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JEARP

The Journal of Election Administration Research and Practice bi-annual journal developed in partnership between the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center) and Auburn University Election Administration Initiative designed to address the concerns of the practice, policy, research, vendor, and advocacy communities involved in the administration of elections in the US and abroad. The third edition (Volume 2, Issue 1) was recently published. Each week we’ll feature the abstract of a submission in the current edition. Submissions to the Journal are open and currently on any topic, although the editorial team is considering a special issue for later this year or early next year on a specific topic.

Election Workers’ Perceptions of Election Security in Rural Wisconsin

Melissa A. Kono, associate professor
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension

Election workers are directly responsible for ensuring elections are conducted fairly and securely, so their abilities to do so are crucial. Election workers play an important role in the election process by verifying voter information, issuing ballots, and counting ballots when the polls close. These “street level bureaucrats” interact with voters and decide who is allowed to vote on Election Day and ultimately whether that vote is counted (Alvarez 2006; Hall, 2009: Suttman-Lea 2019). These crucial duties rest in the hands of dedicated election workers who are essentially infrequent volunteers, and “despite their important role in elections, we know surprisingly little about how recruitment and training of poll workers translates into performance” (Burden and Milyo, 2015).

While the effects election workers have on elections have been examined (Alvarez and Hall, 2006, 2008; Barreto, Marks and Woods, 2004; Suttmann-Lea, 2019), research is lacking on poll workers’ perceptions of election administration, and specifically, their concerns, if any, on election security, which now receives considerable attention. That is, are only the votes of eligible voters being counted on election night, and what, if any, interference is there in the election process? Read more…

Election News This Week

Voting Machine News: Lots of voting machine news this week on a variety of fronts. Maricopa County, Arizona released an internal report to Votebeat last week maintaining they had no indication the printers would struggle to print on the thicker ballot paper used in November 2022. They wrote in the 16-page report that the problems didn’t show up in pre-election testing or during early voting, and the manual for the printers gave “conflicting information” about which types of paper the printers could handle. The manufacturer argues that its manual for the printers is clear that you can’t use them to print double-sided on such thick paper, according to two letters the company recently sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In Glenn County, California, the board of supervisors is discussing eliminating its Dominion voting machines and moving to a hand-count system. In Georgia, several election integrity groups are ratcheting up the pressure on election officials to ditch the electronic voting machines the state purchased in 2019 in favor of paper ballots in time for the 2024 presidential election. County commissioners in Lucas County, Ohio recently approved spending $724,000 to purchase new voting equipment. Washington County, Tennessee showed off new voting machines recently, part of a statewide shift to paper backups to improve election security. The White County, Georgia board of commissioners voted to deny a request from Supervisor of Elections and Registration Jody Davis to purchase some additional voting machines for the county. In New Hampshire potential replacements for the state’s voting machines were on display this week in Concord. The current machines will stop being supported after 2024, and the state Ballot Law Commission is considering whether to switch to the new machines. It will be up to each city or town to decide whether to use either of the two machines that are eventually chosen. Each municipality will have the option of counting ballots by hand. There are three machines under consideration, all which are paper ballot-based. The New York State Board of Elections certified a new touch-screen voting machine for use in future elections. The Board approved the ExpressVote XL system from ES&S. Opponents, including some leading government reform groups, said the decision is “bad for voters.” They said the machines don’t leave a verified paper trail and are potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to WXXI the board, which is made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, discussed the proposal for hours in a debate that at times grew heated. The touch-screen machines could be in place as early as Election Day next year.

