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Election News This Week

Drop Box News: Two groups in Yavapai County, Arizona are recruiting volunteers to take two-hour shifts to watch the county’s 19 drop boxes. Gary Restaino, the U.S. Attorney for Arizona, said it’s not clear cut, whether it involves those hanging out at drop boxes or even outside of polling places. “It seems unlikely that taking pictures and video, on its own, is a violation of voting access laws,” he told Capitol Media Services. He said prosecutors would look at other factors.  In California, San Diego County Registrar of Voters Cynthia Paes recently unveiled new, stand-alone drop boxes. There will be 141 drop boxes placed throughout the county.  Three counties in Colorado have partnered to offer ballot drop boxes that are tri-branded so voters in any of the three counties—Arapahoe, Adams and Denver—can use them. “The partnership between Adams, Arapahoe, and Denver for a drop box is a boon for all our voters,” Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaumsaid in a statement. In Clinton Township, Michigan, the town recently invested $22,00 in increased technology and security by equipping each box with four surveillance cameras, including one inside the box’s delivery door. Two of the boxes contain cameras that are solar powered, with support from federal election security money. Kim Meltzer, the township clerk, said ring cameras were formerly used on the ballot boxes, but the new cameras provide better visuals and sharper quality. Advocates in Berks County, Pennsylvania are saying new drop box policies by the county are “taking the joy out of voting.” The county now requires a sheriff’s deputy to be at each drop box. Interim Wyoming Secretary of State Karl Allred has moved quickly to request the removal of absentee ballot drop boxes statewide. Three days after he was sworn into office, he sent a letter on Friday to all 23 county clerks. In the correspondence, he asked them to consider the request, if not for this election, then for 2024 and all future elections.

Hurricane Ian Update:  Local Florida elections officials are working to overcome hurdles and ensure safe and secure voting access just weeks from the pivotal midterm election. Officials are also hoping the state steps in to help alleviate some of their issues.  “We are going to operate a secure election,” Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle told a local television station. Even with ongoing challenges post-Ian, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Collier counties have all been able to mail out ballots to those that requested them. “All our vote-by-mail requests have been mailed out so that’s about 170,000 [ballots] have been mailed,” Doyle explained. Some people displaced by the storm may not be able to get those ballots. In that case, officials say to call their local supervisor of elections office to request a new one be sent to wherever they may be staying. In some cases, it could require them to change their address in their voter file and they will be able to walk them through that. Meantime, Doyle is encouraging more people to vote by mail or vote early, as some polling sites have been decimated. “We usually have 97 sites, right now I can only confirm about 50% of those are available and I can confirm that at least 25% are not available,” Doyle added. “One of the key asks of the governor is that we be allowed to use vote centers,” said Mark Earley, president of Florida Supervisors of Elections. “People have been dispersed throughout the county and having vote centers extend into Election Day lets people go to one of these vote centers and not have to vote in their neighborhood because those places aren’t there anymore.” Extending that deadline for another week is among the actions recommended by the a cohort of voting rights groups, which include the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, All Voting is Local Florida, Common Cause Florida, Equal Ground, ACLU of Florida, Campaign Legal Center, Demos, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Such changes would require an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Here are some of the other changes that the voting rights groups are calling for: Extending state-mandated early voting in the counties affected by the storm from Oct. 29 through Nov. 5 to Oct. 24 through Nov. 7, or allow individual supervisors of elections in those counties to conduct early voting every day beginning Oct. 24 through Nov. 7; Extend the mandatory early voting hours in affected counties from 8 hours to 12 hours per day through the early voting period; Allow supervisors of elections in affected counties to designate additional early voting sites; Allow supervisors of elections in affected counties to accept written (including email) or telephone request for a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to an address other than the voter’s address on file; Allow supervisors of elections to move or consolidate polling locations; and Allow voters in affected counties to cast their ballots at any polling location within the county.

Poll Watcher Update: County clerks across Colorado say they’re bracing for a surge of highly motivated election deniers working as poll watchers or election judges in the November midterms — part of a nationwide attempt to manufacture evidence of election fraud. Local, state and federal officials, alongside political experts, have repeatedly debunked claims of election fraud but clerks in Chaffee, Eagle, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Summit and Weld counties told the Denver Post they’re still seeing an increasing number of bad-faith poll watchers and election judges around the state. The North Carolina State Board of Elections, which had previously been rebuffed by another state agency from tightening the rules for poll watchers, late last week released detailed guidance aimed at ensuring all voters can safely and securely cast their ballot and election officials can perform their duties free of harassment, intimidation, and interference. “The State Board of Elections is committed to ensuring all voters can cast their ballot safely, securely, and free from interference of any kind,” Brinson Bell said. “We also must ensure that trained election workers can carry out their duties free from harassment, intimidation, and interference.” The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission failed to pass a Republican motion during a special meeting that would have provided new guidance as to what observers would be allowed to do at the polls on Election Day. Chair Don Millis, who was appointed to the commission by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, said the issue had been raised by members of the public at last month’s regularly scheduled meeting. “I do think it’s important to act prior to the November election,” Millis explained. “This is not changing an election process or a voting process.” However, Democrats on the commission raised concerns that proposed guidance would allow observers to be within three feet of the table where voters announce their name and address and receive a number at the polling location.

Personnel News: Eric Olsen has announced that he will be stepping down as the director of elections for Prince William County, Virginia following the upcoming election. Mona Harrington has been selected to serve as the permanent assistant director of CISA’s National Risk Management Center.

Legislative Updates

Federal Legislation: New bills introduced in the House of Representatives are taking aim at D.C. Council’s efforts to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. Last week, D.C. Council approved the first of two votes needed to allow non-citizens living in the District to vote in local elections. It would allow visa or green card holders as well as undocumented immigrants and permanent residents to vote in elections for Mayor, D.C. Council, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, among others. But two new bills have been introduced in the House to try and block those measures. The first is the American Confidence in Elections Act or ACE Act, introduced by Illinois Republican Congressman Rodney Davis, which would require a photo ID in order to vote. This is a measure D.C. Council is trying to remove with the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2021. Davis’ bill would also ban same-day registration and ballot harvesting and would require post-election audits. The ACE Act cites the district as an example and would “exercise Congress’ responsibility over D.C. to implement election integrity measures outlined in the model state legislation.” The second is not out rightly named but described by Texas Republican Congressman August Pfluger also aims to block the bill proposed by D.C. Council. In a press release, Pfluger specifically highlighted his concern with the 30-day period required to vote in D.C. elections. D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton fired back at the two congressmen.  “The notion that they’re meddling with elections in D.C. not only frustrates me but emboldens me to go after them. That’s not their concern,” Congresswoman Holmes Norton said. “We’re not talking about federal elections. We’re talking about people who vote in D.C. and only in D.C.”

