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Election News This Week

Threats to Democracy: Elections officials in Colorado took a united stand against conspiracy theorists and election deniers. In the past two years, conspiracists have targeted Colorado clerks, citing fraud and security issues within Colorado’s election systems. Some of these false claims have ranged from accusations that China hacked Colorado’s voter registration database to reports claiming that Colorado’s voting systems are not properly certified. “Unfortunately, over the last several months, there have been claims from election deniers that purport to prove fraudulent elections in Colorado,” Boulder County Clerk Molly Fitzpatrick said. “These claims are often lengthy, and they’re often full of jargon, and they do not provide proof or data. They consistently demonstrate a lack of understanding of our process.” The officials are challenging deniers and conspiracy theorists to basically put up or shut up. “We have taken the unprecedented step to gather today as each of our county’s chief election officials because we can no longer stand by while a small group of well-funded conspiracy theorists prepare to gather on our Capitol steps to further share their half-truths and lies,” La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee said. The Colorado County Clerk’s Association is hoping to employ a four-point list that aims to prevent future accusations of election fraud. These measures, according to Weld County Clerk Carly Koppes, will include providing ballot images online for free so the public can look at the cast vote record, increasing signature verification audit processes to make them more consistent across the state, and making sure that elections stay properly funded.

News from the EAC: The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has released two resources on the security of election officials. The Personal Security for Election Officials checklist  provides detailed information about how to document threats, protect yourself, and contact law enforcement and the Byrne JAG Memo has critical information for election officials in response to DOJ guidance on law enforcement agencies using federal grant funding to protect election officials. Also this week, the EAC announced the adoption of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) Lifecycle Policy. The policy creates a transparent and predictable path for future updates to the VVSG and brings a new maturity to the process. This is a significant step in the implementation of the VVSG 2.0 and will let the standards evolve with the needs of election officials and future voting system technologies. The four EAC Commissioners unanimously approved the VVSG Lifecycle Policy. The intent of the VVSG Lifecycle Policy is to facilitate a regular review of the VVSG standards, and provide guidance on when and how new versions will be adopted, and older versions will be discontinued and maintained. The policy defines changes that may be made to systems certified to older standards and describes the process for updating the standards as defined in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

New Report: This week, the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Election Reformers Network released a new report on The Dangers of Partisan Incentives for Election Officials. The report explores the new challenges to election administration posed by the polarization and partisanship that currently dominate our politics. From the report: “The growing susceptibility to partisan incentives in election offices undermines the expectation that elections will result in legitimate winners. While, in the past, the individuals administering the elections process operated with relative obscurity, party leaders have targeted them and their offices in the hopes of controlling the voting process. This amplified attention may incentivize extreme partisans to attempt to subvert, undermine, or overturn an election. Acting with political self-interest, partisan officials could use their power to undermine legitimate and fair elections and overturn the will of the people. The threat is no longer theoretical. If Americans intend to maintain a democratic system of government, we must reimagine election administration to reduce or remove partisan incentives and strengthen the firewall between politics and the administration of the voting process.”

This and That: The Arizona Auditor General released a report on election grants found that there was no misuse of funds. Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at getting veterans to vote called “We Are the 22”. Seminole County, Florida Supervisor of Elections Chris Anderson announced a new election security initiative called EVOVLE. Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan announced that the state will double the number of post-election audits it typically conducts after the November 2022 election. The Michigan secretary of state’s office will work closely with Genesee County on the May 3 primary, but will not takeover administration after the county’s elections supervisor was charged with felony ballot tampering in another jurisdiction. The New York State Board of Elections unveiled a new ballot tracking system this week.  In Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney Jim Martin said hundreds of voters likely dropped off more than one ballot in 2021 but his office will not prosecute. Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea this week announced the awarding of more than $500K in election grants to 18 communities to strengthen the cybersecurity of voting systems and improve election processes. Officials in Bexar County, Texas are planning and budgeting for a public awareness campaign to curb the number of mail-in ballot applications that are rejected following the implementation of SB1. The Wisconsin Elections Commission has fined an election denier who was previously convicted of making fraudulent claims to investors more than $2,400 for filing frivolous complaints of alleged voter fraud.

Personnel News: Lisbon, Maine Town Clerk Twila Lycette will retire after 35 years. Audrey Miles is the new deputy superintendent of elections for Atlantic County, New Jersey. Tom Foos has been appointed to the Delaware County, Ohio board of elections. Susan Inman has stepped down from the Pulaski County, Arkansas election commission. Isabelle Butler is the new Ouachita Parish registrar of voters. Janina Surdyka has retired from her role as Chicopee, Massachusetts registrar of voters after almost 35 years. Tamborine Borrelli has filed to run for Washington secretary of state. Berlin, Vermont Town Clerk Rosemary Morse has announced her resignation. Pete McDonald has been appointed interim elections supervisor for Floyd County, Georgia.

Legislative Updates

Federal Legislation: This week, President Joe Biden signed The Postal Service Reform Act into law. The Postal Service Reform Act lifts budget requirements that have contributed to the agency’s red ink, and spells out that mail must be delivered six days a week, except for federal holidays, natural disasters and some other situations. The legislation cleared Congress last month after fully a dozen years of discussion. The new law ends a requirement that the Postal Service finance workers’ health care benefits ahead of time for the next 75 years — an obligation that private companies and federal agencies do not face. Biden said that rule had “stretched the Postal Service’s finances almost to the breaking point.” Dropped from the package as it neared actual legislation were efforts to cut back mail delivery. Also set aside — for now — were other proposals that have been floated over the years to change operations, including to privatize some services. Biden said Wednesday that more needs to be done to reform the Postal Service, including investing in an electrified vehicle fleet that could save money while helping combat climate change.  “Today we enshrine into law our recognition that the Postal Service is fundamental to our economy, to our democracy, to our health and the very sense of who we are as a nation,” Biden said.

Alabama: The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would prohibit the acceptance of private funding for election administration. Critics of the bill say it could also have a chilling effect on grassroots organizations who work alongside elected officials to host voter registration and education events. Members of multiple grassroots organizations and the Secretary of State’s office spoke against the bill during the public hearing before the vote, while a couple of election officials and the Eagle Forum lent support.  Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters Alabama, said language in the bill prohibiting the acceptance of personal services is the problem, saying it creates confusion. Hugh Evans, general counsel of the Secretary of State’s office, also spoke out against the bill. Secretary of State John Merrill had drafted a very similar bill to Allen’s that failed to gain the momentum of HB194.   Evans said the office agrees with stopping the privatization of elections, but shared similar concerns that the language could affect voter registration programs.

The Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee advanced two House bills on voter registration. The first bill would prevent poll watchers from helping someone submit their ballot. Supporters say that’s because watchers represent parties or candidates, and poll workers are impartial. The other legislation will help stop confusion around voter registration. The legislation could come up for a floor vote in the final passage before the week is over.

Georgia: The General Assembly approved a bill that would give the GBI stronger police powers over elections by authorizing the statewide agency to launch investigations into allegations of fraud. The legislation is the latest Republican-led change to election rules in Georgia after the close 2020 presidential election. The bill passed along party lines in both the state House and state Senate. The legislation would authorize the GBI to investigate any potential infractions that could have put the results of an election in doubt. The GBI’s law enforcement authority would overlap with election investigators in the secretary of state’s office, which would also continue to look into election infractions. Election officials have repeatedly recounted, investigated and upheld the results of the 2020 election. Under the legislation, Senate Bill 441, the GBI would be empowered to start election fraud inquiries and subpoena records, supplementing the authority of the secretary of state’s office. The GBI previously found no fraud after it assisted in investigations of absentee ballot signatures, counterfeit ballots and ballot collection. Lawmakers backed off other election proposals, including efforts to unseal paper ballots for public inspection, impose strict ballot handling rules and restrict nonprofit election funding.