Bipartisan Recommendations: A Bipartisan Elections Task Force in Arizona—created by the governor’s office—has started to refine nearly two dozen proposals to change Arizona’s election process. The Task Force decided to move ahead with 20 proposed election-related changes. Most of the proposals received unanimous approval from the 18-member group; only two were rejected. The majority of them aim to expand voting access or to tighten election security. Some of the early ideas would cost money, such as $6 million to pay for upgrades to election equipment and to meet federal certification standards. But other proposals suggest changes to existing practices, such as speeding up vote counting by creating a three-day “final weekend voting” period open to all voters that could reduce wait times on Election Day. None of the proposals that advanced are certain to land in a final report, due Nov. 1. Over the next three months, subgroups will continue to debate and refine the ideas. The proposals fell into five categories, ranging from early voting issues to election security to voter registration. The panel addressed the difficulty of attracting poll workers. Proposals ranged from increasing the pay to requiring employers to give unpaid leave to staffers who volunteer to work the polls. Another proposal to stem the loss of election workers would create a fellowship program in elections offices statewide. It would expose young workers to the elections world and act as an entry point into the field. It passed with unanimous support.

Social Media: Vote.org and 11 other voting rights groups include RepresentUS and Public Citizen sent a letter to Meta, the parent company for Facebook, Instagram and Threads, asking it to “release a robust plan to ensure the platform [Threads] has strong election policies in place from the start.” Since its launch last month, Threads has gained tens of millions of followers and is the closest rival to Twitter. “If you have that many people, you have a great responsibility to the people that are on the platform,” said Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org. “What we’re asking for here is a real plan, knowing that we’re only a few months out from presidential primaries, and that very soon the presidential election will be on our doorstep.” Meta has election disinformation policies for Facebook and Instagram, but it hasn’t published any specifically for Threads. A company spokesman told NPR that Facebook’s rules apply to Threads. So, for example, people can’t post false claims about voter registration. He also said Meta is looking at additional ways to address misinformation in future updates to the Threads app. The voting rights groups say Threads needs a stand-alone policy. Otherwise, it’s unclear how the rules will be implemented and enforced. They say this is especially urgent given reports that Meta has made staff cuts to its teams that work on election disinformation.

NASED News: During its recent summer conference the National Association of Election Directors (NASED) presented several awards including the 2023 NASED Innovators Award and the Elaine Manlove Award for Distinguished Service. The Wisconsin Elections Commission received the Innovators Award for the agency’s Elections 101 video-based election education project in 2022. Wisconsin was selected out of submissions from six states. In late 2021 and early 2022, WEC initiated partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the city of Madison, Dane County, Badger Boys State, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, two high schools in the state, Disability Rights Wisconsin, and a local video production company to create a voter education campaign featuring a four-part video series designed to increase public and student knowledge about elections administration and voting in Wisconsin. The videos featured a Wisconsin elections overview; a look at the details of the voting process, such as registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot; how Wisconsin maintains security and integrity in elections; and what a day at the polling place looks like. Outgoing Maryland elections Administrator Linda Lamone is the recipient of the first-ever Elaine Manlove Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of Administrator Lamone’s more than 25 years of service to NASED and to the State of Maryland. The NASED Executive Board has awarded the Distinguished Service Award six times in NASED’s history.  It is presented to a member of the organization or the larger elections community who has made a significant contribution to NASED and its members over an extended period.  In June 2023, the NASED Executive Board voted to rename the award for Elaine Manlove, Delaware’s State Election Commissioner, from 2007 to 2019.

Kim Wyman Joins BPC: Former Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman is joining the team at the Bipartisan Policy Center to expand the expertise of BPC’s Elections Project. “I am delighted that Kim Wyman is joining BPC’s Elections Project,” said Matthew Weil, executive director of BPC’s Democracy Program. “She lived the challenges that local and state election officials face on a daily basis, and will be a key member of our team as we work to foster confidence in electoral institutions ahead of 2024.” At BPC, Wyman will build on her commitment to advancing accessible and secure elections by helping to launch a new effort focused on recruitment, retention, and training within the election administration workforce. “I look forward to continuing to advance bipartisan election policy to help inspire public confidence in elections across the U.S.,” said Kim Wyman. “BPC’s track record of approaching election policy in partnership with state and local officials ensures that the work is focused on improving the administration of elections. This work is as important as ever.”

