Nellie Gorbea, secretary of state
As Rhode Island’s Secretary of State, I’ve seen firsthand that bringing people with different viewpoints and experiences to the table is how we get our best public policies.
The passage of the 19th Amendment was a watershed moment in that regard. Women obviously bring different perspectives than men and since being enfranchised, our voices have contributed to some of the biggest policy changes over the last century.
While there is still much work to be done to make sure all citizens have a voice in government, today I reflect on the things we’re seeing that our mothers and grandmothers could never have imagined. I think about what our daughters will see, and I am hopeful.
I encourage voters to remember that the single act of casting a ballot is fundamental to making government work for all people.
South Carolina
Marci Andino, executive director
The 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage is an important milestone in the history of our country. Over the course of a century, women have not only gained the right to vote, but they register and vote in greater numbers than men, are elected to public offices and run elections in many states and local jurisdictions. We’ve come a long way in a hundred years!
As a young girl, I remember standing in a long line with my mother so she could register to vote. Little did I know at the time, making it easier for people to register to vote would become a passion of mine. I’ve spent most of my professional career working to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to register to vote and to participate in fair and impartial elections. Those are more than just words to me – I am honored to serve as the chief state election official for the State of South Carolina and I’m very grateful to the women before me.
South Dakota
Kea Warne, deputy secretary of state
In my capacity as the director of South Dakota elections I have the honor of ensuring that elections are run with integrity and that all citizens have the ability to vote if they so choose. It is difficult for me to imagine, but not that long ago women in our country were not given an equal voice. Women’s suffrage was obtained 100 years ago, a blink of an eye in the span of history. The Dakota Territory almost passed women’s right to vote in 1872 and had several near misses after that including attempts from the legendary Susan B. Anthony. All those efforts failed until 1918 when we were finally given the right to vote in state elections, and the 19th Amendment to the constitution was passed in 1919. Now, 100 years later we have had female state legislators, female representatives in Congress, female constitutional officers, a lieutenant governor and now finally, governor. We also have a woman in charge of the State’s elections, a responsibility I take great pride in and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the efforts of so many, not so very long ago.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caroline Fawkes, supervisor of elections
Women’s suffrage refers to the right of women to participate in democratic processes through voting on the same basis as men. I agree with the view that women gained the right to vote due to their contributions to the war, since I too have served in the military for over thirty-two years.
Women persevered and endured great hardships to ensure the granting of rights that many today take for granted. In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.”
As the Supervisor of Elections, it’s great to see now when the polls open women and men stand next to each other and cast a vote that holds the same importance. In addition, the number of women elected in 2018 shows that more women are participating in the political process. This victory was not only for women, but for democracy and the principle of equality upon which our great nation was founded.
Washington
Kim Wyman, secretary of state
I believe the act of voting is the most sacred right we hold as Americans. As I reflect on the suffragists who sacrificed so much to give women the right to vote and worked relentlessly to pass the 19th Amendment, I think about the strong, influential women in my life. Women like my mom, my grandmothers, my aunts, and mentors who taught me the importance of civic engagement. They took time to learn about the candidates and issues before voting. I saw their “I Voted” stickers. They served on election boards. Their actions made me see the importance of my vote. They are the reason why I have not missed voting in an election since turning 18. These women gave me the courage to become an election administrator 25 years ago and now I am honored to have the responsibility of protecting the voting rights of every Washington citizen.
West Virginia
Brittany Westfall, elections director
Being raised by a single mother, it is difficult for me to imagine a time when women were forced to depend on men not only for finances, but also for their voices. On this 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage, I tried to imagine how it felt to stand in line at the polling place, only to be turned away. I tried to imagine the courage it took to rally, lobby, and vote, even when that meant jail time. I am grateful to the women who realized how valuable the right to vote would be for their daughters and granddaughters. Without their courage, I know that I would not have the life I have today or the honor of working with 134 women election administrators. As women in elections, I hope we continue their journey by ensuring no voter is ever again turned away based on sex, religion, or race.
Wisconsin
Meagan Wolfe, administrator
In 1919, Wisconsin was the first state to ratify the 19th amendment granting women an equal right to vote. In 2019, it was my great honor and privilege to be confirmed as Wisconsin’s first female chief election official. My hope is to continue Wisconsin’s long tradition of fostering a fair and thriving democracy and being a leader in the administration of elections.
Election Security Updates
On May 30 , President Donald J. Trump seemingly called for paper ballots nationwide.