Michigan: Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law legislation that would allow election officials to carry out the initial steps of processing absentee ballots before Election Day without counting any votes. But some clerks say that the proposal that emerged from negotiations between Whitmer and GOP state lawmakers won’t help them handle the large volume of absentee ballots on Election Day and expedite election night returns. “They missed the mark. They missed the mark entirely,” said Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, who does not plan to preprocess absentee ballots before Election Day. While election officials in Detroit − Michigan’s largest voting jurisdiction − plan to preprocess absentee ballots before Election Day, those in other large municipalities − including Livonia and Sterling Heights − said they’ll skip it. Whitmer’s office wrote in a news release touting the legislation that clerks who don’t use preprocessing this year “will be able to take advantage of this law and speed up election results in future election cycles.” The bill signed by Whitmer gives election officials in communities home to at least 10,000 residents from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. the Sunday and Monday preceding the election to open the return envelopes containing absentee ballots and check that the number on the stub attached to the ballot matches the number on the envelope. Clerks cannot remove absentee ballots from the secrecy sleeve or tabulate them. “Honestly, to open envelopes, take them out of the envelope and leave them in the secrecy sleeve doesn’t do much to eliminate time,” said Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Albuquerque city councilors are once again deciding on ranked-choice voting. Councilors Isaac Benton and Tammy Fiebelkorn introduced the legislation. The idea behind ranked-choice voting is to avoid costly run-off elections by allowing an automatic run-off based on how voters rank the candidates. Since 2013, the city has spent more than $2.4 million on runoff elections. If approved by councilors, it wouldn’t go into effect until the municipal elections next year. Similar legislation was brought up in 2019. Councilors did not pass it then because it was too close to election day, and they didn’t have enough time to educate voters about the system.

Bexley City, Ohio: Bexley City Council is considering legislation that would protect citizens who volunteer at the polls from harassment. Sam Marcellino, chair of council’s Safety and Health Committee, who introduced the legislation, said it’s a preventative measure for Bexley and was prompted by previous incidents around the country. “This (ordinance) gives us some teeth to make sure that we can hold anybody in violation of this ordinance accountable,” Marcellino said at council’s first reading Sept. 27. “We do have an election coming up here in this November, and we’d like for this to be in place by the time that election takes place.” For the ordinance to be in effect by the Nov. 8 election, legislation will go into effect immediately if approved by council and signed by Mayor Ben Kessler, foregoing the usual 30-day waiting period, City Attorney Marc Fishel said. “It’s modeled after an ordinance that was recently passed by Upper Arlington,” Fishel said. “It gives the Bexley Police Department, should there be a problem, a little bit of extra teeth to be able to take action immediately and not deal with it after the fact.” The ordinance would ban anyone other than a resident waiting to vote from standing or loitering, influencing or attempting to influence a voter within 100 feet of a poll or voting place during the hours when polls and voting places are open or hindering or interfering with an election official in the execution of his or her duties. Any violation would be a first-degree misdemeanor.

Columbus, Ohio: The Columbus City Council voted unanimously to double down on criminalizing the harassment of the nearly 3,500 volunteers who run the city’s 199 polling locations, following the footsteps of neighboring cities who “have gone the extra mile” to protect poll workers who face heightened hostility across the U.S., Franklin County Board of Elections spokesperson Aaron Sellers said in an email. “The execution of free and fair elections is an obligation for elected officials, but that will become increasingly challenging if residents fear that they will face harassment for their service,” the city’s ordinance reads. Under the ordinance, sponsored by Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy, anyone who threatens a poll worker is guilty of election interference, a first-degree misdemeanor, and is mandated to spend three days behind bars. Current state law permits poll workers to take civil action in the case of harassment, according to the Ohio Revised Code. While Sellers said no physical threats of violence have been reported against Franklin County election workers, the county’s board of elections makes “at least several” calls to law enforcement on Election Day due to activity that violates the city’s proposed ordinance.

El Paso, Texas: After an hourslong executive session, the El Paso City Council voted 4-2 to reject three election propositions put forth by Justicia Fronteriza and El Pasoans for Fair Elections. The groups had gathered over 14,000 signatures in support of the petition. In the end, El Paso city Reps. Cassandra Hernandez, Cissy Lizarraga, Joe Molinar and Claudia Rodriguez voted for a motion to deny the three ordinance proposals, which would have capped individual campaign contributions, provided public funding for community candidates and introduced ranked-choice voting in local elections. If approved by the council, the propositions would have become local ordinances. The groups now have the option of collecting a second round of signatures to have the three propositions appear before voters in May. Two of the propositions were campaign-finance related and the third would have implemented ranked choice voting: Proposition C: The city of El Paso shall use ranked choice voting for the election of mayor and City Council where voters rank candidates (up to five) in order of preference, and if no candidate receives a majority, candidates with the fewest votes are eliminated and the votes they received are transferred to voter’s second choice, and so on until there is a majority vote for one candidate, so long as permitted by state law.

Wisconsin: State Rep. Tim Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) is looking for co-sponsors for a bill that would impeach Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Administrator Meagan Wolfe for “corrupt conduct in office.” Ramthun is  one of the most right-wing members of the Legislature and a former Republican candidate for governor who ran largely on a platform of 2020 election denialism. The bill is largely a rehashing of the many Republican complaints about the administration of the 2020 election and the WEC itself. The 22-page bill includes references to many of the characters and actions that election conspiracists have focused on as evidence that Wolfe acted wrongfully. In some of the cases, the decision she’s accused of making corruptly was actually the responsibility of the six appointed members of the WEC. The bill points to the use of absentee ballot drop boxes, the acceptance of outside grant money by mostly Democratic cities to aid election administration, the decision by the six commissioners to forgo sending voting assistants into nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of an online portal to allow requests of absentee ballots as evidence of Wolfe’s corruption.  Ramthun’s co-sponsorship memo gives legislators until Oct. 21 to sign on.

Appleton, Wisconsin: The Appleton city council approved a resolution in support of the city clerk, staff and election inspectors, but it wasn’t without detractors. Council member Denise Fenton urged her colleagues to show a united front. Appleton election officials have been yelled at, sworn at and accused of inappropriate actions, Fenton said, and she hoped the city won’t have to budget money to reinforce the windows at the city clerk’s office or to hire extra security at polling places. “I believe the very least we can do for these hard-working city staff members and citizen election inspectors who ensure that we have free, fair and accessible elections is to show them that the Common Council is united in support of their work and of nonpartisan election administration,” Fenton said. However, two councilmembers voted against the resolution citing their frustration that it was “just words”. Council member Sheri Hartzheim said she supports election officials in Appleton, noting she has worked four elections in the city, but reiterated her opposition to resolutions that make a statement but don’t call for action. The final vote was 13-2.

Wyoming: The Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee will no longer consider sponsoring a bill to create a state elections commission. Although the legislation was drafted, Co-Chairman Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle on Wednesday that he reviewed the legislation this week, and it was not what he envisioned. The bill was expected to be voted on at the meeting this Friday, along with drafts addressing election systems, vacancies in elected offices and election records. “I was pushing for just letting the four statewide elected officials on the canvassing board oversee a director, who oversaw the office of elections,” he said. “That turned into much more a commission of independently appointed people, more than I was anticipating.” The draft bill provided by Zwonitzer stated the commission would consist of six members appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate. No more than four members would be from the same political party, and the governor could remove members. They would be appointed for a term of four years, and three of the initial members would get two years. A commission would be responsible for hiring an executive director. Language in the bill also removed “the secretary of state is the chief election officer for the state,” and replaced it with the “elections commission shall oversee elections as provided in this election code.” Any mention of secretary of state in regard to election statute was replaced with election commission, except in cases when the secretary of state and commission worked collaboratively on the budget or providing a notice of “the referendum ballot proposition to the elections commission.” It would leave the secretary of state on the State Canvassing Board.