Kristin Sullivan Heads to Connecticut:  Election law expert Kristin Sullivan, after serving as research director at the Center for Election Innovation and Research (CEIR), has been appointed as Connecticut’s new director of elections.  The position represents a return to Connecticut government for Sullivan, who served in the Connecticut General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Research for 17 years, most recently as chief legislative analyst, focusing on federal, state, and local election administration, voting rights, and campaign finance laws. During her time at CEIR, Sullivan oversaw the growth of the organization’s research team and portfolio, including leading research and recommendations on Connecticut’s implementation of early voting for the first time in the state’s history. “She’s extraordinarily skilled, respected, and well-qualified,” said CEIR Executive Director David Becker. “We at CEIR are incredibly excited that the voters of Connecticut will get to benefit from her experience.”

Personnel News: Tonya Wichman, Defiance County, Ohio board of elections director, recently returned from an 11-day service trip to Sierra Leone where she assisted with administration of the country’s presidential election. Robin Fincannon is the new Wichita County, Texas elections administrator. Amanda Lynch is the new Northfield, Indiana town clerk. She replaces Dan Campbell who is retiring after 10 years.

Legislative Updates

Federal Legislation: Sens Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) reintroduced the Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023  that would limit the baseless removal of local election officials by only allowing removals for cases of inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, with a federal cause of action to enforce this standard. The bill also targets voter challenges placed on overworked local election officials. The Preventing Election Subversion Act legislation would overpower voter registration challenges by “requiring that any challenges to a voter’s eligibility to register to vote or cast a ballot, other than those submitted by an election official, must be supported by personal knowledge with respect to each individual challenged.”

Mohave County, Arizona: Mohave County Board of Supervisors has struck down a plan to hand count all ballots cast in the 2024 election cycle. The board had previously directed the county’s election director to draft a plan. After doing just that, he presented it to the board, showing it would cost well over $1 million to implement.  Board chair Travis Lingenfelter said that is money the county does not have. “The first thing that we have to do in Mohave County in good conscience is to balance the budget. You can’t talk about any other spending when you have $18 to $20 million deficit. I mean that’s irresponsible,” Lingenfelter said.  Deputy County Attorney Ryan Esplin told the board that a hand count would likely invite litigation. The motion to adopt the hand count plan was rejected on a 3-2 vote.

New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that will make reporting of election results more uniform statewide. Supporters said they believe the changes will bring clarity to the reporting of election results and restore faith in the elections process that may have been undermined by recent claims of widespread voter fraud nationwide. It won nearly unanimous support in the Legislature. “A clear and open election process is one of the foundations of our democracy,” Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex), prime sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “This law will further ensure that clarity, eliminate confusion about results, and serve to counteract misinformation that circulates on social media and elsewhere.”  Under the new law, county clerks will be required to post election results online by 11:59 p.m. on the day of primary and general elections and continue to post them daily by 9 p.m. until all the ballots are counted and the election is certified. Murphy said the law will “make sure our elections are conducted in a way that bolsters public confidence in our democracy.”

Utah County, Utah: The Utah County Commission rejected a proposal from Aaron Davidson, county clerk, to restructure his office following the departure of two merit-level employees in recent months. Davidson sought a change in his office, moving from an elections director to a chief deputy. A motion to move forward with the change was made by Commissioner Tom Sakievich, though neither of the other commissioners seconded the motion. Therefore, the motion failed. To be hired as the elections director, a candidate would have to meet a set of criteria to be eligible for the position. Moving to a chief deputy, meanwhile, would allow Davidson to appoint a person — whether or not they meet the merit system’s listed criteria — for the role.