Kansas: Kansans who vote by mail would still be allowed a three-day grace period for their ballots to arrive, after Republican state legislators abandoned a proposal requiring ballots to arrive on Election Day. The GOP is still pursuing efforts to restrict the use of ballot drop boxes. Republican lawmakers’ latest plans emerged Friday from negotiations between the House and Senate over proposals to tighten state election laws. While the Senate approved the proposal on ballot drop boxes late Friday, the House did not take it up before lawmakers adjourned early Saturday for their annual, three-week spring break. The GOP-controlled Senate also approved a proposal that would cut the number of drop boxes across the state by more than 40% — with some significant decreases in rural, heavily Republican counties. The GOP-controlled House considered neither measure, and a proposal to end the three-day grace period died in a House committee. The proposal on ballot drop boxes was part of a broader agenda for conservatives that also included passing a proposal to make it easier for parents to challenge classroom and library materials in public schools. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene April 25 to wrap up their business for the year. The vote in the Senate on the ballot drop box measure was 21-17, with some Republicans who represent rural areas joining Democrats in voting against it. Under the measure, 48 of the state’s 105 counties would lose at least one drop box, and statewide, the number would drop by 80, to 111 from the 191 used in the 2020 elections, according to the Kansas secretary of state’s office.

Kentucky: Late last week, the Legislature sent two elections-related bills to Gov. Andy Beshear. One measure adds six days of in-person absentee voting in county clerks’ offices before early voting begins, the secretary of state’s office said. It clarifies that early voting locations must be open for eight hours, including the Saturday before the election. It puts into state law an existing policy of not connecting voting machines to the internet, making such violations a felony. And the measure expands the definition of “election worker” for purposes of protection from intimidation. The other measure moves up the full statewide transition to paper ballots to the start of 2024, in time for the next presidential election. Last year’s election law required counties to move to paper ballots the next time their election machines needed upgrading. The new bill sets a definite time to make the transition, the secretary of state’s office said. The two-year budget passed by lawmakers provides $12.5 million each year to help counties offset the costs of purchasing the new machines. The bill also calls for voting machines to be put under video surveillance when not in operation and it doubles the number of counties subjected to post-election audits. A minimum of 12 counties will be audited if the measure becomes law, compared to six in prior election years. The counties are randomly drawn by the attorney general’s office, which conducts the audit.

Maine: Gov. Janet Mills has signed legislation into law that will clarify the chain of custody of ballots and voting machines in Maine, while also preventing any unauthorized people from gaining access.

The Legislature has approved a bill that will strengthen protections in the law for election workers and volunteers. State Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, who introduced the bill, said in addition to making interfering with an election worker a Class D misdemeanor, the bill would add a reporting procedure to document threats. White added that the bill is aimed at not only protecting workers, but protecting democracy and free and fair elections. He noted that if there aren’t enough workers and volunteers, polling places become disorganized and lines can get long. “We really want to provide adequate protections, so that all of us have that right to cast our ballot on Election Day,” he said. “We want the process to go smooth, and are thankful for all the workers out there, too.”

Michigan: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed a pair of bills that would have required hundreds of thousands of voters to take steps to stay registered. The Secretary of State’s Office initially worked with lawmakers to develop the bills following a 2019 report from the state’s auditor that recommended improvements to Michigan’s voter list maintenance. But Republican lawmakers made changes to the legislation the Secretary of State’s Office said would add unnecessary costs and open the door to errors.  The GOP bills passed on a party-line vote in the state Senate while only a handful of Democrats supported the legislation in the state House.  The elections bills aimed at cleaning up Michigan’s voter rolls targeted voters with unknown birth dates and those who haven’t cast a ballot  in decades. The bills would have required those voters to complete a form mailed out by election officials, undergo signature verification and provide identifying information to ensure they could vote in future elections. Whitmer wrote in her veto letter that the bills “do not advance the goal of improving Michigan elections” and said “they would burden clerks and voters while increasing costs to Michigan residents.”

Mississippi: Gov. Tate Reeves signed House Bill 1365  and it will become law July 1. It says state or local officials who conduct elections cannot solicit or accept donations from any private group for “voter education, voter outreach or voter registration programs.” Reeves said in a video posted to Facebook on Monday that he was “deeply disturbed by big tech’s attempt to influence the 2020 elections.” “Whether it was their attempt to silence conservative voices or suppress information they don’t agree with, California’s technology elites will stop at nothing to push their woke ideology on the American people,” Reeves said. “Our elections cannot be left up to billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, especially when groups like Facebook systematically silence conservative voices on their platforms.”

The Legislature has passed a bill that changes how naturalized citizens can register to vote in Mississippi. Both chambers recently passed House Bill 1510, which allows Mississippi’s election management system to cross-reference voter registration information with state driver’s license systems at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to see if a noncitizen is registering to vote. According to the legislation, if a person is flagged by the state system as potentially being a non-U.S. citizen, that person’s name will be checked with the federal immigration database. If both the federal and state database flag the person who registered to vote as a noncitizen, county clerks will notify that person that have 30 days to submit proof of U.S. citizenship. If a person fails to submit proof by that deadline, their voter registration status will be marked as “pending” for the next federal election. If a pending voter does not submit citizenship proof within the 30-day time frame and still attempts to vote, they will be forced to cast an affidavit ballot during the election. The flagged voter then has a five days to present citizenship information to their county clerk’s office for the affidavit vote to count.

Missouri: Missouri’s Republican-led House advanced a rival constitutional amendment to block a push for open primaries and ranked-choice voting. Lawmakers gave their ballot measure initial approval in a voice vote. Another vote is needed to send the proposal to the GOP-led Senate, which is moving at a glacial pace this year amid Republican infighting. If passed by both chambers, the measure would go before voters for final consideration. The legislative proposal is in direct opposition to another group’s effort to radically change how Missouri handles elections for statewide candidates, lawmakers and U.S. Congress. The bipartisan Better Elections campaign has proposed a constitutional amendment that would give voters the option to pick from both Republicans and Democrats during primaries. Currently, voters can either choose to nominate one candidate from a pool of either all Republicans or all Democrats. In the general election, voters then could vote for either their No. 1 choice or rank their picks from a pool of the four highest-vote-getting candidates from the primary.

New Hampshire: By a 13-11 vote, the Senate has approved Senate Bill 418. The bill would void ballots of voters who don’t prove domicile. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 418 would create a new kind of ballot called an “affidavit ballot,” requiring voters to mail in a copy of the missing documentation within 10 days of an election in order for their vote to count in the final tally. Right now, to vote without an ID you must sign a legally binding document to verify your identity, a provision used by around 6,000 people in the 2016 election that this bill would eliminate. The version of the bill the Senate passed is pared back from the original, which would have impacted same-day voter registration. The version that passed the Senate would affect only people who come to vote without an ID.

Last week, the Senate approved Senate Bill 418. Under Senate Bill 418, the ballots would be held aside after the election and affidavit voters would have to provide proof of their domicile in New Hampshire for their vote to count.  If proof is not provided within 10 days, the ballot gets tossed and the vote subtracted from the totals in the election. Senate Bill 418 is now in the House, but Gov. Chris Sununu, R-NH, indicated that he’s skeptical of the changes the legislation would make. “The problem I have, generally, with provisional ballots is that you may not get a result for days after the election, and that’s a problem,” Sununu said. “New Hampshire has always had a great system where you get the results that night, our system works, it has integrity.”

Tennessee: A new bill making its way through the Senate could help more students get to the polls. The bill would require schools to let their students know they are eligible to vote when they turn 18 years old. Additionally, Senate Bill 2064 will require schools to provide information about how to register to vote, including the date and time of the supplemental voter registration conducted at the student’s high school. If passed, the bill will allow students to use their school ID to verify their identity at the polls. Also, it gets rid of the requirement of a person casting their ballot in person when they vote for the first time.