“Going to good ol’ fashioned paper in this modern age is the way to do it,” the president told reporters at the White House.
A House Appropriations subcommittee approved a bill that includes $600 million in funding for the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) meant for states to bolster election security, with the money specifically earmarked for states to buy voting systems with “voter-verified paper ballots.”
In a new report from the Inspector General, the IG says staff shortages are making it difficult for the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate with states on securing the nation’s election infrastructure. “Additional staff could enhance DHS’ ability to provide technical assistance and outreach to state and local election officials during elections,” the report stated.
2020 Candidates on the Issues
Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke announced his plans this week for improving America’s election system. The plan includes a goal to register more than 50 million people by 2024 and increase vote turnout to 65 percent of eligible voters. In addition, O’Rourke wants to make Election Day a federal holiday, allow automatic and same-day registration nationwide, abolish voter ID requirements and enact legislation that establishes independent redistricting commissions.
2019 Election Updates
New Jersey: Primary day in New Jersey was relatively quiet although it certainly started out with a bang when a car being driven by a poll worker in Totawa crashed into the fire station that was being used as a polling place. Neither the driver nor anyone else at the site was hurt and the polling place opened on time and voting was not interrupted. In Camden County, with ballots still arriving today, vote-by-mail was on pace to significantly eclipse ballots cast in person on election day.
South Dakota: Rapid City and Pennington County voters experienced some issues when attempting to cast a ballot this week. A paving project in Rapid City caused delays for voters trying to access a polling location. Signs were added by construction workers, but it took longer for some voters to access the site. “There were a lot of angry people at 7 a.m.” when the voting opened, poll worker Mary Mertes told the Rapid City Journal. She said people were having to park on and walk up the hill to reach the polling site. Construction crews did not leave the site for the day until 5 p.m. “We wondered if it was poor planning or voting suppression,” voter Clark Jones told the paper. For other voters, it was a problem on the City of Rapid City’s website that caused polling place issues. The city’s list of polling places was incorrect on the website. The mistake was caught by mid-day and fixed.
Election News This Week
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has agreed to conduct an inspection of election equipment used in Durham County, North Carolina in 2016. E-poll books in use on Election Day in Durham County repeatedly told voters that they had already cast a ballot when they had not and the county was forced to take the e-poll books out of service and move to traditional paper rolls. It was revealed in 2017 that the e-poll book vendor—VR Systems—had been a target of Russian interference. “This support may help to provide a better understanding of previous issues and help to secure the 2020 elections,” Sara Sendek, a DHS spokesperson told NPR. She added that the agency “has no information that there is any previous or ongoing issues regarding elections systems” in the state.
Oops! Flint Mayor Karen Weaver’s proposed $55.6 million budget, which is set to begin July 1, does not include $280,000 to fund 400 election workers for the August 6 primary. “They erroneously left the $280,000 out,” Flint City Clerk Inez Brown said at a budget hearing according to MichiganLive. “This is a mistake that they’ve made. The funding isn’t included in the books they’ve presented.” Deputy Chief Finance Officer, Tamar Lewis said the finance department is trying to fix the mistake. “We’re trying to find the money for the election workers,” Lewis told MLive. “We’re pulling from different departments to get that.”
In November 2020, in addition to president, federal, state and local races, voters in Nevada will be deciding on a ballot measure that if successful would create a declaration of voters’ rights within the state’s constitution. According to Ballotpedia News the measure would provide registered voters with other constitutional rights, including:
- to have questions about voting procedures answered and have voting procedures posted in a visible location at the polling place;
- to vote without intimidation, threats, or coercion;
- to vote during any early-voting period or on election day if the voter is in line at the time polls close;
- to return a spoiled ballot and receive a replacement ballot;
- to request assistance in voting if necessary;
- to a sample ballot “which is accurate, informative and delivered in a timely manner;”
- to receive instruction on how to use voting equipment;
- to equal access to the elections system without discrimination, including on the basis of “race, age, disability, military service, employment or overseas residence.”
- to a “uniform, statewide standard for counting and recounting all votes accurately;” and
- to have “complaints about elections and election contests resolved fairly, accurately and efficiently.”
The NFL is going for two in its efforts respond to the debate about protests of injustice and police violence. It was announced this week that the organization had awarded a $100,000 grant to the Louisiana-based group VOTE. According to The New Orleans Advocate, Norris Henderson, VOTE’s executive director, said the group intends to use the money on a statewide push to register former inmates to vote. The campaign is made possible by a new state law that allows people who have been out of prison for five years to cast ballots even if they remain on probation and parole.