Legal Updates

Federal Litigation: U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan ruled that the U.S. Postal Service failed to seek the advice of the Postal Regulatory Commission, as was required, before making the substantial changes that resulted in slowed delivery. Sullivan noted that the several states, counties and cities who filed suit against DeJoy and the Postal Service had shown that the delays affected their ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide safe alternatives to in-person voting.  “Indeed, after the changes were implemented, the record shows that service scores precipitously declined in late July and had not fully rebounded by October 2020,” Sullivan wrote, concluding that the harm caused was “fairly traceable” to the agency’s changes. In June and July 2020, DeJoy implemented several significant changes to the U.S. Postal Service. As part of an initiative to optimize the number of sorting machines, the agency eliminated several hundred machines in a two-month span. The agency also sought to reduce unearned overtime, eliminate late and extra trips, and move sorting to the afternoon to start routes earlier. The U.S. Postal Service’s general counsel also told many states that if they did not pay first class postage on ballots that voters might not receive them in time to return them by mail.  Most of these changes were reversed or paused in the following months. The agency halted the removal of sorting machines until after the 2020 election and instructed its employees to prioritize election mail no matter the paid class. While Sullivan ruled partly in favor of the group filing suit, he rejected several other claims, including that the Postal Service intended to impair the administration of the election. A spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service noted in a statement to The Hill that the agency remains “fully committed to the secure, timely delivery of the nation’s Election Mail.” “Any suggestion that the Postal Service or anyone in Postal Service leadership, up to and including the Postmaster General, at any point in time was not fully committed to supporting our democratic process is inconsistent with the facts and our performance in 2020 and 2021,” the spokesperson added.

Alabama: U.S. District Court Judge Myron Thompson has ordered Secretary of State John Merrill to hand over records related to voters who may have been purged from the state’s voting rolls after the 2020 election. In an opinion issued last week, U.S. District Court Judge Myron Thompson wrote that Greater Birmingham Ministries, the nonprofit suing the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, is entitled to receive the voting records ahead of the November election. Merrill’s office had refused to provide some documents requested by the organization and offered to provide others for a total of over $1,000. Danielle Lang, senior director of voting rights at Campaign Legal Center, who filed the suit on GBM’s behalf, applauded the judge’s decision.  “Greater Birmingham Ministries strengthens our democracy by bringing more Alabamians into the democratic process,” Lang said. “This work is impossible to do when the Secretary of State stonewalls access to voter purge records that they are required to disclose under the law.” The National Voter Registration Act requires that certain voting-related documents be maintained and made available for public inspection “at a reasonable cost,” the judge wrote. The records requested by the organization included data on three categories of individuals: Records concerning people removed from Alabama’s voter rolls due to a disqualifying felony conviction; Records concerning people whose voter-registration applications were denied due to a felony conviction; and List of all people removed from the voter rolls after the 2020 election. Merrill’s office had argued that because he would be required to extract the relevant information from a larger database, thereby creating a “new record,” federal law did not require disclosure of the data. His office would have to either disclose the entire database or nothing at all, he argued.

Arkansas: The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals put a ruling overturning a 2009 state law on hold pending appeal, meaning the law forbidding one person from acting as translator for more than six voters in casting their ballots remains in place for the Nov. 8 general election. No hearing date on the appeal is set, appeals court records show. The court granted the stay on Sept. 28, court records show. The executive director of the group that brought the suit said Thursday that the appeal probably will not be resolved until after the first of the year. Arkansas Act 658 of 2009 says in part no one “other than poll workers shall assist more than six voters in marking and casting a ballot at an election.” The shortage of poll workers fluent in Spanish and other languages limited the help non-English proficient voters could get, claimed the Nov. 2, 2020, lawsuit filed by Arkansas United, a Springdale-based immigrant rights group. The group filed suit in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks of Fayetteville ruled on Aug. 19 of this year that the Arkansas law violates the federal Voting Rights Act. The federal act says someone needing help reading or writing to vote may choose the person to assist them, including a need for a translator. If a voter’s chosen translator had already helped six people, the Arkansas law would deny that seventh voter the translator of choice, Brooks ruled. Brooks ruled on the case Aug. 19, which was 10 months after the final briefs making arguments in the case were filed. By the time he ruled, it was too close to the election to make serious changes to election ground rules, according to arguments made for the 8th Circuit’s stay. The appeal also challenges the plaintiff’s standing to bring the suit, among other arguments. The secretary of state’s office appealed Woods’ ruling, and their plea drew the support of The Honest Elections Project, a Virginia-based conservative group. The group filed an amicus, or “friend of the court,” brief supporting the secretary of state’s request for a stay of Brooks’ ruling pending appeal. The elections project “has a significant interest in this case, as it implicates the Legislature’s preeminent role in setting the rules for elections and election-related litigation,” according to its brief in the Arkansas case.

Colorado: The CEO of Dominion Voting Systems  has filed a restraining order against a man he says was scoping out the company’s Denver office. A judge granted a temporary restraining order against the El Paso County man who documents say visited the Dominion office building, sought entrance to the offices, ranted about election security, and admitted to having guns in his car. In signed affidavits, both Dominion CEO John Poulos and John Bronson, a Denver police sergeant, said they saw the man at the Dominion off ices and saw a scope and rifle case in the back of his car on two different occasions. Poulos said that he was called by a Dominion employee on Sep. 23 and told not to come into the office because there was an unidentified person in the lobby who was trying to get inside. When he got there hours later, Poulos said he went out to get the license plate number so he could contact police and saw a rifle scope and case. He then asked an employee to call the police. While they waited for police, Poulos said he saw the man walking around and filmed him “scoping out” the Dominion building. In his complaint, Poulos said he believes he and his employees are in “imminent danger” from the man and that he believes the man “will cause physical or emotional harm” if he’s allowed at the office building. In Poulos’ request for a restraining order, he asked for the man not to be allowed within 100 yards of the Dominion office and not to be allowed to have contact with Poulos or any other employee, including posting about Dominion on social media. A judge granted the order and added that the man “shall not possess and/or purchase a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon.”

Delaware: The Delaware Supreme Court struck down recent vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration legislation, overturning a signature achievement by Gov. John Carney and Democrat lawmakers. The court’s decision comes a month ahead of the Nov. 8 general election and while the Department of Elections was preparing to send mail ballots to voters on Oct. 10. The ruling means this will not happen and Delaware will return to its more limited, pre-pandemic voting setup where one must vote in person or have an excuse to vote absentee and one must register weeks in advance of an election to cast a ballot. Delawareans must now register to vote by Oct. 15. Debate over the legitimacy of the voting changes, enacted by lawmakers this past summer, centered on whether the state’s constitution would allow all registered voters to cast their ballot through the mail as well as whether allowing people to register to vote all the way up to Election Day is allowed by the provisions of that document. The justices wrote that the vote-by-mail legislation “impermissibly expands the categories of absentee voters identified” in the state constitution. The same-day registration law also conflicts with articles of the constitution, the justices wrote.

Indiana: The Indiana Republican Party has filed a lawsuit against the Democratic members of the St. Joseph County Election Board in a fight over how Democratic County Clerk Rita Glenn stored and processed absentee ballots in the May 2022 primary. The lawsuit against Glenn and election board member Charles Leone was filed  by the state and county Republican party and Thomas Dixon, the Republican member of the election board. In a press release, the party said the suit aims to block a resolution passed by the election board over the objections of Dixon that delegates board powers covering the processing and storage of absentee ballots to Glenn for the 2022 general election. The party said that would strip Dixon of the power to review signatures on absentee ballots and have sole access to the Republican key to the ballot storage room. Glenn is currently under investigation by the Indiana State Police over allegations that her office violated Indiana law by how it handled absentee ballots in the May 2022 primary, as well as the existence of multiple keys to the ballot storage room. Under state statutes, the room is supposed to have two locks — one Republican and one Democrat — so both parties know when it is accessed. The suit was filed in Marshall County and asks for an injunction to block the resolution’s effects. The St. Joseph County Commissioners have approved hiring a law firm to monitor the lawsuit.