Legal Updates

Federal Indictments: Former President Donald Trump was indicted on felony charges for working to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump was the only person charged in this week’s indictment. But prosecutors referenced a half-dozen co-conspirators, including lawyers inside and outside of government who they said had worked with Trump to undo the election results. They also advanced legally dubious schemes to enlist slates of fake electors in battleground states won by Democrat Joe Biden to falsely claim that Trump had actually won them. The indictment accuses the defeated president and his allies of trying to “exploit the violence and chaos” by calling lawmakers into the evening on Jan. 6 to delay the certification of Biden’s victory. In between the election and the riot, Trump urged local election officials to undo voting results in their states, pressured Pence to halt the certification of electoral votes and falsely claimed that the election had been stolen — a notion repeatedly rejected by judges. Among those lies, prosecutors say, were claims that more than 10,000 dead voters had voted in Georgia along with tens of thousands of double votes in Nevada. Each claim had been rebutted by courts or state or federal officials, the indictment says. The indictment includes charges of conspiring to defraud the U.S., conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstructing an official proceeding and violating a post-Civil War Reconstruction Era civil rights statute that makes it a crime to conspire to violate rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution — in this case, the right to vote.

Arizona: Republican Mark Finchem is dropping his bid to overturn the 2022 race for secretary of state that he lost, after a trial judge rejected it. In a brief filing, his attorney pointed out that appellate-level courts have so far rejected claims by failed GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake that there were mistakes made in how the election was run and how counties tabulated the votes that she claims entitle her to be declared the winner over Katie Hobbs or to get a new election ordered. Finchem’s attorney, Daniel McCauley, also noted that Republican Abe Hamadeh has so far failed to convince a trial judge to set aside the 2022 results showing he lost the race for attorney general to Democrat Kris Mayes. Their allegations “more or less mirror Mr. Finchem’s,” McCauley told the Arizona Court of Appeals. McCauley told Capitol Media Services this may not be the end of Finchem’s chances of becoming secretary of state. The key, he said, is the still-pending litigation by Lake. She has raised a variety of legal issues, many of them relating to whether early ballots were counted that shouldn’t have been.

Colorado: The Colorado Republican Party filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State Jena Griswold in federal court, seeking to invalidate a ballot measure passed by voters in 2016. The suit, filed on behalf of the party, is the latest effort by some Colorado Republicans to push back against Proposition 108, which allows unaffiliated voters to participate in parties’ primary elections and help select general election candidates. The suit alleges that the ballot measure “harms (the party) and its members by infringing upon their rights of free speech and association.” A similar suit, filed by a handful of Colorado Republican officials, was dismissed by a federal judge shortly after it was filed in 2022. The same attorney, John Eastman, represented those officials in that case, too. This latest effort comes with the fuller backing of the party as an institution, which is now under the direction of new party chairman Dave Williams. Williams, a former state legislator who lost a primary race against Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in 2022, has criticized the system established by Prop 108 and said in a radio interview Tuesday that he “certainly want(s) a closed primary.” The suit asks a federal judge to declare Prop 108 unconstitutional and to prevent Griswold’s office from enforcing it.

Illinois: U.S. District Judge John Kness has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a downstate Republican congressman and two GOP officials that sought to block the state from counting mail-in ballots cast on or before Election Day, but received by election authorities up to two weeks afterward. Kness ruled that five-term U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro and two prospective 2024 GOP presidential electors lacked standing to sue the State Board of Elections over an Illinois law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted in the 14 days after Election Day as long as they were postmarked or certified on or before that day. Kness explicitly ruled that Illinois’ 2015 law complied with the U.S. Constitution as well as federal election law. “By implementing the statute, Illinois is following the constitutional command that states determine the time, place, and manner of elections,” Kness wrote in a ruling. “In addition, the statute further does not conflict with the federal mandate that Election Day be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November,” the judge wrote “By counting only mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, the statute does not extend the day for casting votes in a federal election.” “Voting (as an act) and counting votes (as a separate act) are not the same thing, and the statute allows counting alone — not voting — to continue after Election Day,” the judge wrote.