Legal Updates

Arizona:  The Arizona Supreme Court won’t quash the method of voting used by nearly 90% of state residents, at least not now. In a brief order the justices rejected a bid by the Arizona Republican Party to get the justices to declare that early voting is unconstitutional. They rejected arguments by attorneys for the party that the issue is strictly legal and ripe for them to decide. But the order, signed by Chief Justice Robert Brutinel, does not end the matter. He said the challengers are free to refile the case in Maricopa County Superior Court where they can provide some factual basis for their allegations. Only after there is a decision at the trial court — and the judge there makes some findings — would it be appropriate for the high court to review the issue. Central to the fight is the contention by attorney Alexander Kolodin that the only form of voting specifically authorized by the framers of the state constitution is in person, and on Election Day. What that means, he said, is anything else — including the current system of no-excuse early ballots created by the legislature in 1991 — is illegal.

At least two federal lawsuits have already been filed challenging voter registration requirements signed into law Wednesday by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. The Republican-backed legislation seeks to expand U.S. citizenship voting requirements in the state, but critics warn it violates federal law and will jeopardize the voter registrations of thousands of Arizona residents. The first lawsuit from Mi Familia Vota, a local voter outreach organization, was filed less than 24 hours after the governor signed House Bill 2492. The bill “severely burdens the right to vote and, in many cases, will deny that right entirely, disenfranchising eligible, lawful voters in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments,” attorney Roy Herrera wrote. A separate lawsuit filed by Campaign Legal Center on behalf of several Arizona advocacy groups, including Living United for Change in Arizona and the Arizona Students’ Association, makes similar claims that the bill targets Arizonans based on which type of registration form they used to register to vote. “The anti-voter policies in HB 2492, signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey, create new barriers to Arizonans’ freedom to vote and violate long-standing federal law,” said Trevor Potter, founder and president of Campaign Legal Center.

Arkansas: The Arkansas Supreme Court has stayed a judge’s ruling that struck down four new voting laws as unconstitutional. Justices granted the emergency stay Friday requested by Republican Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.  It puts on hold a Pulaski County judge’s injunction against the restrictions the GOP-led Legislature passed last year.  The new measures include changing the state’s voter ID law to allow those without photo identification to vote if they sign an affidavit. The high court’s one-page order didn’t elaborate on the reason for staying the lower court judge’s decision.

Florida: U.S. District Judge Mark Walker struck down portions of a Florida election law passed last year, saying in a ruling Thursday that the Republican-led government was using subtle tactics to suppress Black voters.  The law tightened rules on mailed ballots, drop boxes and other popular election methods — changes that made it more difficult for Black voters who, overall, have more socioeconomic disadvantages than white voters, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker wrote in his ruling.  “For the past 20 years, the majority in the Florida Legislature has attacked the voting rights of its Black constituents,” Walker wrote. Given that history, he said, some future election law changes should be subject to court approval. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who made the election bill a priority, said the state will appeal Walker’s decision and win. “In front of certain district judges, we know we will lose no matter what because they are not going to follow the law,” DeSantis said at a news conference in West Palm Beach. He did not say specifically why he believes the ruling is incorrect.  Upon appeal, the case would go to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, which is seen as being more conservative.

Louisiana: A three judge panel from Louisiana’s 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit that Attorney General Jeff Landry filed against a nonprofit organization that tried to help parish clerks and registrars pay for tents, signage, water and other basic supplies they needed for the 2020 presidential election. The appeals court reversed and remanded the St. Martin Parish 16th Judicial District Court’s ruling in the case Louisiana v. Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL). The lower court, which dismissed Landry’s claim that state law prohibits parish registrars and clerks of court from accepting donations from private organizations to pay for election-related expenses, will have to rehear the case. The appeals panel found that the lower court erred when it defined parish registrars of voters and clerks of court as parish officials with the constitutional authority of political subdivisions to “acquire property for any public purpose by purchase, donation, expropriation, exchange, or otherwise” as detailed in the Louisiana Constitution.  Rather, the appeals panel stated, clerks of court and parish registrars are state officials who operate within a limited geographical jurisdiction. Thus, as state officials, they may not acquire property or funding in the same manner as would a local or parish government. The appeals court noted that seven similar federal lawsuits against CTCL filed in other states have all been dismissed, but the donations at issue in those cases “were offered to and accepted by the counties or cities holding the elections rather than by election officials such as registrars of voters and clerks of court.”

Massachusetts: The state’s Appeals Court held hearings on the appeal of the city’s 2019 Ward 6 election, where current Ward 6 Councilor Megan Riccardi beat out candidate Jerry Ryan by a single vote. A Superior Court trial that concluded in January 2020 upheld the election results and subsequent recount, and focused on a series of individual challenges that each had the potential to tip the race’s outcome by a single vote, either doubling the margin of victory or eliminating it. That included three absentee ballots the city accepted that Manning argues it shouldn’t have, ballots that were rejected but Manning argues should’ve been reviewed by the court, and a single last-minute voter who lacked proof of residency and was therefore denied access to a ballot. Ultimately, the trial ended in the city’s favor and Riccardi was sworn in days later. Ryan appealed the case to the Appeals Court, however, and the process slowly played out as Riccardi finished the term and won a new term last November to continue serving Ward 6. “Does that mean the challenges to the individual voters are moot?” asked Associate Judge Gabrielle Wolohojian. “If the contest itself is moot… which I think it has to be because the term is over, then whether the three people should’ve been counted, couldn’t have… that seems to me to all be moot.” The issues remain alive, Manning argued, because the city’s elections office made errors in 2019 that could be repeated going forward.

Montana: Yellowstone County District Judge Michael Moses has issued an injunction, temporarily blocking four recently passed election laws which would have, according to plaintiffs, made it more difficult to vote for students, Native Americans and other groups. In his 58-page ruling, Moses wrote that the plaintiffs had effectively made the case that the four laws may be unconstitutional. The ruling comes from a consolidation of different cases in which a number of groups, including the Montana Democratic Party, Western Native Voice, a few Native American tribes and Montana Youth Action filed lawsuits to overturn four recently passed state laws: HB 506, SB 169, HB 176, and HB 530. Lawmakers said the four laws were intended to combat voter fraud and “ensure voter integrity.” Perhaps the most impactful law, HB 176, would have ended same-day voter registration in the state, which has been in place since 2005, and has been used by thousands of voters in each election since. The new law would have pushed the deadline to register to vote back to noon on the day before Election Day. In his ruling, Moses said the plaintiffs had made a reasonably strong case that “HB 176 unconstitutionally burdens the right to vote because HB 176 eliminates an important voting option for Native Americans and will make it harder, if not impossible, for some Montanans to vote.”

New York: The State Board of Elections has settled a lawsuit with voters with disabilities. Under the new terms, the state board has until June 1 to create an electronic voting method that will allow voters with disabilities that make reading or writing text difficult, such as blindness or paralysis, to print out ballots online and mail them back. “Through this agreement, the New York State Board of Elections has made it easier for people with print disabilities to vote with greater privacy and independence,” said Timothy A. Clune, executive director of Disability Rights New York, in a statement. The original complaint, filed in May 2020, said voters with disabilities who did not want to vote in person out of fear of contracting Covid-19 were being excluded from absentee voting because they were unable to independently fill out paper ballots. Once the new system is in place, voters with disabilities will be able to request ballots from their local election boards up to 15 days before any election. These ballots will come with postage-paid return envelopes and “oath envelopes” that will feature raised markers indicating where voters with visual impairments can sign their names, though the board will accept signatures written anywhere on the envelopes. The new system will also allow voters with disabilities to mark their ballots electronically with the help of computer software that describes text and images in sound. Marked ballots can then be printed and mailed. The settlement requires the board to pay $400,000 in lawyer fees to those who sued.