Maryland: The Maryland Court of Appeals will allow early counting of mail-in ballots in November’s general election, over objections from Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox. The ruling comes after an expedited legal battle between Cox and the State Board of Elections over a petition to suspend an outdated law that prohibits election officials from canvassing mail-in ballots until two days after the election — the only law of its kind in the country. A Montgomery County Circuit Court judge sided with the state board and suspended the law, allowing counting to begin on Oct. 1. A panel of judges on Friday upheld that decision, which Cox had appealed, arguing among other things that the state legislature and not the judiciary should control changes to election rules. Under the ruling, local election workers can count mail-in ballots as they trickle in. As of Friday morning, no local election board had started the canvassing process; voters only began receiving ballots by mail at the end of September. Montgomery County, the state’s most populous, which had the longest delays during the primary, plans to start counting on Oct. 15.

Michigan: Michigan Republicans hope a court order will nix new instructions for election challengers and poll watchers issued after the 2020 election. Challengers can observe elections and can contest a voter’s eligibility or a procedure while poll watchers can observe polling locations and absentee counting boards. Michigan Court of Claims Judge Brock Swartzle − a former Republican-nominated Michigan Supreme Court candidate − could soon decide the legality of the new guidance for election challengers issued by the state’s Bureau of Elections ahead of the August primary. A ruling invalidating the guidance could force last-minute and wide-ranging changes over the process in place for election challengers. Michigan GOP and the Republican National Committee filed a legal challenge in late September alleging that the new instructions for election challengers and poll watchers issued by the Bureau of Elections conflict with Michigan election law and include directives that needed to undergo a rule-making process with input from the public and state lawmakers. The lawsuit challenges a slew of instructions in the guidance, including those requiring challengers to have a credential issued using a form from the Secretary of State’s Office. In Southfield, a Republican challenger was barred from serving as a challenger in the primary for failing to use the Secretary of State’s credential form even though challengers who used the same form from the Michigan GOP had their credentials accepted everywhere else, according to the party. The legal challenge also contests other elements of the instructions, including those that bar the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by challengers observing absentee counting boards and prohibit challengers from speaking to election workers not designated as challenger liaisons.

Nebraska: Travis Ford was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to sending threats to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold on social media. It was the first guilty plea obtained by the U.S. Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, launched last year after the 2020 presidential contest amid concerns about the potential effect on democracy of threats against election officials and workers. A national advocate for elections security, Griswold has received thousands of threats over her insistence the 2020 election was secure despite false claims by former President Donald Trump it was stolen. Ford must report to a federal prison Jan. 11 and later complete a year of post-prison supervision. Ford told the court Thursday he accepts responsibility for his actions and understands they were wrong. Attorney General Merrick Garland also released a statement declaring, “This sentence makes clear that those who illegally threaten election workers should be prepared to face meaningful penalties.”

Nevada: A judge on issued a stay in the Republican National Committee’s lawsuit against Clark County after the two sides came to an agreement in which the county will release some information about poll workers ahead of the general election, but not their names. As part of the agreement, Clark County will provide a list of poll workers’ political party affiliations and job titles or assignment for each poll location, including signature verification and county board teams. The RNC has agreed to not ask for the names of the poll workers, according to court documents. The RNC filed the lawsuit last month after the county denied a request to produce the full name, title and party affiliation of all poll workers employed in the 2022 primary election as well as those hired for the general election. Clark County Registrar of Voters Joe Gloria cited privacy concerns and risk of harassment in refusing the request. The RNC had argued that since poll workers were paid with taxpayer funds, that information should not be considered confidential. State law requires that election board officers at any polling location can’t all be registered members of the same political party. The case is stayed until Dec. 23, after which the RNC says it will drop the lawsuit unless there are any pending disputes between the two sides.

North Carolina: The NC Supreme Court will wait until next year to hear oral arguments in a lawsuit dealing with felon voting rights. A court order issued late last week rejected plaintiffs’ request to hear the case in the next two months. The case, Community Success Initiative v. Moore, could affect as many as 56,000 potential N.C. voters. “Plaintiffs’ Motion to Set Oral Argument as Soon as Feasible … is allowed to the extent that the Court will calendar the matter for hearing at the first regularly scheduled session of Court to be held in 2023,” according to an order signed by Justice Phil Berger Jr. The order arrived one day after legislative leaders objected to felon voting advocates’ request to hear the case in October or November. A brief from lawmakers characterized the plaintiffs as requesting a “breakneck argument schedule.” Plaintiffs had requested the expedited hearing in a Sept. 21 motion.

North Dakota: The Spirit Lake Tribe and two Native American voters have filed a lawsuit against Benson County and its board of commissioners, challenging a redistricting plan that allegedly violates Native Americans’ voting rights. The Spirit Lake Tribe, and members Collette Brown and Lois Leben, who are Benson County voters, claim a Benson County redistricting plan adopted Dec. 28, 2021 violates Native Americans’ voting rights and restricts their voting strength by requiring Benson County Commissioners to be elected on an at-large basis, rather than by district.  On an at-large basis, all voters across the county vote for commissioners. In a district system, commissioners would be elected by the people who live in the district where the candidate lives. The lawsuit alleges the county’s adoption of an at-large voting system intentionally limits the voting power of Native Americans in Benson County, and is in violation of the Voting Rights Act, a legal agreement from a previous lawsuit and the 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The 14th Amendment guarantees that all people receive equal treatment under the same laws. The 15th Amendment protects the voting rights of all citizens, regardless of race or skin color. According to court documents, since 2000, Benson County has been subject to a consent decree, or legal agreement, that prohibits the county from holding county commissioner elections on an at-large basis because it lessens Native American voting strength. The consent decree was a result of the court case United States v. Benson County, which alleged the at-large voting system at the time violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The consent decree also says Benson County’s voting plan must provide for five single-members districts, with at least two majority-Native American voting districts. From 2000 to 2021, the population of voting-age Native Americans in Benson County has grown from 29% of the county’s population to 46% of the county’s population.

Pennsylvania: The U.S. Supreme Court this week threw out a lower court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s dating requirement for mail-in ballots violated a federal voting rights law.  The ruling, in which the high court vacated a May U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals decision without issuing an opinion, sets the stage for further litigation in state court over Pennsylvania’s vote-by-mail law, lawyers in the case said. It does not change the outcome of the underlying 2021 election for Lehigh County judge. “We think [Tuesday’s decision] reflects that the decision of the 3rd Circuit warranted further review and, but for the matter becoming moot, they would have granted that review and reversed the opinion on the merits,” Attorney Joshua Voss said. Pennsylvania acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman said during a virtual press conference that the department was reviewing the decision and would advise counties accordingly. Existing guidance from the Department of State instructs counties to count ballots that are missing a date or have the incorrect date, but Chapman said officials will evaluate and update directives as necessary. In a statement, Chapman said counties are “expected to include undated ballots in their official returns” for the November election. “That guidance followed the most recent ruling of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court holding that both Pennsylvania and federal law prohibit excluding legal votes because the voter omitted an irrelevant date on the ballot return envelope,” she said. “Today’s order from the U.S. Supreme Court vacating the Third Circuit’s decision on mootness grounds was not based on the merits of the issue and does not affect the prior decision of Commonwealth Court in any way. It provides no justification for counties to exclude ballots based on a minor omission, and we expect that counties will continue to comply with their obligation to count all legal votes.”