Maryland: Davinder Singh, 47, of Gaithersburg was found guilty in the death of Miguel Antonio Ortiz, 65, and Ana Margarita Ortiz, 70, a couple who were on their way to vote last year. The husband and wife were crossing the street on Nov. 8, 2022, to vote at the polling site at Fields Road Elementary School, when they were struck by Singh. Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said his office will ask the judge to impose the maximum penalty at the sentencing hearing on Oct. 20 — that’s up to 10 years prison and $14,000 in fines.

Michigan: Two Michigan allies of former President Donald Trump, including a former Republican state attorney general candidate, were charged in connection with an effort to illegally access and tamper with voting machines in the state after the 2020 election, prosecutors announced this week. Attorney Matthew DePerno was charged with undue possession of a voting machine and conspiracy, while Daire Rendon, a former Republican state representative, was charged with conspiracy to commit undue possession of a voting machine and false pretenses, special prosecutor D.J. Hilson announced in a news release. Both were arraigned Tuesday afternoon, according to Richard Lynch, the court administrator for Oakland County’s 6th Circuit. DePerno and Rendon are among nine people in Michigan named thus far by Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office as having been involved in the scheme. Asked whether the broader investigation continues, Hilson replied in an email, “Still more to come unrelated to the individuals currently charged.” In his statement, Hilson said the charges against DePerno and Rendon were authorized by “an independent citizens grand jury,” and that his office did not make any recommendations.

Pennsylvania: Richard Houser and Catherine Burns, members of the conservative Patriots organization, filed notice they were appealing to Commonwealth Court the dismissal of their complaint in county court. On July 5, Judge Eric R. Linhardt ruled there is no provision in the state Election Code compelling the board of elections through an independent third party to conduct the audit that was requested. The judge further found Houser and Burns did not strictly adhere to the statutory requirements for contesting an election after the results are certified, PennLive reported. Lacking, according to Linhardt, was a petition of at least 100 electors who voted in the election and a verification affidavit signed by at least five of them. A bond must be posted within five days of the petition being filed, which did not occur either, he said. As such, he concluded that the court lacks jurisdiction to issue an order affecting the 2020 election. The appeal notice did not specify how the complainants believe the judge erred in his decision to dismiss the case.

Texas: The first of nearly two dozen cases challenging the results of 2022 elections in Harris County kicked off this week. Erin Lunceford, a GOP candidate who lost her bid to become a district court judge in Harris County is suing to throw out the election results and have the court order a do over. Lunceford’s lawyers allege she lost in part because of paper ballot shortages that targeted Republican voting locations. They also argue election officials made mistakes allowing illegal votes to be cast. Her opponent, Democrat Tamika Craft, won the election by 2,743 votes out of more than 1 million cast. Craft’s lawyers and Harris County officials say there’s no evidence that ballot shortages or other problems prevented people from voting or that illegal voting took place. One of Lunceford’s attorneys said the lawsuit details 17 examples of election problems. In addition to the ballot shortage, other problems listed include mistakes in ballot scanning and with reviewing signatures on mail-in ballots. Kevin Haynes, one of Craft’s lawyers, said Lunceford’s attorneys are using a “kitchen sink” approach to make numerous allegations that rely on “wildly speculative evidence.” “Once they have finally at long last put their cards on the table, it is very clear they have no evidence,” Haynes said.