Cheers! Independence Brewing in Austin, Texas is rolling out Freak Power, a blood-orange hefeweizen that takes its name from Hunter S. Thompson’s campaign for sheriff. Brewery employees will be deputized as volunteer voter registrars for Travis County and the brewery will also hold a voter registration drive. “With Freak Power, we sought to create something that ignites enthusiasm the way Hunter S. Thompson did back in 1970,” Independence’s president and co-founder Amy Cartwright said in a news release.
Personnel News: Ed Shafer has retired from the Marion County, Ohio board of elections after 30 years with the board. Kim Barbetta is the new Brooke County, West Virginia clerk. Cecelia “Cooky” Borths is the new Charlevoix County, Michigan clerk. Cliff Dressel has been sworn in as the new chief deputy registrar of voters in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Neera Bahl has been appointed to the Cobb County, Georgia board of elections. Former South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs is now the chairwoman of Miss America. Mitch Ceasar, former Democrat chair, has filed to run for Broward County supervisor of elections.
Research and Report Summaries
Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center released a report on securing U.S. elections this week. Edited by former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, the report, Securing American Elections: Prescriptions for Enhancing the Integrity and Independence of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election and Beyond, discusses Russia’s actions and intentions in 2016, strengthening U.S. election infrastructure, regulating online political advertising by foreign nationals and governments, combatting disinformation, and deterring foreign interference, among other topics. The report offers 45 policy recommendations, including several regarding election administration and policy:
- Require that all vote-counting systems provide a voter-verified paper audit trail.
- Require risk-limited auditing for all elections.
- Assess the security of computerized election-related systems in an adversarial manner.
- Commit regular funding streams to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of the election infrastructure.
- Retain the designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure.
The Open Source Election Technology Institute released a position paper on election technology certification last week. The paper, Rethinking Election Technology Certification: New Cybersecurity Threats Require New Thinking on Testing and Certification, examines the existing framework for testing and certifying voting systems and early thinking on creating a framework for testing and certifying other types of election technology, such as electronic pollbooks, election night reporting, and voter registration systems.
Nonprofit VOTE released a report on new voter engagement by non-profit organizations last week. The report, Engaging New Voters: If Nonprofits Don’t, Who Will?, finds that young adults, low-income, Hispanic, and Asian communities participate in elections at lower rates than other socio-economic and demographic groups. To support such voters in the 2018 elections, Nonprofit VOTE worked with 64 nonprofits in 6 states, engaging more than 22,500 voters through mailers, text messages, and live phone calls. Those engaged by the program were 11 percent more likely to vote than demographically matched registered voters who were not engaged.
All Voting is Local released a report on provisional ballot usage in Ohio last week. The report, Rejected: How the Provisional Ballot System in Franklin County, Ohio Fails Voters, finds that voters in Franklin County – particularly black, low-income, and young voters – cast a disproportionate number of provisional ballots compared to the statewide electorate. The report recommends increased poll worker training and recruitment, and expanded voter education in the county.
(Research and Report Summaries are written by David Kuennen.)
Legislative Updates
California: Under Assembly Bill 1036 the secretary of state would be required to upgrade governing county voter outreach programs and would be encouraged to provide additional support to counties with the lowest voter registration rates. The bill also establishes a High School Voter Education Pilot Program in Yolo County. The pilot allows county officials to conduct student government elections using voting machines and custom ballots in order to teach youth how to vote and encourage future voter participation.
Connecticut: An effort to approve a bill, backed by Secretary of State Denise Merrill, that would automatically register residents to vote fell victim to the threat of a filibuster in the waning hours of the legislative session.
District of Columbia: Councilmember Robert White (I At-large) has introduced legislation that will repeal a 1955 law which disenfranchises District residents upon their conviction. While DC automatically restores the rights of felons once they are released from incarceration, the new bill would allow those still serving time to cast a ballot.
Also in D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward One) has introduced a bill that would send a mail ballot to every registered voter in the District. The legislation leaves in place precinct-based voting on Election Day and leaves it up to the DC Board of Elections on how to deal with early voting sites/days.
Illinois: Under Senate Bill 2090, the voting rights of those in jail will be expanded. A person in jail awaiting trial would be able to cast a ballot, county jails with a population greater than 3 million residents would have a polling place in the jail and a person leaving jail or prison would be given a voter registration application and information on the voting rights.
Louisiana: By a unanimous vote, the Senate has approve a bill that will allow voters to use a military ID as a form of ID in order to cast a ballot.