Texas: In a heated hearing U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt and lawyers representing Texas-based nonprofit True the Vote in a defamation and computer fraud case filed by a Michigan-based election software company argued over the identity of who provided access poll worker data to the nonprofit. Hoyt warned Houston-based attorneys Brock Akers and Mike Brewer that they might be getting “played” by their conservative nonprofit client after the attorneys repeatedly argued against disclosing the source of the information central to the case, about sensitive poll worker data managed by Konnech Inc. Attorneys for True the Vote said that contrary to their prior public statements, the group had never been in possession of Konnech’s data but had simply been shown it by a source. Konnech’s lawyers, meanwhile, asked the judge to hold True the Vote’s founder, Catherine Engelbrecht, and a board member in contempt for failing to follow the judge’s order. The judge said he didn’t “have any confidence” in True the Vote’s version of events, in part because he said the group’s leaders haven’t submitted sworn affidavits under penalty of perjury to support them. True the Vote’s lawyers said they didn’t believe their clients needed to appear at the hearing. After nearly two hours of arguing back and forth, Akers followed the judge’s order and looked through a stack of documents in his briefcase, hunting for the name. Once he found it, he wrote it down in a yellow notepad, ripped off the page, walked across the room, and handed it to Konnech’s attorney, Dean Pamphilis. Not satisfied, Pamphilis asked that Akers say the name out loud for the record. After Hoyt instructed him to comply, Akers did so.

The Texas Organizing Project is challenging Bexar County in court for not proposing enough polling locations ahead of Election Day. The lawsuit states Bexar County is proposing the fewest number of polling locations the county has ever had for a general election. A judge agreed there was a need for more polling locations in a similar lawsuit filed against the county in 2020. The Texas Civil Rights Project represents the progressive nonprofit Texas Organizing Project in the lawsuit against Bexar County. Joaquin Gonzales, with Texas Civil Rights Project, said there are not enough places where voters can cast a ballot. Bexar County uses a countywide polling program, meaning state law requires the number of polling locations to be half the number of precincts. There are 766 precincts in the county, so there should be a minimum of 388 polling locations. The elections office is proposing 267. “Which would also be the fewest locations we’ve ever had for a general election,” Joaquin Gonzales, with Texas Civil Rights Project said. Judge Martha Tanner ruled this week that the county must add more polling places. defendants imminently stand to violate Texas Election Code Section” by planning to operate too few voting locations. The law calls for voting locations in at least half of the county’s 776 election precincts, unless the proper process has been followed to combine locations. Tanner ordered the county to “solicit the input of persons or organizations representing minority voters in adopting its methodology for choosing countywide polling locations by holding at least one public hearing to which such persons or organizations are invited.” The locations should be determined and posted online by Oct. 18, according to the ruling.

District Court Judge Stephen Ables refused to overturn an election in Fredericksburg. “I had to make a finding that these ‘irregularities’ changed the results of the election,” he said. “I don’t think I have the basis to do that.” The lawsuit was filed against Fredericksburg’s former mayor in early 2020 by poll watcher and anti-fluoride activist Jeannette Hormuth and local election judge Jerry Farley of Fredericksburg. The suit claimed election malfeasance in connection with the defeat of a 2019 proposal to remove fluoride from the city’s water system. Plaintiffs said poll watchers were “obstructed” on election night and during a recount of the votes; that more than 400 ballots were not signed by an election judge and shouldn’t have been counted; and that more than 30 ballots were missing. Fredericksburg City Attorney Daniel Jones called witnesses to rebut the allegations, including the 2019 election judge who failed to sign the ballots in question. When Jones asked why he didn’t sign the ballots, he said he just “completely forgot.” 

Wisconsin: Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel is prohibiting voters from canceling their original absentee ballot and casting a new one, siding with a conservative group created by prominent Republicans that said the practice known as ballot spoiling is illegal. Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections challenged the guidance issued on Aug. 1 to more than 1,800 local election clerks by the state elections commission detailing how they can spoil an absentee ballot at the request of the voter after it’s already been returned. RITE argued that the practice is both against the law and creates additional opportunities for fraud and confusion. The group was created in July by former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, longtime Republican strategist Karl Rove, GOP donor Steve Wynn and others. The group has also filed election-related lawsuits in the battleground states of Arizona and Pennsylvania. Schimel, who was attorney general from 2015 to 2019, sided with RITE and ordered the election commission to rescind its guidance. He also denied a request to put his oral ruling on hold. On Monday, the Democratic National Committee, which was intervening in the suit, was granted a stay that puts Schimel’s injunction on hold while the appeals court decides whether to take up the case.

Dane County Judge Juan Colas refused Oct. 7 to issue a temporary order that would allow local election clerks to accept partial witness addresses on absentee ballots. A group called Rise Inc. filed a lawsuit in September seeking a judicial order requiring the Wisconsin Elections Commission to tell local clerks that they must accept ballots as long as the witness address includes enough information that clerks can reasonably discern where the witness can be contacted. The day after the group filed the lawsuit its attorneys asked Judge Juan Colas to issue a temporary injunction mandating the commission issue that guidance to clerks. Colas refused to issue the order during a hearing on the morning of Oct. 7, online court records indicate. The case will continue with a scheduling conference set for Oct. 17.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Kristy Yang has dismissed an open records lawsuit filed against the Milwaukee Election Commission after the plaintiffs—the Republican Party of Wisconsin—said it had received the records originally requested. Republicans were seeking records from the Milwaukee Election Commission and mayor’s office related to a get-out-the-vote campaign that conservatives labeled an illegal attempt at bolstering turnout in favor of Democrats. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s office has clarified that Milwaukee Votes 2022 is a privately funded and nonpartisan initiative designed to encourage voting and register voters. Republicans filed an open records request on Sept. 13 seeking communications between GPS Impact, a liberal communications firm advising on the initiative, and the mayor’s office and Milwaukee Election Commission. The party, joined by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, filed a lawsuit less than two weeks later on Sept. 26, alleging that officials weren’t responding to their request as swiftly as the law requires. Wisconsin’s open records law requires a response to requests “as soon as practicable and without delay,” but it often takes weeks or months for records to be provided.

Opinions This Week

National Opinions: Vote counting | Poll workers | Voting Rights Act, II, III | Election deniers |

Arizona: Election officials

Colorado: Secretary of state race

Connecticut: Early voting

Delaware: Election reform

District of Columbia: Noncitizens voting

Florida: Ballot measure | Hurricane Ian, II

Hawaii: Turnout

Indiana: Vigo County

Massachusetts: Secretary of state race

Michigan: Ballot measure, II

Minnesota: Disinformation | Secretary of state race

Montana: Election law whiplash

Nebraska: Voter ID

Nevada: Secretary of state race | Ranked choice voting

North Carolina: Election officials | Election Day

North Dakota: Voting distrust

Ohio: Election security

Oregon: Portland ballot measure

Utah: Election integrity

Washington: Ranked choice voting

Wyoming: Secretary of state

Upcoming Events

Voter Accessibility: Improving your election coverage for people with disabilities:  Midterm elections are Nov. 8. Are you prepared to be a watchdog for disabled voters in your communities? What is your newsroom doing to ensure your election coverage is useful and accessible for disabled voters? How are you covering voter rights and accessibility leading up to and on Election Day?  More than 61 million Americans live with disabilities, yet they remain underrepresented in journalism produced by U.S. newsrooms. As a decisive midterm election approaches, recent coverage shows state and local measures intend to: reduce voting by absentee ballot, limit access at polling locations, and limit information explaining how people with disabilities can cast their ballots. Join the National Press Club Journalism Institute for a virtual discussion among experts in voter access, disability representation, and accessible news coverage on best practices to cover disabled voters and to highlight voting access issues they may face.  When: October 14, 11:30am Eastern. Where: Online.