Virginia: U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson dismissed a lawsuit over the contentious firing of former Nottoway County Registrar Angela Stewart and another election official who worked with her, ruling that city and county electoral boards function more as state bodies rather than local ones. Stewart, who had served as Nottoway’s registrar for 28 years before being removed from her position in the fall of 2021, argued the move by the Nottoway Electoral Board violated her constitutional rights by being based on false allegations of malfeasance. She also claimed the board didn’t give her an adequate chance to defend her actions in office to try to keep her job. Hudson dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds, pointing to 11th Amendment immunity restricting the ability of private individuals to sue states in federal courts. “Here, it is clear that local electoral boards are more like an arm of the state than they are like municipalities,” Hudson wrote in the July 28 opinion. “Local electoral boards derive all their power and responsibilities from Virginia statutory law. They are subject to the State Board’s supervision and authority, which includes the power to initiate removal proceedings against local electoral board members. Electoral board members are appointed by state circuit court judges. The party affiliation of board members depends upon the party affiliation of the governor, not the party in power locally.” Even though electoral board members are initially paid with local funds, Hudson noted, their compensation is set by the state and “reimbursed annually from the state treasury.” Hudson dismissed all the claims Stewart brought under federal law on the basis of the immunity provision and said he had no jurisdiction over the remaining claims under state law, leaving nothing left to argue in the case. He reached the same conclusion in an accompanying case brought by Sharon Caldwell, a former assistant registrar and officer of election in Nottoway who was removed around the same time as Stewart.

Wisconsin: Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Maxwell has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to halt the counting of absentee military ballots cast in the 2022 midterm elections, but agreed with plaintiffs that the Wisconsin Elections Commission should offer more guidance for military voters. The lawsuit, filed by state Rep. Janel Brandtjen and Concerned Veterans of Waukesha County, had sought to block the immediate counting of all military absentee ballots cast in the November election until they could be verified with current lists of military voters. Maxwell denied the request at the time and now has dismissed the case. In order to properly file such a lawsuit, Maxwell ruled, the plaintiffs would need to bring a complaint against an “elections official,” not the state’s elections commission. “The Plaintiffs should not have brought suit against WEC in order to have a successful … claim, rather they should have brought suit against the clerk or other election official that they believe either acted improperly or failed to act properly,” Maxwell wrote. “Had there been ‘an elections official’ listed as a Defendant, the people of this County and this State might know if the important safeguards of (state law) are being adhered to. That answer will have to wait for another day.” In his ruling, Maxwell said he agreed that WEC should provide more guidance to local election officials on how to use military ballot lists, but the court does not have the authority to issue such a requirement.

Opinions This Week

National Opinions: Ballot counting | AI | Election security | Ex-felon voting rights

Arizona: Ballot counting, II

Arkansas: List maintenance

California: Orange County

Florida: Election laws | Vote by mail | Ex-felon voting rights

Idaho: Voter registration

Nebraska: Election fraud claims | Voter ID

New York: Voting equipment, II

North Carolina: Election legislation, II

Ohio: Ranked choice voting, II, III

Texas: Voter registration

Virginia; Voting plan

Washington: Ballot counting

Upcoming Events

NCSL Legislative Summit: The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will hold its annual meeting, Legislative Summit, in August. This year’s elections track features election perspectives from across the spectrum, a live recording of the podcast, High Turnout, Wide Margins, a tour of the Marion County Election Board Office, a free precon on election security, accuracy and communications, and a free postcon on redistricting. To register visit NCSL’s Summit 2023 webpage; for the pre- and postcons, contact Katie.King@ncsl.org. When: Aug. 13-17. Where: Indianapolis, Indiana.

Election Center National Conference: The National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center) will hold its 38th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida in late August. In addition to the conference, CERA courses and renewal courses will be offered. The conference will include plenary sessions, workshops, the CERA graduation ceremony and an optional tour of the Orange County, Florida supervisor of elections offices. When: Aug. 26-30. Where: Orlando, Florida

National Voter Registration Day: National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. It has quickly gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012, with more than 5 million voters registered to vote on the holiday to date. Celebrated every September, National Voter Registration Day involves volunteers and organizations from all over the country hitting the streets in a single day of coordinated field, technology, and media efforts. The holiday is endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center). When: September 19.

Job Postings

electionlineWeekly publishes election administration job postings each week as a free service to our readers. To have your job listed in the newsletter, please send a copy of the job description, including a web link to mmoretti@electionline.org.  Job postings must be received by 5pm on Wednesday in order to appear in the Thursday newsletter. Listings will run for three weeks or till the deadline listed in the posting.