North Carolina:  The N.C. Court of Appeals has issued a temporary stay in a case dealing with felon voting in North Carolina. The stay blocks any felons from registering to vote until appeals in the case are resolved. “The motion [for a] temporary stay is allowed,” according to an Appeals Court order. “The ‘Final Judgment and Order’ entered by a divided three-judge panel of Wake County Superior Court on 28 March 2022 is hereby stayed pending this Court’s ruling on the petition for writ of supersedeas.” A writ of superseadas blocks a lower court order from taking effect until appeals are resolved. “The North Carolina State Board of Elections shall not order the denial of felon voter registration applications received pursuant to the ‘Final Judgment and Order’ but shall order such applications to be held and not acted on until further order of this Court,” the Appeals Court order continued. Action from the Appeals Court might not represent the final word in the dispute. On Monday plaintiffs in the case titled Community Success Initiative v. Moore asked the state Supreme Court to take the case. If the state’s highest court steps in, it could overrule the Appeals Court’s action. The ruling could affect 56,000 felons who have completed active prison time. That includes felons on probation, parole, or post-release supervision.

Pennsylvania: After more than 300 people in Pennsylvania 116th district received their mail-in ballots late, Luzerne County Judge Lesa Gelb says the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections must count the late mail-in votes. However, they needed to be postmarked on or before 4:00 p.m. Monday. Gelb described the latest mail ballot issue as a ‘glitch.’ Gelb ordered the Bureau of Elections to accept any of the affected ballots that are postmarked on or before Monday, April 4, and received by the bureau by 4:00 p.m. on April 11. Denise Williams, the Chair of the Luzerne County Board of Elections is satisfied with her decision. “Those voters were impacted and it would be important not to disenfranchise anything that’s not their fault at all,” said Denise Williams, Chair, Luzerne County Board of Elections & Registration. It was just last Thursday that 305 voters were sent their mail-in or absentee ballot for Tuesday’s special elections for the 116th state house district. Leaving virtually no time to send them back.

Tennessee: The Shelby County Election Commission is being sued by three Memphis groups that say the commission’s early voting plan for the upcoming county primary will disenfranchise minority voters. The Shelby County primary is May 3. Early voting starts in less than two weeks on April 13. And on the first two days of early voting only one location will be open and the plaintiffs say that’s just wrong. “There’s really no logical reason all precincts can’t be open every day of early voting,” Memphis NAACP President Van Turner told Action News 5. Turner says his organization joined UpTheVote901 and the Black Clergy Collaborative in filing a lawsuit against the Shelby County Election Commission on Thursday, March 31, because only one early voting location will be open the first two days of early voting April 13 and 14. That location is the downtown Election Commission office at 157 Poplar. The suit also accuses the Election Commission of violating the state constitution, the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Tennessee Open Meetings Act for holding what the lawsuit calls “secret meetings.”

Opinions This Week

National Opinions: Private donations | Post-election audits | Trust in elections | Voter fraud | Voting restrictions | Ballot trafficking | Ballot counting

Alaska: Election officials | Ranked choice voting, II

Arizona: Election legislation | Early voting | 2020 election

California: San Luis Obispo County | Contra Costa County | Ranked choice voting

Florida: Election lawsuit, II

Georgia: Election integrity

Illinois: DuPage County

Massachusetts: Election Day registration

Michigan: Election integrity

Montana: Voter confidence | Election integrity

Nevada: Election changes

New Hampshire: 2024 election

New Jersey: Same day registration

North Carolina: Ex-felon voting rights

Oklahoma: Election security

Pennsylvania: Voting Rights Act

Vermont: Secretary of state

Wisconsin: 2020 election

Upcoming Events

Field Hearing: Voting in America: Access to the Ballot In New Mexico: The Subcommittee on Elections of the Committee on House Administration will hold a hearing at the New Mexico State Capitol. The proceeding will be livestreamed. When: April 11, 10am Pacific. Where: Online.

Universal Voting: Twenty-six coun­tries require parti­cip­a­tion in their elec­tions. In 100% Demo­cracy: The Case for Univer­sal Voting, co-authors E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapo­port argue that the United States should follow in their foot­steps. After all, Amer­ic­ans are required to pay taxes and serve on juries. Join us for a conver­sa­tion with the authors and New York City Coun­cil member Alexa Avilés about univer­sal voting and how to imple­ment it. When: April 12 6pm Eastern. Where: Online.

100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting:  It is time for voting rights and democracy advocates to move away from defense and blaze a path toward universal participation in our experiment in self-government. In “100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting,” Brookings Senior Fellow EJ Dionne, Jr. and former Connecticut Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport argue that requiring everyone to participate in our elections should be a cornerstone of our democratic system. It would be the surest way to protect against voter suppression and the active disenfranchisement of a large share of our citizens. It would also create a system true to the aspirations written in the Declaration of Independence, by calling for a government based on the consent of all the governed. On April 14, Janai Nelson of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund will moderate a conversation with Dionne and Rapoport to discuss key takeaways from “100% Democracy,” universal voting, and the transformative steps lawmakers can take to increase turnout and make our elections truly representative. When: April 14, 10am Eastern. Where: Online.

Best Practices for Election Audits: Properly administered election audits are one of the most important tools states can use to improve voter confidence and election security. In 2020, however, state legislatures in multiple states used audits for the opposite goal of undermining the public’s faith in elections and the electoral results themselves. Join us on April 14, as representatives from the Brennan Center for Justice and the R Street Institute discuss the audits that followed the last election cycle and explore options to strengthen oversight of our elections going forward. This virtual panel discussion is hosted by Wayne Law’s Voting Rights and Election Law Society and the Levin Center at Wayne Law. When: April 14, 12:15pm Eastern. Where: Online.

2022 EAC Standards Board Annual Meeting: The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Standards Board will hold their 2022 Annual Meeting primarily to discuss next steps regarding the VVSG 2.0 Requirements and implementation, the status of the EAC’s e-poll book pilot program, and supply chain issues affecting the 2022 midterm elections. This meeting will include a question-and-answer discussion between board members and EAC staff. Board members will also review FACA Board membership guidelines and policies with EAC Acting General Counsel and receive a general update about the EAC programming. The Board will also elect two new members to the Executive Board Committee. When: April 14, 1:30pm Eastern. Where: Online.

Beyond Winner-Take-All: Possibilities for Proportional Voting in the United States: At a time when many are rightly concerned about the health of American democracy, scholars and reformers are evaluating proposals to make democracy more functional and representative. One such proposal is to move beyond the winner-take-all electoral system used at the federal and state levels in the United States to enable adoption of proportional voting systems. What would be the impact of proportional voting in the United States, and what will it take to enact it?  Join panelists Rob Richie, President and CEO of FairVote, Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Community Engagement Consultant and Former Utah State Legislator, and Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University in discussion. Archon Fung, Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government at Harvard Kennedy School, Director of the Ash Center’s Democratic Governance Programs, will moderate. When: April 19, 4pm Eastern. Where: Online.

Election Accuracy: Going on the Offensive: Local and state election officials in the United States — who run the most accurate and secure voting process in the world — are finding that facts are not a sufficient defense of their election outcomes. Despite the rigorous steps that protect voter registration, ballot distribution, election systems and vote counting, conspiracy theories are undermining the public’s trust in this most basic act of a democracy. To combat this problem, experts from around the nation analyze the problem to provide actionable steps so election administrators can go on the offense to manage communications before, during and after an election. Hosted by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. 9am to 12:30pm Central. Where: Online. When: April 22.

IGO Annual Conference: Join the International Association of Government Officials for their 5th Annual Conference this summer. Check back here for more details and how to register. When: June 17-24. Where: Indian Wells, California.