A Conversation on the Future of American Democracy: Join Veterans for Political Innovation for a discussion about the future of American Democracy. Featured guest speakers include The Hon. Louis Caldera, former secretary of the army and Gen. George Casey, former chief of staff, US Army (Ret.). When: October 19, 5:30pm. Where: Tasher Great Room at the GWU Library, Washington, DC.

It’s Time to Audit: Every State, Every Election: Presented by The Heritage Foundation: While in-depth financial and accounting audits are a standard practice in the business world, they are almost nonexistent in public elections. Should all states require comprehensive audits of their voter registration, voting, and vote tabulation processes and systems? How should such audits be conducted and who should conduct them? What should auditors be reviewing and what standards should they apply to election administration? How often should audits be conducted and how many political subdivisions within a state should be audited? On the eve of the upcoming midterm elections, this timely issue is vital to ensuring the honesty and integrity of elections. Join us for a discussion of this important topic with current and former election officials. Where: Online. When: October 20, 12pm Eastern

Vote Early Day: Vote Early Day is a nonpartisan movement of media companies, businesses, nonprofits, election administrators, and creatives working to ensure all Americans have the tools to vote early. This holiday is a tentpole moment for partners of all stripes to engage with voters and urge them to cast their ballots. Created in 2020, Vote Early Day has brought thousands of national and local partners together in celebration and activation to increase the number of people voting early. This collaborative, open-source model—similar to Giving Tuesday and National Voter Registration Day—ensures that millions more Americans take advantage of their options to vote early through on the ground activations, get-out-the-vote pushes, national communications on traditional and social media, and efforts to create a new culture around voting. Vote Early Day plays a unique role in the push to get voters to cast their ballot. We are a trusted, nonpartisan holiday with supporters on both sides of the aisle. We provide a central moment for a wide range of partners (many non- traditional to the civic space) to engage with voters and urge them to vote early. Our collaboration of thousands of diverse partners allows us to engage in places beyond where voters are used to seeing election messages. This allows us to break through the noise and meet voters where they are. When: October 28

MEDSL 2022 Post-Election Webinar: On December 8, the MIT Election Data & Science Lab will be hosting a public webinar all about the 2022 election, featuring our own takes on what happened as well as highlighting other researchers’ work and what they saw. From what happened online to what happened in polling places, we’ll cover as much as we can. Register today to hold your spot and receive more details about the event! Where: Online When: December 8

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.

Administrative Specialist III (Elections Specialist Lead), King County, Washington— This is an amazing opportunity to be engaged in the election process! This position will lead processes, projects, and people within the Opening work area of Ballot Processing. This will include leading, coaching, mentoring, and training temporary and regular staff. Leads may also provide assistance and/or participate in long-term cross-training in multiple work areas to meet organizational agile efforts. This is a great opportunity for a person with strong communication and interpersonal skills. The Department of Elections is searching for an energetic and resourceful professional who likes to get stuff done. The Administrative Specialist III in the Elections Department combines an exciting environment with the opportunity to cultivate talents and apply a variety of skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment and will not hesitate to roll up both sleeves, work hard, have fun, and get the job done. King County Elections (KCE) manages voter registration and elections for more than 1.4 million voters in King County and is one of the largest vote-by-mail county in the United States. KCE’s mission is to conduct accessible, secure, and accurate elections. As a leader in providing inclusive elections, KCE is focused on three key priorities – (1) actively identifying and working to remove barriers to voting at both the individual and community level, (2) strengthening relationships with community and governmental partners, and (3) creating a culture of professional growth and development, openness and inclusion. Salary: $26.03 – $33.12 Hourly. Deadline: October 28. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Arizona Deputy Coordinator, U.S. Elections, The Carter Center— The Democracy Program at The Carter Center works globally to support and strengthen participatory democracy, consistent with human rights. Beginning in 2020, The Carter Center began efforts to support elections in the United States. There are multiple key aspects to this project: establishing nonpartisan observation efforts, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform, and promoting candidate codes of conduct. The Carter Center is advancing nonpartisan observation efforts in two key states: Arizona and Michigan. These states were selected following 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 nonpartisan observation is to provide credible and transparent information on the conduct of elections in each state through public reports. The Deputy Coordinator will execute the citizen observation plan and develop partnerships with community-based organizations. They will report directly to the US Elections Coordinator in [Michigan/Arizona] and to the US Elections team in Atlanta. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Assistant Director, Butler County, Pennsylvania— To supervise and direct the operational processes relating to voter registration, voting and elections, ensuring that voters’ rights are protected and votes are recorded and counted accurately. Assists the Director in implementing the day to day functions of the Elections Department. The incumbent supervises the non-exempt staff and answers voter and candidate questions or selects proper course of action to resolve problems. Assists Director in evaluating new technologies for election process. Consults with others regarding clarification of the Pennsylvania Election Code. Refers complex issues requiring clarification of the Pennsylvania Election Code or the Pennsylvania Constitution to the Director of Elections. A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or equivalent work experience is required. Significant experience in Computer Science course work or equivalent is required. Prior work experience involving the electoral process is desirable, as is supervisory experience. Must be knowledgeable of State and County voting laws, regulations, procedures, and requirements. Computer, telephone and customer service skills are necessary. Salary: $45,129.18-$63,180.85. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Certification and Training Manager, Washington Secretary of State’s Office— The Program Manager for Certification & Training manages the provision of professional certification and training to state election administrators and canvassing board members in 39 Washington counties. The Certification and Training Program Manager reports to the Elections Director and is a member of the Elections Management Team that advises the Elections Director on direction and policy. The Program Manager is responsible for the administration of the Certification and Training Program of the Elections Division by providing strategic analysis, planning, and management of a program that includes four major functions. There functions are: 1) professional certification and training of local and state election administrators and county canvassing board members; 2) review of county election operations and procedures; 3) the election clearinghouse; and 4) testing of all vote tabulation equipment used in each county during state primary and general elections. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Chief Information Officer, Illinois State Board of Elections— Functions as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the SBE Information Technology Systems.  Responsibilities encompass full range of information services; application design and development, system administration, data administration, operations, production control, and data communications. In conjunction with the Board, Executive Director, and Executive staff, the CIO determines the role of information systems in achieving Board goals.  Defines goals in terms of statutory obligations to be met, problems to be solved, and/or opportunities that can be realized through the application of computerized information systems.    Prepares and submits budget based projections of hardware, software, staff and other resource needs to adequately provide for existing systems, as well as support of new project initiatives.   Advises Executive Staff in matters relating to information technology.  Develops presentations and reports for the Board and Administrative Staff.  In conjunction with Executive Staff, evaluates system performance to determine appropriate enhancements. Salary: $7,885 – $13,237 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing 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.