Maine: The House has approved a bill that would create a system of automatic voter registration at the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Massachusetts: The city of Springfield has given initial approval to a city-sponsored get out the vote effort. Under the proposed ordinance, the city will pay to send out postcards and robocalls reminding voters of upcoming local elections.
Nevada: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) has vetoed a bill that would have included Nevada in the National Popular Vote compact.
Also in Nevada, in the closing hours of the 2019 session, the Senate approved a bill that will allow for same-day voter registration.
New Hampshire: The Senate voted 14-10 along party lines to approve a bill that will essentially repeal a 2017 law requiring additional documentation from voters who register within 30 days of an election.
By a 13 to 11 vote, the Senate approved a bill that will allow for no-excuse absentee voting.
The House has defeated a bill that would have prohibited secretary of state candidates from making political contributions.
New Mexico: The Albuquerque city council has decided not to take up whether or not to move the city to a system of ranked choice voting and instead is considering having it added to an upcoming ballot to give residents a chance to decide.
North Carolina: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has signed a bill into law that alters the rules on how student and government employee ID cards can qualify as voter ID cards.
Pennsylvania: The Senate has approved a bill that would move local elections in Ronda to even-numbered years.
Under House Bill 1579, voters in Pennsylvania would have to show some form of ID, including a bank statement or government check, in order to cast a ballot.
Oregon: The House has approved Senate Bill 870 by a 37-22 vote. If signed into law, the bill will include Oregon in the National Popular Vote compact.
Rhode Island: A bill proposed by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea that would remove birth dates from the list of publicly available voter data has been sent back to the Judiciary Committee for further review.
Vermont: The Legislature did not take action on proposed charter amendments in Montpelier and Brattleboro. The Montpelier amendment would allow noncitizens to vote in local elections and the Brattleboro amendment would lower the voting age to 16 in local elections.
Legal Updates
Georgia: U.S. District Judge Steve Jones has rejected the state’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by voting advocates alleging far-reaching voting problems last year during the gubernatorial election.
Indiana: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has vacated a consent decree reached between Common Cause Indiana, the Indianapolis NAACP and the Marion County Election Board. The agreement, which was approved for U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Baker called for adding more early voting sites. In the appeal, state AG argued that the federal court acted against the public’s interest by interfering in the administration of elections. While this was all going on in court, the county moved to a vote center system which made the entire case more or less moot.
Michigan: The Eastpointe city council this week announced a settlement in a federal lawsuit over the rights of black voters. Through a four-year consent decree, the city will become the first in the state to use a ranked choice voting system.
This week, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced plans for a college-age get out the vote effort which is expected to help resolve a lawsuit filed by the College Democrats last year. According The Detroit News, Initial steps include the creation of a website dedicated to advice for first-time voters and college students, a written update for local clerks in college towns suggesting voter registration drives and more frequent deployment of a mobile SOS office to campuses.
Mississippi: Four African-American voters have filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and the state GOP accusing the state of violating the 14th and 15th Amendment as well as a section of the Voting Rights Act. “Absent court intervention, the challenged provisions will continue to infringe upon the constitutional and statutory rights of African American voters in Mississippi, dilute African American votes and violate the one-person, one-vote principle in the upcoming general election and in every statewide election for years to come,” the complaint Mississippi read.
Pennsylvania: Oral arguments were heard this week in a lawsuit filed by a group of voters who claim they were disenfranchised saying that the state’s earlier deadline for absentee ballots is unconstitutional.
Tennessee: Attorney General Herbert Slatery is asking a federal judge is asking a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit brought against the state’s new voter registration law which penalizes third-party registration groups. In his filings Slatery argued that the law has not taken effect yet so claims in the lawsuit are moot.
Washington: The Washington State Association of Counties has indicated that it will be filing suit against the state in the coming days for what they are calling an unfunded mandate requiring counties to provide at least one ballot dropbox in every city and town within their jurisdiction.
Tech Thursday
Websites: Congratulations to the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) for receiving a silver award from the Horizon International Award competition for the association’s recently redesigned website. An international panel of judges, consisting of industry professionals with diverse backgrounds, evaluated categories ranging from online advertising to mobile applications. The 2018 winning entries showcase the industry’s best interactive media solutions, including: websites, mobile applications, print media, interactive displays, public exhibits, online advertising, video, email and more.