NASS Summer Conference: Join the National Association of Secretaries of State for their Annual Conference this summer. Check back here for more details and how to register. When: July 7-10. Where: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

NASED Summer Conference: Twice a year, NASED members gather to discuss the latest developments in election administration.  Members of the public are welcome to attend at the non-member registration rate. When: July 18-21. Where: Madison, Wisconsin.

Election Center Annual Conference: Join the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center) for their 37th Annual Conference this summer.  When: August 20-24. Where: Denver.

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.

Associate Director, Elections & Voting, Democracy Fund— Democracy Fund champions leaders and organizations that defend democracy and challenge our political system to be more open and just. We believe that experimentation, learning, and adaptation are key to the health and resilience of any system, whether it is our organization or the American political system. As grantmakers, we focus on listening and serving our grantees, who are visionaries and our collaborators. Voting is the single most significant way Americans exercise political power. The Elections & Voting Program works to ensure that all Americans, especially those who have been historically underrepresented at the polls, have the opportunity to fully participate in the democratic process and freely vote for the candidates and issues representing their communities. The Associate Director will help lead and strengthen the Elections & Voting Program’s work to create a more equitable and accessible election system and empower communities to defend voting rights when they are threatened. The Associate Director will also help coordinate this work with Democracy Fund’s other programs, with other foundations, and with election field leaders and organizations. Reporting to the Elections & Voting Program Director, the Associate Director will help manage a growing team of staff and projects across the program, with a particular focus on strengthening our grantmaking processes, internal communications, and team operations. The successful candidate will be a systems thinker and builder who can drive impact while cultivating the internal organization needed to achieve our goals. We are looking for a connector with a demonstrated track record of managing people and creating opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration. This role will work with the Program Director and Elections & Voting team members to develop the next phase of our strategies, support learning and team growth, and contribute to shaping Democracy Fund’s strategy and position in the field. This position also supports the work of Democracy Fund Voice, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Salary: Range begins at $149,040. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Chief Fiscal Officer, Illinois State Board of Elections— Under the general supervision of the Director of Administrative Services formulates, interprets, controls and administers policies regarding all Fiscal Programs. Provides fiscal oversight and monitors to ensure adherence to applicable laws, rules, regulations, contracts and financial reporting guidelines. Serves as spokesperson on matters associated with fiscal programs and has authority to bind the agency to a specific course of action. Coordinates and supervises the financial and fiscal operations for the Board. Recommends and implements changes in accounting policy and procedures. Responsible for the preparations of monthly financial statements; annual GAAP packages; monthly reconciliations; ensuring compliance with statute, policies, and other applicable rules and regulations; and maintaining records of the same for audit purposes. Compiles, analyzes and presents annual Agency budget submissions for operational and non-operational activities of the Board. Coordinates with Division Directors and Accounting Manager in data gathering, budget preparation and submission to GOMB and legislative appropriation staff. Evaluates budgetary needs with programmatic and operational initiatives of the Board and makes recommendations to Executive Staff. Monitors and adjusts budgetary resources to facilitate the Board’s needs. Represents the agency at legislative hearings or other meetings regarding budgetary or fiscal matters. Serves as the Agency Purchasing Officer in procurement matters involving the Board. In conjunction with Accounting Manager, reviews purchase and procurement requests for reasonableness and budgetary feasibility, monitors contracts and obligations prepared to verify compliance with State procurement rules and mandates, and approves contracts on behalf of the Executive Director and Board. Salary: $7,084 – $9,167. Monthly. Deadline: April 15. Application: For the complete job list and to apply, click here.