Departmental Training Coordinator, DeKalb County, Georgia— The purpose of this classification is to develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate departmental training programs and learning solutions. The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Develops training programs for departmental employees; creates new and/or modifies existing courses and course materials; researches industry changes; and prepares activities and course assignments. Conducts training and facilitates in-house training programs for employees based on current trends and best practices. Assists employees in meeting certification and recertification requirements for mandated licensure and submits documents for license renewals. Coordinates training logistics to include training room, schedules, attendance tracking, passwords, supplies and set up; and selects or develops teaching aids including training handbooks, tutorials or quick reference guides . Administers and grades course assignments and exams; and tracks and analyzes learning curriculum effectiveness through various evaluations techniques including evaluation of individual performances. Maintains and prepares training and compliance records and prepares related documentation and reports; enters course exam grades; prepares training certificates; and updates compliance databases. Assists with internal departmental communications by preparing newsletters, promotional materials for training programs, flyers for departmental events, or related communications. Communicates with department management, supervisors, other employees, subject matter experts, schools, community groups, volunteers, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Maintains current knowledge of departmental business functions and operations to develop training programs and solutions for improving employee knowledge and performance within business units; and research training industry standards and best practices and applies new technologies. Salary: $52,815 – $81,862. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Deputy Elections Director, Davie County, North Carolina— Performs administrative work with the registration, voting and election activities for the County. Must be willing to perform job duties during pandemics, natural disasters and unexpected  events during planned elections and election schedules. This position is required to work extended hours and weekends during planned elections and election schedules. Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job. Essential job functions: Performs administrative duties for the Director and Board Members and serves as a resource person to staff and the public, as needed; Assists with the supervision of Elections part-time staff and one stop workers in the performance of their daily responsibilities; Assist the Director with annual budgets and grants received; Assists the Elections Director in the interview and selection process of new employees, one stop and precinct workers and training new employees on office procedures and applications; Assists with ensuring proper and efficient conduct of primary and general elections held in Davie County; Maintenance of geo codes/street index, to include all annexations and changes, to insure accuracy for each address; Performs related duties as required. Salary: Minimum hiring range: $33,587. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Deputy County Clerk, Boone County, Missouri— The Boone County (MO) Clerk’s Office seeks a deputy county clerk in its elections division. With general supervision, this clerk processes new and revised voter registrations, provides information to the public on candidates, ballot issues and other election information, determines ballot styles for walk-in absentee voters, verifies petitions, and performs related election duties. Salary: $15.45-$16.41/hr. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Director of Elections, Pender County, North Carolina— Performs difficult administrative work planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the elections process staff, registering voters, conducting elections, preparing and maintaining records and files, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Board of Elections. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department. Assist with other duties as needed or assigned. Salary: $62,274-$75K. Deadline: October 16. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Director of Registration and Elections, Fulton County, Georgia— The County is seeking a Director of Registration and Elections (DRE). This position serves as the chief executive responsible for developing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures relating to voter registration and elections in Fulton County. The DRE also prepares, presents, and manages the department’s approved annual budget.  The DRE leads programs and services that ensure safe, free, and accessible voter registration and elections in the County. The DRE ensures accurate collection and maintenance of voter registration data and administers the county elections and associated services, which includes but is not limited to absentee balloting, voter registration, voter education and outreach. The Director collects information and validates candidates for elective office, ensures the availability of training for poll workers, and directs efforts to educate voters on elections in the county. The DRE performs other duties, including preservation, storage, preparation, testing and maintenance of departmental election equipment. Furthermore, the director oversees election district boundaries, and administers the selection of polling places in the county. Salary: $175K-$195K. 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 & Chief Registrar, Butler County, Pennsylvania— Seeking a Director of Elections & Chief Registrar with great communication, leadership and organizational skills. Employee reports directly to the Board of Commissioners. Employee is responsible for the overall planning, organization, direction, management, coordination, and oversight of the County voter registration and election processes in accordance with the County Code, the policies of the Board of Commissioners and/or Board of Elections and Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. Working knowledge and familiarity of PA Election laws, laws pertaining to Conduct of Election and Voter Registration and supervisory experience a plus. Must have a minimum of three years’ experience and/or training in the election/voter registration process, course work with an emphasis in business a plus. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Division Director, Illinois State Board of Elections— Subject to Executive Director approval; oversees the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to, compensation, payroll, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development. Serves as the Board’s subject matter expert relating to personnel and human resource matters. Identifies staffing and recruiting needs; develops and executes best practices for hiring and talent management. Conducts research and analysis of Board trends including review of reports and metrics from human resource information systems. Recommends, implements, and ensures compliance with agency policies and procedures including, but not limited to, hiring, disciplinary actions, employee grievances, compensation plan, and employee performance evaluations. Creates and oversees human resource practices, programs, and objectives that provide for an employee-oriented culture that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, creativity, and knowledge transfer within a diverse team. Oversees the day-to-day administrative aspects of the Board’s personnel programs; accuracy of bi-monthly payrolls; benefits; quarterly and annual EEO/AA reporting; and, employee transaction documentation. Facilitates professional development, training, and certification activities for staff; development and maintenance of agency-wide training programs for on-boarding, staff development, and knowledge transfer. Responsible for the administration and oversight over all disciplinary matters; including: investigation of complaints; conducting witness interviews; documentation gathering; drafting and submittal of investigation findings to Executive Staff; advising Division Directors and Executive Staff on disciplinary matters; and, drafting of formal disciplinary reprimands in accordance with policy. Has administrative oversight of the Chief Fiscal Officer regarding budgetary and fiscal matters under the purview of the Division of Administrative Services. Supervises and evaluates subordinate staff; facilitates knowledge transfers and cross trainings; performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Salary: $6,023.00 – $12,374.00 Monthly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Early Voting Coordinator, Wake County, North Carolina— re you looking to be more involved in your community? Are you ready to be a part of democracy in the making? If so, get ready to roll up your sleeves and become a part of history! Wake County Board of Elections is currently seeking an Early Voting Coordinator to join our dynamic and talented Early Voting Team. The Early Voting Coordinator plays a critical role in the management and logistical planning of Early Voting. This includes communicating, scheduling election service vendors and managing voting site support operations to include the physically demanding work of setting up Early Voting sites. What will you do as an Early Voting Coordinator? Plan and organize all Early Voting operations; Assist with development of Early Voting expansion budget items and analyze budget impacts of new election laws and state directives and incorporate the changes into Early Voting site procedures; Work with Town Clerks, Municipal Administrators, Facility Directors, Special Event Coordinators and Superintendents to secure use of facilities for Early Voting; Manage Early Voting facilities, including scheduling, communication, support, logistics, database management and site setups; Develop Early Voting ballot order and determine the distribution of ballots each Early Voting facility will receive; Update and maintain the Early Voting blog and Early Voting page of the Wake County Board of Elections website; Manage the Early Voting support Help Line; Post-election reconciliation duties to include provisional management, presentations to the Board and assisting with record retention. Salary: Hiring Range: $20.81 – $28.10. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Cycle Temp, Pinal County, Arizona— Under supervision, performs the basic duties of Voter Registration and Early Voting during the election cycle as required by state statute for the Recorder’s Office. This position is not covered under the Pinal County Merit System. Incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective Appointing Authority. The employment relationship of incumbents in this position is “at will” the employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. Salary: Up to $20/hr. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Deputy Director I, Cecil County, Maryland— Under the direction of the Election Director, the primary responsibility of the Deputy Director is to organize, and coordinate programs and activities of the Cecil County Board of Elections in accordance with the Registration and Election Laws of Maryland, the Maryland Constitution, miscellaneous Maryland laws, and the Code of Maryland Regulations – Title 06 & Title 14 as well as rules, regulations and administrative directives disseminated by the Maryland State Board of Elections, to ensure that every citizen is afforded the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote and guarantee the efficiency, accuracy and candor of all elections. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Information Environment Specialist, The Carter Center— 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 and establishing nonpartisan observation efforts. The Carter Center is seeking a highly qualified Electoral Information Environment Specialist to work on the Center’s US election advisory team under the guidance of the Democracy Program staff. The Electoral Information Environment Specialist will assess and analyze key issues affecting women, the disabled, and disenfranchised groups in the United States. The Electoral Information Environment Specialist will contribute to public and private statements concerning the electoral information environment. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Review Program Lead, 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. Serves as the lead program specialist in the county election review program; Travels extensively throughout state to conduct reviews of county elections departments. Application: For a 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.