Opinions This Week
National Opinions: Election reform | Voter registration, II | Election security, II, III | 2020 | Suffrage, II, III, IV | Voter data
California: Vote centers
Connecticut: Early voting
Florida: 2018 election | Election security
Indiana: Voting rights | Turnout
Michigan: Vote-by-mail
Missouri: HR 1
Nevada: Turnout
New Mexico: Ranked choice voting
New York: Automatic voter registration
Pennsylvania: Election security
Texas: Voter ID | Secretary of state, II | List maintenance | Voting equipment
Virginia: Election security
Wisconsin: Suffrage
Upcoming Events
Common Data Formats for Election Systems Webinar — We’ve been talking about common data formats for years, but what are they really? We will discuss the history of their development, benefits and potential use cases. We’ll also provide resources for implementation and how to get started. When: June 21, 12:30 EDT. Where: Online
National Association of Secretaries Of State — The National Association of Secretaries of State will hold their annual summer conference in late June, early July in New Mexico. Watch this space for more details about agendas and registrations. When: June 30-July 3. Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico.
International Association of Government Officials — “Educate-Elevate-Energize-Engage” is the theme of this year’s annual conference. The conference will include numerous education sessions and workshops as well as a visit to the NASA Houston Space Center. Where: Houston. When: July 11-17.
National Association of Counties — NACo’s 2019 Annual Conference will be held in Clark County (Las Vegas). Although the schedule and keynote speakers are still being hammered out there will be two symposiums on disaster management including an interactive roundtable. When: July 12-15. Where: Las Vegas.
National Association of State Election Directors — The NASED Summer Conference will be held in Austin, Texas, July 14-16, 2019. Watch this space for more details about agendas and registration.
National Conference of State Legislatures: NCSL’s Legislative Summit will feature numerous elections-related sessions include several about redistricting, voter registration, infrastructure and the Census. And if that wasn’t enough, Dolly Parton will be one of the featured keynote speakers. When: August 5-8. Where: Nashville.
Election Center 35th Annual National Conference: This year’s Conference attendees will be inspired and energized as we head into the final stretch of the 2019 Election year. We will share substantive elections issues including crucial critical infrastructure information, new election initiatives and tons of practical and meaningful election administration tools and resources including the newest innovations and ideas to help election officials as the 2020 presidential year quickly approaches. When: Aug. 17-24. Where: Orlando.
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 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.
Bilingual Resources and Marketing Specialist, Gwinnett County, Georgia — Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections is responsible for planning and organizing all election voter-related activities and assist Gwinnett’s cities and special districts with election preparations. The division is comprised of staff that are proud to be part of a team that works together to assure that every vote counts. This position will be responsible for marketing and outreach for our Elections Division. The incumbent will create marketing material, work with community partners/organizations and conduct outreach related to Gwinnett County’s Election Division and the Bilingual Election Law (Sec. 203 of the Voting Rights Act). The incumbent must be proficient in oral, written and reading comprehension of the Spanish language. The primary responsibility for this position will be to educate and inform various community organizations, registered and prospective voters about election processes in both English and Spanish. The incumbent will also be required to set up and take down tables, display boards and various marketing materials for public events. Salary: $42,1620 $48,486. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Customer Support Consultant, Hart InterCivic— The Customer Support Consultant is responsible for providing application and hardware support to Hart InterCivic customers via telephone and email for all Hart InterCivic products. The Support Consultant is also responsible for monitoring all requests to ensure efficient, effective resolution. The successful CSC will work directly with customers and other staff members. The position is responsible for responding to customer contacts, dealing with issues in a professional manner, providing technical direction to customers in a manner they can understand and being a customer advocate. The CSC must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Deputy Director, Center for Election Innovation & Research— the Deputy Director will report to the Executive Director and have a broad range of responsibilities designed to support CEIR’s mission. In this position, the Deputy Director will play an integral role in the development and execution of CEIR’s programming, strategic communications, and continued growth as an organization. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated individual who wants to make a substantial, positive, nonpartisan impact on elections and American democracy. The Deputy Director’s primary workplace will be CEIR’s Washington, DC office. The Deputy Director also must be available for business travel as needed. CEIR believes that working alongside and understanding the diverse mix of people who are affected by elections and American democracy is key to achieving our mission. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, non-discriminatory work environment. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Director of Elections/General Registrar, Stafford County, Virginia — this is a four-year term position appointed by the Electoral Board with a starting date of July 1, 2019 and an end date of June 30, 2023. Multiple terms are allowed. The Stafford County Electoral Board is seeking a Director of Elections/General Registrar to provide professional and technical leadership to the Office of The General Registrar and manage the planning, overseeing, and administering of voter registration and elections in Stafford County’s 28 precincts for our 95,000 registered voters. The Director is responsible for ensuring the necessary resources are acquired and in place to maintain the list of registered voters and assure elections are well-prepared and conducted in an accurate, efficient, and transparent manner. Salary: $100k-$108 DOQ. Deadline: June 9. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Election Clerk 2, Pierce County, Washington – This position primarily involves data entry and processing of voter registration transactions, with moderate to heavy customer service interactions (phone and in-person) for 4-5 weeks prior to an election. Maintain voter registration/elections database. Key and update voter registration information from paper forms, Department of Licensing and on-line submittals. Register new voters, updates voter addresses and researches voter registration records. Provide customer service information at the front counter and over the telephone. Understand content, intent, and applicability of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) as they apply to election activities. Coordinate, perform, and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and in a timely manner. Process records using the state voter registration database. Issue ballots to voters. Respond to customers using the PC Elections email account. Assist on special projects. Research voters’ records to ensure proper counting of ballots. Assist Election Specialists as assigned. Provide information for candidates regarding candidate filing. Perform essential voter registration functions of an Election Clerk 1. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds Other duties as assigned. Salary: $24.41 – $30.55 Hourly. Deadline: June 16. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Election Coordinator, Solano County, California— The Elections Coordinator is a supervisor who is charged with successfully overseeing a specific election function – this could be either Voter Registration, Vote by Mail, Candidate Services, or Poll Places/Poll Workers. Each of the four Coordinators within our office are rotated every four years for cross-training and expanding job knowledge. Additional duties involve participating in developing, updating and implementing office procedures to comply with Federal and State laws; training staff and potentially poll workers; working with community stakeholders in achieving our mission; or coordinating the work of contractors that assist with our operation. The Ideal candidates will have experience in conducting elections and supervising employees. Skills in Microsoft Office applications including Access and Excel; Geographic information systems such as ArcMap; or experience with web design and adobe software packages are beneficial. Salary: $33.41 – $40.61 hourly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Elections Director, Coconino County, Arizona— Under general direction performs work of unusual difficulty directing the strategic and operational functions of the Elections Department; performs related work as assigned. Typical Duties: In partnership with the Board of Supervisors, County Recorder and County Manager, determines the goals, objectives, and operational priorities of the Elections Division. Under limited supervision plans, organizes, coordinates and directs election administration functions for which the County has responsibility. Coordinates Elections Division activities with the Voter Registration Division. Develops and revises procedures, forms, schedules and policies for the preparation and conduct of elections. Ensures all voting procedures are in compliance with Arizona State Statutes, Arizona Secretary of State’s Election Procedures manual and federal statutes. Remains current of changes in election methods, election information management systems and voting hardware and software. Ensures quality control of all aspects of elections. Develops and manages the division’s budget. Responsible for review and oversight of contracts with vendors. Hires, supervises, evaluates and disciplines staff. Prepares and updates records and reports. Responsible for retention of election materials in accordance with the state retention schedule. Coordinates with state, cities, towns, and special districts for election services though Intergovernmental Agreements. Responsible for all candidate filing activities for people running for county elected offices. Ensures the necessary information and forms are available to candidates and political committees and that candidate and committee filings are maintained in accordance with all applicable laws. Responsible for campaign finance and financial disclosure filing activities to ensure that all required deadlines are met and reports are maintained in accordance with all applicable laws. Coordinates county, state, federal and jurisdictional ballot orders, layout and proofing along with ordering and distribution of regular and early ballots. Responsible for ensuring that ballots are designed to meet 100% accuracy of content and statutory requirements. Ensures that ballots are printed, delivered and tested and meet all necessary and legal deadlines. Responsible for the security, auditing and accountability of all election materials and equipment. Responsible for the accurate programming and maintenance of elections programs, electronic pollbooks and tabulation units. Responsible for activating and deactivating cellular or WiFi services for electronic pollbooks, including testing reception from every voting location in the county prior to every election. Responsible for internal and public logic and accuracy testing of all the voting equipment. Responsible for acquiring and maintaining all election equipment and materials needed for conduct of elections. Responsible for the development and conduct of training for all election personnel, including election board workers. Responsible for identifying and contracting with the voting locations for all early and Election Day voting. Ensures all voting locations comply with Federal law and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Responsible for all ballot tabulation activities. Verifies elections results and distributes reports to the Board of Supervisors and other. jurisdictions for post-election canvassing. Responsible for the conduct of the post-election hand audit. Supervises the filing, archiving, disposal or destruction of election materials in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Salary: $87,161.00 – $100,235.00 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Elections Lead Specialist, Douglas County, Colorado— The Elections Lead Specialist assists in the supervision and coordination of elections operations, staff, and election