Communications Specialist, The U.S. Election Assistance Commission— The employee and supervisor collaborate to develop the approach, timelines and general framework for projects and, within these parameters, the employee independently plans and carries out the work involved in developing, maintaining, and managing media communication, coordinating with others as appropriate, interpreting and applying policy, determining the content and format for media communication, and consulting with the supervisor on questionable content or issues. The Director of Communications assigns special projects and assignments, defining the nature of the assignment, objectives to be achieved, and resources available. The employee independently resolves most problems that arise, keeping the Director informed on unusual, sensitive or controversial matters. Completed work is reviewed for achievement of objectives and consistency with governing laws, regulations, policies, and the EAC strategic plan. Salary: $74,950 – $95,824. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Deputy Director, Registration & Elections, Decatur County, Georgia— The purpose of this classification is to assist in the planning, directing, and oversight of operations and staff involved in voter registration and elections processes for the County, conducting elections, and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal election and voter registration laws, rules, and regulations. Salary: $74,961 – $116,190. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Development and Communications Specialist, Election Reformers— This part-time specialist, reporting to the Executive Director based in Newton, MA, will help us guide our messaging about complicated (but important) reforms, draft communications, and develop ERN’s member strategy to support engagement and fundraising. The specialist will assist in development and communications. Key responsibilities will include: Helping to define the organization’s communications strategy and to guide regular content and messaging updates; Drafting external communications, email newsletters, website updates, background outreach to journalists, and occasional press releases; Providing input on overall social media strategy and on specific messages; Developing ERN’s member strategy to support engagement and fundraising; Participating in discussions regarding strategy and overall organizational planning; Providing input on ERN reports, op-eds and other publications. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Director of Elections, Cumberland County, North Carolina— The Elections Director works under the administrative direction of the County Board of Elections and Executive Director of the State Board of Election. The Elections Director performs professional, managerial, and administrative work for the Board of Elections and carries out all duties or responsibilities as assigned by Chapter 163 of the General Statutes of the State of North Carolina and as delegated by members of the County Board in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, GS 163-35 (d) and 163-33.  Reports to the Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Elections. Salary: $78,784.40 – $132,425.23. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Director of Elections/General Registrar, Virginia Beach, Virginia— The Virginia Beach Electoral Board is currently seeking a progressive leader with a demonstrated history of collaboration, negotiation and communication amongst diverse stakeholder groups.  The successful candidate will think strategically and be able to navigate dynamic political environments, facilitating compromise and cooperation when needed.  Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Plan and direct the operations and activities of the voter registration office; Provide leadership and supervision to paid staff and volunteers on all election procedures; Develop plans to encourage the registration of eligible voters; Oversee the registration process including eligibility determination and denial notification process in accordance with State Board of Election Guidelines; Manage the departmental budget; Plan and provide oversight of educational programs; Oversee maintenance of all official records; Ensure adequate space(s) to facilitate voting process; Ensure election equipment is maintained and readily accessible to voters; Assist with ballot design’ Carry out provisions enumerated in §24.2-114, Code of Virginia, and ensure compliance with the entirety of Title 24.2.; and Communicate election requirements, processes, and results to election observers and stakeholders, including the press. Salary: $136,982. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Expert, The Elections Group— The Elections Group is seeking to grow its team of election professionals. You will work closely in supporting state and local election officials as they enhance or implement new programs and adapt procedures as necessary in a dynamic operating environment. Our team of election experts works quickly to provide guidance, resources and direct support in all areas of election administration, including security, audits, communications and operational support. This is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative and professional group of team members who are passionate about elections and serving the people who run them at every level of government. Our work model includes remote work with some travel required and competitive compensation. We will be hiring full, part-time and contract positions over the next several months. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Security Intelligence Analyst, Illinois State Board of Elections— Under administrative direction, serves as a team member identifying computer system vulnerabilities in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Elections and Department of Innovation and Technology for local election authorities and other state election partners. Identifies vulnerabilities and provides technical analysis and remediation recommendations for those affected computer systems, including forensic analysis for investigations, monitoring and reporting. Provides technical support to the Cyber Security Information Sharing Program Manager and Cyber Navigator Program Manager of the Illinois State Board of Elections Cyber Navigator Program in coordination with the Department of Innovation and Technology Security Operations Center.  Develops and recommends measures to safeguard systems before and after they are compromised.  Conducts monthly Tech Talks on election security and relevant cyber threats for local election authorities and their IT and security staff.  Develop annual cyber security training for local election authorities. Develops publications, guides, and other election security related resources for statewide distribution. Participates in the development of incident response plans, continuity of operation plans, and tabletop exercise training.  Serves on-call for emergency situations and Election Day.  Travel to attend training sessions, conferences, meetings, etc. is required. Serves as a team member identifying computer system vulnerabilities; reviews existing computer systems of local election authorities monitored by DoIT for security violations.  Document incidents as appropriate.  Perform analysis of systems for any weaknesses, technical flaws or vulnerabilities.  Identifies vulnerabilities and provides remediation recommendations for those affected computer systems, including forensic analysis for investigations, monitoring and reporting. Coordinates with regionally assigned cyber navigators to assist local election authorities information technology staff/vendor mitigate incidents or provide technical support. Monitors network traffic by utilizing intrusion detection devices and other technologies. Monitors activities such as automated notification of security breaches and automated or manual examination of logs, controls, procedures, and data.  Salary: $5,667 – $6,000 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Specialist Lead, Thurston County, Washington — As a Lead Election Specialist, you will assist in the preparation and operation of County elections by coordinating or assisting with all ballot processing, hiring and training of extra help workers, and coordinating voter registration and education programs. There will be significant public contact, requiring effective communication and professional services to customers. Other responsibilities in this role would include, but are not limited to, the following: Assist the Division Manager in supervising and providing direction and training to assigned staff and employees. Assist with the review and approval of leave requests for extra help employees and monitors workloads and task distribution providing feed back to the Division Manager. In charge of communication with all districts and candidates to ensure all elected and appointed officials have taken their oath of office and that the oath of office is on file. Coordinate with other county departments for the set up and running of extra large voting center in high volume elections, ensuring that all statutory laws are being followed. Process and provide public record requests for voter data and election data. Communicate with customers in person, by phone, and through written correspondence to provide information regarding voter registration, election dates, ballots, laws, and procedures. Implement changes required by federal and state law within areas of responsibility and documents changes in policies and procedures. Salary: $3,819 – $5,079 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Supervisor, Pinal County, Arizona — As an Elections Supervisor in Pinal County Arizona you will be an important part of a team that is committed to a singular goal: Administering Free, Fair and Secure Elections. This position requires someone that can exercise initiative, independent judgment and decision making in accordance with Pinal County policies as well as State and Federal Election laws. You will work with the Elections Director to manage full time staff as well as hire and train Elections poll workers. You must be highly ethical, organized and committed. Come work for Pinal County Elections where YOU can make a difference. Salary: $49,647 – $76,953. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections Manager, Washington County, Oregon— The Elections Manager is responsible for preparing and executing all elections within Washington County, the second largest county in Oregon. The Elections Manager will work with a staff of nine (9) and an annual budget of $3 million to serve approximately 400,000 registered voters. They will provide management and oversight to multiple activities, including overlapping elections; hiring and leading supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff; as well as, managing personnel issues such as discipline, staffing and recruitment. Salary: $100,348.20 – $128,019.96. Deadline: April 24. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Executive Director, Elections, The Pew Charitable Trusts— The Executive Director will guide the efforts of several interested philanthropic funders, which aim to advance evidence-based and nonpartisan solutions that improve the access to, integrity of, and trustworthiness of the U.S. election administration system. This position will lead a team of 3-4 staff to drive transformative investments, and will be accountable for developing investment recommendations, allocating resources to sourcing and due diligence, supporting fundraising, and providing leadership to drive progress and performance. The ideal candidate will have significant and distinguished work experience relevant to election administration and U.S. democracy, managing senior-level professional staff, and working with executive leadership, boards, or donors. This senior role requires a proven track record of leadership and accomplishment in designing and implementing programs aimed at solving complex and dynamic problems. The individual in this role must understand best, promising, and emerging practices and innovations in the field of election administration, and have well-honed political, strategic and analytical skills. The Executive Director must be flexible and results-oriented, with exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, and experience translating concepts into action, with a proven record of success in developing and implementing innovative strategies and solutions with the engagement of a broad set of stakeholders. This position will report to the Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer. The position has a set time frame that could be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Executive Director, National Association of State Election Officials— The Election Center Board of Directors is inviting highly qualified professionals to apply for the Executive Director position. Tim Mattice, who has successfully served the Election Center for 16 years, is retiring in December 2022. The Election Center Board of Directors invites you to apply to be the next Executive Director for the Election Center – The National Association of Election Officials. The new Executive Director will be the leader of the oldest and most respected organization formed exclusively for election and voter registration officials. This is an opportunity to lead the organization into the future focusing on the strategic plan, providing service and education to members, and helping to preserve democracy. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Executive Director, U.S. Election Assistance Commission— The Executive Director has overall Commission-wide responsibility for implementing, through its operating divisions and offices, the management and administrative policies and decisions of the Commissioners. The Executive Director serves as a key management advisor to the Commissioners. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the agency meets its mission defined in HAVA. The Executive Director’s responsibilities include: Ensuring that EAC administrative activities comply with governing statutes and regulations in support of the effective and efficient accomplishment of EAC’s mission. Understanding HAVA and other election laws, regulations, and legal decisions pertinent to the EAC mission to assist with agency oversight. Maintaining good relationships with the U.S. Congress and the various EAC oversight committees and governing bodies of elections, including, state legislatures, city/county officials, and EAC FACA boards. Ability to establish program/policy goals and the structure and processes necessary to implement the organization’s strategic vision and mission, to ensure that programs and policies are being implemented and adjusted as necessary, that the appropriate results are being achieved, and that a process for continually assessing the quality of the program activities is in place. Providing periodic assessment of the administrative efficiency and managerial effectiveness of the EAC through strategic planning including: program reviews, reviews of programmatic goals and outcomes, and resource utilization in achieving results. Consulting with and advising Divisions and Offices on general management and operating practices affecting their substantive program areas. Developing solutions to potential and existing barriers that may limit or impede goal achievement. Planning, assigning, and appraising work products to assure high levels of performance. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Grant and Contract Specialist, Washington Secretary of State’s Office— This position will report to the deputy director of elections and is responsible for assisting the deputy in the management of administering federal grant funds, including Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant funds.  It also plays a key role in the elections division by performing research analysis and managing retention of grant records with regard to HAVA grants. This position belongs to the “HAVA Elections Security Grant” project and is tentatively scheduled to last through 12/20/2024. Tasks include: Makes recommendations based on analysis of funding needs for grant applications; Establishes grant guidelines; Issues notice of grant openings; Processes grant payments. Reviews and determines eligibility against grant application criteria; Establishes program income codes in a manner that will track required reporting requirements; Reviews draft contracts and contract amendments for completeness and compliance with procedures; Applies consistent interpretation of laws, rules, policies and procedures; Communicates effectively with county departments and staff to facilitate and ensure adherence to policies and procedures; Evaluates budget and fiscal system performance, making adjustments as necessary; Coordinates the establishment of fiscal goals, audits of financial documents and the preparation and maintenance of fiscal reports; Prepares related applications for funding; Develops internal controls to ensure that all known expenses are accounted for; Prepares and develops budgets for the various program income codes; Works with staff responsible for carrying out grant duties to ensure that funding is available, allowable and allocable to the federal grant; Assists counties in applying for grant applications; Provides technical assistance to counties when necessary; Monitors grant progress with each county auditor on each grant; Tracks grant agreements to ensure compliance with scope of work, period of performance and funding levels; Monitors budgets and related fiscal reports to ensure grant audit compliance, adherence to county, state and federal regulations, allowable costs, adequate budgetary constraints/controls maintenance, timely report submission, and compliance with generally accepted accounting practices and procedures; Possesses knowledge with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars, the Help America Vote Act and other laws passed by congress concerning grants management; Develops contractual language for grant agreements; Prepares for Inspector General Audits; Reads and analyzes awarding agency audit findings and make adjustments when necessary; Tracks and analyzes expenditures against budgeted or allotted forecasts and make adjustments when necessary; Review all contracts for adherence with contract terms and conditions; Tracks grant balances and take proper action when grants expire; Complies with proper internal controls in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements; Tracks all equipment purchased with HAVA funds; Prepares and maintains financial report to the federal awarding agency; Prepares and provides status of accounts, both actual and projected, along with analysis and recommendations relative to activity costs and revenues; Coordinates visits by federal and/or State auditors; Monitors activity related to the grant; Reviews processes and procedures to ensure that adequate internal controls are in place; Develops internal controls to protect against fraud, waste and abuse when necessary; Prepares and provides status of grants, both actual and projected, along with analysis and recommendations relative to activity costs and revenues; Processes A-19 reimbursement requests in a timely manner; Works closely with Payroll to ensure that employees charging time to federal grants are in compliance with OMB circulars; Develops a means to track expenditures against appropriate awards. Salary: $3,446 – $4,627 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Impartial Election Administration Legal Consultant, Election Reformers— This short-term position, reporting to the Executive Director based in Newton, MA, will provide legal analysis and advice to advance ERN’s impartial election administration program. The attorney will work with our small but dedicated team to identify and analyze target states and jurisdictions for reform, and will devise strategies to implement new structures and legal guardrails. This role offers a great opportunity to be a part of the solution to the country’s pressing democracy challenges and to pioneer an important but neglected area of election reform. ERN is committed to developing election solutions that can gain support from a wide range of political perspectives; for that reason it is essential that the candidate be open-minded, non-dogmatic, and skilled at understanding and working with a wide range of people and perspectives. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Initiative Internship Program, Arizona Secretary of State’s Office—The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office is offering a paid Initiative Internship Program working with the Elections Division for 6 weeks (June 27 to August 8, 2022), for students who want to learn about election administration and support the initiative review process leading up to the 2022 election. An intern with the Elections Division, will learn about the application of state law through the initiative process. Interns will contribute to the team by assisting with the processing of initiative petitions. There will be in-person as well as remote processing requirements, and an intern must be available for both. Students or recent graduates interested in public service and witnessing democracy in action are encouraged to apply. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Information Technology Security Analyst, Illinois State Board of Elections— The IT Security Analyst reports directly to the Manager of Cyber Operations and Infrastructure. Supports the administration, implementation, review, and improvement of endpoint, network, hardware, application, and data security practices. Implements, supports and monitors the agency’s information security applications, including email security, web security, endpoint security software, firewalls, intrusion prevention applications, data loss prevention, etc. Monitors system dashboards and logs for threat indicators. Analyzes data and performs necessary incident response procedures. Conducts network, system and application vulnerability assessments. Analyzes agency threat surface and makes recommendations to management to harden agency systems. Evaluates agency processes and implements and/or makes recommendations to enhance security. Reviews information received concerning threat events from end users, supervisory personnel, other federal, state, county and local agencies and governmental entities involved in the exchange of data with the State Board of Elections (SBE), external entities such as the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), trusted cybersecurity vendors, law enforcement agencies, and public information sources. Consults with SBE staff on security issues. Provides a high level of customer service to agency staff, state, county, and local election officials. Ensures service desk queues and incidents are handled in an appropriate and timely manner. Salary: $6,264 – $8,917 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Language Access Manager, New York City Campaign Finance Board— The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), a nonpartisan, independent agency that enhances the role of New York City residents in elections, seeks a Language Access Manager to expand the accessibility of its educational resources and materials. This new role will act as the lead project manager for the agency’s translation services and processes, working closely with external vendors and internal staff to increase the agency’s language coverage to include all 10 citywide languages (Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic, Urdu, French, and Polish) as well as additional translations required under the Voting Rights Act (Hindi and Punjabi). Reporting to the Associate Director of Production, this role supports translations for a variety of projects, including the official NYC Voter Guide available online at www.voting.nyc and mailed to 5 million voters citywide. They will also provide critical support for a forthcoming campaign to raise awareness of a new law that gives over 800,000 immigrant New Yorkers the right to vote in local elections starting in 2023. They are expected to supervise at least one full-time staff member and external translation service providers. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong project management skills who wants to help make local government more accessible and responsive to the needs of immigrant communities in New York City. Salary: $65,000 – $85,000.  Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Lead Program Specialist, Elections Certification and Training, Washington Secretary of State’s Office— The certification and training program oversees, directs, and advises County Auditors in interpretations of federal and state election law and the correct administration of voter registration and elections throughout the state.  The certification and training program reviews county practices for adherence to election law and best practices, provides essential tools for election administrators through official communications and training, and acts as liaisons for the Office of the Secretary of State. This position reports to the certification and training program manager and is responsible for overseeing, reviewing and advising county auditors on the federal and state elections laws and the administration of voter registration. Salary: $55,524 – $74,604. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Nonpartisan Elections Observer, The Carter Center— The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to promote human rights, alleviate human suffering, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health conditions. The Center seeks a highly qualified, motivated and energetic consultant to the Center’s US Elections Project. The Democracy Program at The Carter Center works globally to support democratic elections and strengthen participatory democracy, consistent with human rights. Beginning in 2020, The Carter Center began efforts to support good elections in the U.S. There are multiple key aspects to this project, contributing to electoral reform, promoting candidate codes of conduct, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, and establishing nonpartisan observation efforts. The Carter Center plans to advance possible nonpartisan observation efforts in two key states: Arizona and Michigan. These states were selected following state assessments completed on multiple states. Nonpartisan observation efforts implemented and/or supported by The Carter Center will differ from existing partisan poll watchers and election protection groups. The goal of this observation is to provide credible and transparent information on the conduct of election in each state through public reports. The Carter Center is seeking Observation Coordinators to lead efforts in Arizona and Michigan to establish and support nonpartisan observation efforts. Working with Carter Center staff and consultants, the Observer Coordinators will work to meet with new and existing stakeholders to build an observation effort and determine the best possibility for nonpartisan observation in each state. The work will be conducted in two Phases. In Phase I, the Coordinators will focus on partnership and network building. The second phase will focus more deeply on the logistics of observer deployment and project implementation based on the plans and partnerships developed in Phase I. Start date: As soon as possible, with potential travel around the state. Location: Michigan or Arizona. Length of assignment: This project is in two phases. Phase 1 will be for 3 months with possibility of extension into Phase 2 which will last up to 9 months. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Program Coordinator, MIT Election Data & Science Lab— PROGRAM COORDINATOR, Political Science, to coordinate and perform day-to-day operational activities and project planning for the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, a research project that encourages a scientific approach to improving elections in the U.S. The lab’s activities include the conduct of its own research, coordinating the research of others, and fostering a larger community of allied researchers around the country. Will oversee the lab’s budget and reconcile accounts; plan seminar series/workshops; and work as part of a team on a wide range of projects, special initiatives, and events. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and monitoring the lab’s research projects; overseeing budgets related to grants received by the lab; coordinating seminars, conferences, and workshops; remaining aware of the progress of the lab’s projects and helping to problem-solve bottlenecks; representing the lab at special events and committee meetings; preparing correspondence in response to internal/external inquiries; composing, editing, and proofreading lab materials; helping to track progress on lab achievements and communicating them to funders; making vendor and purchasing suggestions/decisions; developing documentation/reporting for stakeholders; developing and maintaining website content; and performing other dues as necessary. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Program Manager, California Voter Foundation— CVF seeks an experienced and accomplished part time program manager who is passionate about voting rights and advocacy, election reform, support for election officials, and nonpartisan expertise. This position will be instrumental in supporting the day to day operations of CVF, managing communications, and supporting important programmatic initiatives. Candidates must be eager to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and be able to balance and prioritize competing demands. This is a remote, part-time position, with the potential to transition to a full-time position, who reports to the president of CVF. Responsibilities: Manage communications and outreach with a network of diverse leaders and stakeholders from all sectors across many time zones; Coordinate projects and research related to election funding, curtailing mis- and disinformation and legal and law enforcement protections for election officials; Support grant writing and research fundraising opportunities; Write news releases, social media posts, meeting agendas, and meeting notes; Respond to emails in a timely and professional manner; Help manage CVF social media accounts: Twitter and Facebook; Schedule meetings and plan webinar events; Attend webinars and monitor election news and events; and Support other CVF projects as needed. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Research Associate, Data Analysis, CEIR— The Research Associate will work under the direction of the Research Director and in collaboration with other colleagues to support CEIR’s research initiatives. These initiatives include matters pertaining to voter registration, voter access, election integrity and security, and election administration policy. As an integral member of the research team, the Research Associate will support CEIR’s mission by developing and conducting surveys and studies, analyzing data, and contributing to research reports and other written materials for CEIR’s diverse audience of election officials, policymakers, the media, and key stakeholders. Primary responsibilities: Collect and clean data, analyze data using statistical software, visualize findings, and develop presentations on results for internal and external audiences; Brief members of the leadership and research teams on research results, including through graphs, charts, and other data visualization tools; Synthesize findings and help draft reports, issue briefs, and other written products for publication; As a member of the research team, help assess where CEIR’s work can have the biggest impact, identify growth opportunities, and develop research proposals; Assist with all research activities, including project design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings; Develop deep expertise on issues relevant to CEIR’s mission, including policies affecting election administration and voter access; Monitor trends, research, and publications in the election space to inform CEIR’s research portfolio; Promote a team culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, quality, collaboration, positivity, and transparency; Maintain effective communication with team members and participate in regular team meetings. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Senior Programmer Analyst, Clark County, Nevada— This position provides project and program leadership to professional and technical staff; performs applications systems design, modification and programming of a routine to complex nature in support of County administrative and business services for multiple computer platform applications. Provides lead direction, training and work review to a programming project team; organized and assigns work, sets priorities, and follows-up and controls project status to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work. Provides input into selection, evaluation, disciplinary and other personnel matters. Gathers and analyzes information regarding customer systems and requirements and develops or modifies automated systems to fulfill these needs. Conducts feasibility studies and develops system, time, equipment and cost requirements. Using computer generated techniques, simulates hardware and software problems, tests and evaluates alternative solutions, and recommends and implements appropriate applications design. Develops program logic and processing steps; codes programs in varied languages. Plans and develops test data to validate new or modified programs; designs input and output forms and documents. Troubleshoots hardware and software problems, as needed, for customers, other agencies and information systems personnel. Writes program documentation and customer procedures and instructions and assists user departments and staff in implementing new or modified programs and applications; tracks and evaluates project and systems progress. Writes utility programs to support and validate adopted systems and programs. Confers with customer department staff regarding assigned functional program areas. Maintains records and prepares periodic and special reports of work performed. Maintains current knowledge of technology and new computer customer applications. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team. Uses standard office equipment in the course of the work; may drive a personal or County motor vehicle or be able to arrange for appropriate transportation in order to travel between various job sites depending upon departments and/or projects assigned. This is an open and continuous recruitment, scheduling dates will vary depending on when the application was received and reviewed by Human Resources. This examination will establish an Open Competitive Eligibility list to fill current and/or future vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months or may be extended as needed by Human Resources. Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified applicants to the selection process. Salary: $32.07 – $49.74 Hourly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Voter Education & Outreach Specialist, Washington Secretary of State’s Office— This position reports to the Voting Information Services Manager of the Elections Division and works collaboratively to provide outreach and educational services. This position leads onsite customer service to candidates during annual peaks, voters’ pamphlet training for internal staff, organization of printed materials for proofing, fulfillment of outreach materials to stakeholders, and coordinates the printing and distribution of the state Voters’ Pamphlet. The passage of new legislation (ESHB 2421) increases the business needs to be met by the Secretary of State’s Office. Each May and June, the office must preview and process candidate’s statements to be printed in local county primary pamphlets as well as the processing necessary July through October for the state general election pamphlet. The Voting Information Services (VIS) team promotes accessible, fair, and accurate elections. Through educational programs and service excellence, we help eligible Washington residents register to vote, file for office, and cast an informed ballot. VIS exercises visionary leadership to publish the state Voters’ Pamphlet. The team provides voters and candidates with essential tools and training, digestible data and auditing reports, outreach programs and publications. VIS also advises County Auditors in interpretations of federal and state election law to uphold the integrity of election administration throughout the state. These objectives are accomplished through official communications, collaboration with stakeholders, and educational publications including the state Voters’ Pamphlet. The VIS program also acts as liaison for the Office of the Secretary of State. Salary: $55,524 – $74,604. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Voter Education & Outreach Specialist, Washington Secretary of State’s Office— This position reports to the Voting Information Services Manager of the Elections Division and works collaboratively to provide outreach and educational services. This position leads onsite customer service to candidates during annual peaks, voters’ pamphlet training for internal staff, organization of printed materials for proofing, fulfillment of outreach materials to stakeholders, and coordinates the printing and distribution of the state Voters’ Pamphlet. The passage of new legislation (ESHB 2421) increases the business needs to be met by the Secretary of State’s Office. Each May and June, the office must preview and process candidate’s statements to be printed in local county primary pamphlets as well as the processing necessary July through October for the state general election pamphlet. The Voting Information Services (VIS) team promotes accessible, fair, and accurate elections. Through educational programs and service excellence, we help eligible Washington residents register to vote, file for office, and cast an informed ballot. VIS exercises visionary leadership to publish the state Voters’ Pamphlet. The team provides voters and candidates with essential tools and training, digestible data and auditing reports, outreach programs and publications. VIS also advises County Auditors in interpretations of federal and state election law to uphold the integrity of election administration throughout the state. These objectives are accomplished through official communications, collaboration with stakeholders, and educational publications including the state Voters’ Pamphlet. The VIS program also acts as liaison for the Office of the Secretary of State. Salary: $55,524 – $74,604. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Voter Services Manager, Charleston County, South Carolina— This is a managerial position that provides supervision in the daily operation and management of the front of the office, in-person absentee voting, and candidate filing.  Supervises both permanent and temporary employees during in-person absentee voting for elections. Responsible for management of each satellite absentee location, as well as hiring/training absentee poll workers. Supervises the daily operations of the In-Person Absentee Voting division and oversees the work production and quantity and quality of work completed.  Supervises election planning and scheduling and develops and implements policies and procedures. Supervises, trains, and evaluates the in-person absentee voting specialists and temporary staff. Performs supervisory responsibility including work assignments, working hours, and training. Evaluates performance of staff. Coordinates Satellite Voting Unit use in municipal, statewide, and special elections. Supervises the selection of in-person absentee voting sites and prepares correspondence sent to each potential location.   Supervises the preparation of supplies and materials for each in-person absentee voting site. Supervises the selection of in-person absentee voting poll workers and off-site managers. Corresponds with in-person absentee voting poll workers. Develops and maintains training materials for in-person absentee voting poll workers. Manages the daily digital imaging of voter applications, boxing, storage, and archiving of in-person absentee voting records in accordance with statutory requirements. Supervises the preparation and execution of daily statistical reports during the in-person absentee voting period.  Tracks statistical data for each election.  Prepares materials responsive to open records requests related to in-person absentee voting. Research and resolve questions, problems, or inquiries from staff, citizens, and stakeholders. Provides oversight for candidate filing, petition management, and any inquiries of potential candidates. Oversees failsafe voting on Election Day at our office. Salary: $48,722 – $66,276 Annually, Deadline: May 1. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

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