Elections Business Intelligence Specialist, Tennessee Secretary of State— Summary: Assist in planning and coordinating the computer functions and responsibilities for the Elections Division which includes, but is not limited to: data processing, integrating the statewide voter registration system with county voter registration systems, improve election reporting capabilities; analyzing and resolving technical software issues (25%) for the Division of Elections and 95 county election commission offices, which includes, but is not limited to cybersecurity practices; reviewing and researching regulations, legislation, government codes, and directives relevant to the technical elections operation; including serving as the liaison to the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, Local Government; and performing other duties as assigned. This position is responsible for the accuracy and timely compliance and security of voter registration data, ballot review and approval, producing and analyzing election-related state and federal reports, maintaining and assist in updating elections mobile app. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections Manager, Cochise County, Arizona— Under limited supervision by the Director of Elections, performs professional and administrative work of a high level in the management of election administration work in planning, organizing and directing strategic and daily goals and objectives, operations and activities of the Elections Department. Performs other related work as assigned. Assists the Director of Elections in the administration and supervision of all County, special, primary and general elections with state and local jurisdictions; Manages program requirements through appropriate delegation and work supervision, organization and assignment of task duties including warehouse organization and inventory, delivery and return of election supplies to polling places, poll workers, election boards, training and pay, website, and submitting meeting agenda items; Assists with ballot creation process including proofreading all ballot styles, sending ballot proofs to candidates and jurisdictions, and creating and reviewing ballot orders; Assures accuracy of election materials and maintains chain of custody of ballots, forms, equipment, and materials; Programs, tests, and maintains all voting equipment, following Federal, State, and local requirements; Recruits, coordinates, trains, manages, supervises, and terminates seasonal or temporary staff in consultation with the Director; Develops and presents poll worker education and curriculum for online and in-person training; Assists with ballot tabulation duties including coordinating, hiring, and training the Early Boards to receive, count and prepare early ballots for tabulation, assists with oversight of receiving Boards on Election night to receive and tabulate the polling place ballots, assists with Hand Count Boards as part of the election audition process and completes necessary reports related to canvass of election and post-election audits; Assists with election night reporting, including preparing the necessary data uploads into the State’s reporting system; Assists with oversite of the departmental budget and administers office financial tasks including but not limited to, inputting requisitions, tracking expenditures and budget reconciliation, lease agreements, paying invoices, overseeing and maintains inventory for equipment and supplies and assists with annual budget preparation; Delivers effective, accurate, secure, cost-effective customer service relative to areas of responsibility. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Finance and Operations Manager, The Carter Center— The Finance and Operations Manager support The Carter Center’s nonpartisan Observation efforts by managing the finance and operations in both states. They will report directly to the US Nonpartisan Observation Coordinators in Michigan and Arizona and to the US Elections team in Atlanta. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Information Services Specialist, Illinois State Board of Elections— Under the general supervision of the Chief Information Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer and the day-to-day supervision of the Information Services Team Leads, independently and as a project team member, develops, maintains, and enhances the State Board of Elections’ Information Systems. Establishes application development task schedules, testing plans and implementation schedules; Performs technical analysis, design, and programming according to SBE standards; Coordinates development, testing and implementation with end-users, technical consultants and IT Staff according to SBE standards. Consults with end-users to determine application goals, requirements, cost, architecture, and impact to existing systems; Provides Level 1 technical support for Agency end-users as well as end-users of other agency-developed systems. Through continuing self-study and/or formal coursework, acquires knowledge of advanced information systems concepts and techniques, productivity tools, election law, and Board policy as they affect Board Information Systems. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 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.

Michigan Deputy Coordinator, U.S. Elections, The Carter Center— The Democracy Program at The Carter Center works globally to support and strengthen participatory democracy, consistent with human rights. Beginning in 2020, The Carter Center began efforts to support elections in the United States. There are multiple key aspects to this project: establishing nonpartisan observation efforts, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform, and promoting candidate codes of conduct. The Carter Center is advancing nonpartisan observation efforts in two key states: Arizona and Michigan. These states were selected following assessments completed on multiple states. Nonpartisan observation efforts implemented and/or supported by The Carter Center will differ from existing partisan pollwatchers and election-protection groups. The goal of nonpartisan observation is to provide credible and transparent information on the conduct of elections in each state through public reports. The Deputy Coordinator will execute the citizen observation plan and develop partnerships with community-based organizations. They will report directly to the US Elections Coordinator in [Michigan/Arizona] and to the US Elections team in Atlanta. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Public Relations Manager, DeKalb County, Georgia— The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures. Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate. Develops and implements a comprehensive communications plan to support the mission and objectives of the department/division; develops communications strategies; reviews internal and external communications to ensure consistent messaging; creates and implements branding initiatives; manages online presence; and generates public relations campaigns to support special projects, service changes, and new initiatives within the department. Oversees the creation of print and online content to publicize and promote department programs, facilities, events, or objectives; researches and verifies information; reviews, approves, or produces newsletters, calendars, brochures, and flyers; monitors, approves, and creates content for social media and department website; and writes or edits official department announcements, emails blasts, press releases, letters, or posts. Oversees community outreach programs and events; plans, organizes, and oversees special events, facility tours, educational programs; oversees the selection of locations, dates, and sponsorships; reviews activities and materials prepared by staff or vendors; recruits and supervises event volunteers; and coordinates set-up, staffing, and implementation of program/event plans. Represents department as a spokesperson; serves as a liaison to the news media, other departments, boards, and other external groups; responds to media requests; gives interviews and official comments; and produces short television segments for DeKalb County TV. Cultivates community partnerships to advance departmental objectives and initiatives; develops and maintains relationships with community partners; attends or leads community events on behalf of the department; responds to inquiries from citizen groups or the public; and serves on internal and external committees or projects. Prepares and monitors public relations budget; prepares cost estimates; develops annual budget requests; and reviews and approves expenditures. Salary: $67,182 – $104,133. 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.

(Senior) Training Associate, Center for Tech and Civic Life— As the CTCL Government Services (Senior) Training Associate, you will develop and deliver training courses and easy-to-use tools that advance the tech and communication capabilities of election officials. Project coordination – Oversee multi-course training series and other major projects by setting goals, creating project plans, coordinating coworkers and partners, and monitoring progress. Continuous improvement – Suggest, hone, and evaluate new approaches to instructional design, such as alternative training formats, materials, or participant engagement practices. 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.

Voting Rights Expert, The Carter Center— The Carter Center is seeking a highly qualified voting rights analyst to work on the Center’s US election advisory team under the guidance of the Democracy Program staff. The voting rights expert will assess and analyze key issues affecting women, the disabled, and disenfranchised groups in the United States. The voting rights expert will contribute to public and private statements concerning the electoral process and provide an impartial assessment of elections as well as detailed recommendations for ways to improve the program’s inclusiveness, credibility, and transparency as it relates to voting access of historically disenfranchised peoples. A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in democracy and/or elections is required, in addition to a degree in political science or another relevant field. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

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