judges including voter services, mail ballot processing and the conduct of elections. The objective of this position is to perform a variety of functions and diverse support roles on a routine basis. Mail Ballot Processing responsibilities are prioritized over other duties during election cycles, which may increase or decrease dramatically depending on the Elections cycle. In the absence of the Operations Manager, assumes responsibility for front-line functions associated with elections operations. This is a highly visible position requiring exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Salary: $3,550-$4,438 monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Election Specialist I, Douglas County, Colorado — This position is focused on routine customer service and general office/clerical support including data entry, communications, and processing mail. This is a support role capable of performing a variety of tasks, with problem solving abilities, managing multiple competing responsibilities and prioritizing to maintain a continuous flow of election office operations. This is a visible and crucial position requiring exceptional computer, customer service, and communication skills. This is a benefited part-time position and benefits are pro-rated to 30 hours per week. This is an open until filled posting, review of applications and interviews will begin immediately and continue until suitable candidates are selected. Salary: $16.40-$20.50/hourly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Election Specialist II, Douglas County, Colorado— The Election Specialist II is responsible for routine support services related to temporary employees, training, Voter Service and Polling Centers, mail ballot processing, voter registration, and customer service. This position contributes to the department’s achievement of delivering efficient, transparent, fair and accurate elections as well as performs other projects as assigned. This position requires technical work in a lead role capable of performing a variety of complex tasks, with solving problem abilities, managing multiple competing tasks and prioritizing to maintain a continuous flow of operations and temporary support. This is a visible and crucial position requiring previous elections experience, and exceptional computer, customer service, and communication skills. Please note this position is posted as open until filled, review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Salary: $3,214 – $4,017 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Executive Director, State Democracy Project— The inaugural Executive Director will provide the strategic and forward-thinking leadership needed to take our vision and make it a reality. With an eye to deepening relationships and taking bold action, the ED will ensure that the SDP works in genuine ongoing partnership with the dozens of national and state organizations that actively participate in the project. The ED will also organize and utilize the talent, resources, and relationships critical for near-term wins on structural democracy reforms.This position will report to the Board of Directors, which is comprised of coalition partner representatives. It will be the ED’s responsibility to manage all that comes with establishing a startup based on a coalitional model. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
IT Support Specialist, Collier County, Florida— The IT Support Specialist works closely with IT staff to provide technical support and assistance to all staff located within the Supervisor of Elections office. This person will work with a wide variety of elections industry specific technologies to include hardware, software, programming, printers, and applications. In addition, this person will be providing support and assistance for non-election industry networking technology to include workstations, servers, printers, etc. The primary areas of responsibility for the IT Department include Network and associated Infrastructure, Hardware and Software Support, Database Administration, Daily Backup and Recovery, Disaster Recovery, Voting Equipment and Related Technologies to include Ballot Design and Tabulation, a variety of Programs, and Geographic Information Systems. The IT Support Specialist’s duties include hardware support including but not limited to, file servers (virtual and physical), storage (SAN and NAS), workstations (desktops and laptops), switches, printers, and scanners (image and barcode). Support also includes all election related equipment. Software support includes software applications for both election and non-election related software products. Applications include but are not limited to a variety of Microsoft applications (Windows 7 & 10, SQL, Access, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Projects, Visio, Word), Adobe products (Acrobat, Reader) Photo Shop, as well as industry specific voter registration software. Other responsibilities include a variety of administrative tasks such as reports and logs. Accuracy and attention to detail is crucial. Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Program Officer: Elections and Political Processes — The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Program Officer to join its Election and Political Processes Team and work with NDI’s regional teams, country teams, local partners, and international partners to advance electoral integrity, promote accountability and encourage citizen engagement in electoral processes. The Program Officer will work with other members of the Election and Political Processes Team to support: country-level programs, which involve citizen election monitoring (including parallel vote tabulations (PVTs)); international election observation efforts; international workshops, academies and conferences; and global initiatives, including, for example, the Open Election Data Initiative (OEDI). This position is based in Washington, DC and will require periodic travel. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Project Manager, Hart InterCivic— Project Managers at Hart InterCivic are highly motivated “self-starters” who are enthusiastic about providing exceptional customer service. Working with other members of the Professional Services and Operations teams, the Project Manager directs activity, solves problems, and develops lasting and strong relationships with our customers. Hart InterCivic’s unique and industry known culture of innovation, transparency, and customer-centric focus creates an environment where team members will continually grow and be challenged to develop their careers. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Policy & Data Research Analyst, New York City Campaign Finance Board— The New York City Campaign Finance Board seeks a Policy & Data Research Analyst to perform original research to help inform the agency’s policy and program choices on campaign finance and voting. This position will report to the Deputy Director of Public Affairs. Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, design and perform analysis of campaign finance records, elections and voter participation data; Research policy and legislative issues related to campaign finance, voter participation, and election administration in New York City and New York State; Assist in preparing reports and policy briefs on campaign finance and election performance; and work with Public Affairs staff to create policy recommendations to improve the public matching funds program, voter participation, and election administration. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Product Manager, Hart InterCivic — as Product Manager, you will join a team that is charged with product planning, design, and execution throughout the lifecycle of Hart’s products, in support of the company’s overall strategy and goals. This includes: gathering, validating, and prioritizing internal and external customer needs; documenting and communicating product and technical requirements; gathering market and competitive intelligence; supporting the certification, sales, and marketing teams. The Product Manager must possess a unique blend of business and technical savvy – with experience in elections technology or other government-oriented products preferred. To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate must spend time in the market to understand its unique attributes; demonstrate competence with specialized hardware and software; and find innovative solutions for the broader market. The Product Manager plays a key role in helping others to understand the product positioning, key benefits, and target customer, as well as providing advanced subject matter expertise in using the company’s products. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Red Team Independent Contractor, Galois— Galois seeks an experienced Red Team Lead with red teaming and/or CTF experience of purported secure systems that include custom hardware to play a pivotal role in fulfilling our mission to make trustworthy critical systems. The role will be responsible for the strategic and tactical direction of a small team dedicated to red team activities. The team is responsible for developing threat simulation services, threat research, structured attack development, vulnerability research and exploit development/testing, scripting and controlled exploitation of hardware and software vulnerabilities. The scope of the position also requires understanding a complex cyber-physical system architecture to develop a precise threat model, red teaming framing, and win conditions for both the DEF CON exercises. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Research Scientist, MIT Election Data and Science Lab— MEDSL seeks a research scientist to oversee the data science workflow of the lab’s election-related data collection, processing, and dissemination efforts. MEDSL aims to improve the democratic experience for all U.S. voters by applying scientific principles to how elections are studied and administered. Responsibilities include assisting the director with designing and implementing research projects; gathering and analyzing data, designing research protocols, and documenting results; managing data science and quality control for the 2018 release of the Elections Performance Index (EPI); acquiring data from government sources and designing protocols to update indicators not provided by government sources; assisting with redistricting data collection/dissemination efforts; working with web designers to update EPI website and creating original content for MEDSL website; onboarding and monitoring the work of students/research support associates; tracking scholarship in the field of election science; and performing other data science/administrative/reporting duties as assigned. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Senior Research Program Specialist, U.S. Election Assistance Commission — The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Senior Research Program Specialist for assigned research-related matters within the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s (EAC) mission. The incumbent assists the Director for Research with administering and maintaining various research contracts and studies undertaken by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and with the tasks related to the creation of new research studies and products. The incumbent also assists the Director of Research and other staff in maintaining relationships with stakeholders and represents EAC to state and federal legislative groups, advocacy groups, the elections community and other agencies as assigned; and performs related work on various issues pertaining to elections. Salary $61,926-$99,545. Deadline: June 7. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Software Sales Specialist, VOTEC— VOTEC’s Sales Specialist is responsible for creating news sales with prospects and existing clients in targeted areas in the US. We are looking for an election professional comfortable using insight and consultative selling techniques to create interest that offers unique solutions on their operations, which link back to VOTEC’s solutions. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Technical Bid Specialist, Scytl — The Technical Bid Specialist is an essential member of the sales team, supporting business development initiatives as well as providing support to the Marketing department. Based in our Tampa Florida, offices, the Technical Bid Specialist is in charge of managing the coordination, completion and handover of tender proposals for our clients and prospects. This is a key position with a great deal of involvement in the sales process and a decisive influence in the achievement of each deal. To be able to perform this task, the Technical Bid Specialist needs to possess a solid technical background, outstanding writing capabilities and proven experience in pre-sales or consulting endeavors, always facing the client and having to put together complex IT proposals or projects. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.
Marketplace
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