Assistant Director, Utah County, Utah— Under general guidance and supervision of the Elections Director, assists with administering Elections functions within the Office of the County Clerk, including voter registration and service, electronic voting system, candidate services, and the full elections process for Utah County. Incumbents serving in this classification represent the Elections Director in his/her absence and must have considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures related to administering elections. Salary: $65,540.80 – $75,379.20. Deadline: August 8. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Assistant Manager-Poll Worker Department, Palm Beach County, Florida— The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections is looking for an experienced Assistant Poll Worker Department Manager. In this role, you will oversee the planning and the completion of various projects, administrative functions, operations, and specialized tasks in the Poll Worker Department. The work involves knowledge and application of departmental operations, planning, assigning responsibilities, monitoring election worker classes, maintaining records, evaluating performance, and the ability to review work for accuracy. This position requires initiative and sound independent judgement in the application of office policies, election laws, and procedures. Must be personable and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, associates, and the general public. All work is performed under the guidance of the Supervisor of Elections. The ideal candidate will have an excellent work ethic, including consistent performance, reliability, and attendance. The desire and ability to work well in a fast-paced collaborative environment with a smile are essential to the position. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters, San Bernardino, California— The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters seeks a dynamic and innovative administrator who can lead and thrive in a fast-paced environment to manage our elections programs, processes, and team.  The Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters is a forward-thinking individual that assists with guiding the future direction of the department and its processes, taking a hands-on approach to find solutions while working collaboratively with a knowledgeable and dedicated team. The Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters is a key member of the Department’s senior management team, participating in organizational strategic planning and administering election programs. The position serves as a Chief over a division of the Registrar of Voters (ROV) office and has primary responsibility for assisting the ROV in planning, conducting, and certifying all Primary, General, and Special elections. Salary: $85,425.60 – $118,684.80. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

City Clerk, Petaluma, California— The City of Petaluma, uniquely situated on the Petaluma River at the Northern end of the San Francisco Bay, offers a vibrant cultural, outdoor, and gastronomic scene. Residents enjoy unparalleled natural beauty along with deep engagement with their community. Life in Petaluma is the perfect mix of country and city, offering biking, hiking, paddling, arts, music, and shopping as well as outstanding food and craft beverages. The City celebrates family and cultural diversity, and is a community of people who care about making Petaluma a place they’re proud to call home. The new City Clerk will bring the knowledge and proven experience to assess current operations of the City Clerk’s Office and institute innovative processes, modifications, and technological efficiencies where necessary. The ideal candidate is emotionally intelligent, a strong communicator, and gets along well with others. Staying calm under pressure, bringing passion for local government and community service, and taking on new initiatives is essential to success in this role. Qualified candidates possess a Bachelor’s degree as well as five (5) years of experience in supporting an elected/appointed government body. A Master’s degree, Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC), and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) are highly desirable. Salary: $164,883. Deadline: August 27. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Data Analyst, Protect Democracy— VoteShield, a project of Protect Democracy, seeks highly motivated and civic-minded Data Analysts to join our growing team. VoteShield’s goal is to maintain complete and accurate voter data in order to ensure free and fair elections for all qualified voters. As a member of this world-class analysis and engineering team, you will analyze voter registration data, work with election administrators, and grow your technical skills. Ideal candidates will be critical thinkers with a command of data analysis techniques and the ability to distill findings into clear, accessible reports and presentations. We are seeking people who bring an interest in civic data, commitment to non-partisanship, and passion for defending and strengthening our democracy through free and fair elections. We do not expect that any one candidate will have all of the experiences and requirements listed — our current data analysis team comes from a variety of professional backgrounds, including academia and the public and private sectors. We highly encourage you to apply if the job description gets you excited about the role and the work of Protect Democracy & VoteShield. You may work from any location in the United States, and candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum are strongly encouraged to apply. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Deputy Director- Communications & Support Services, DeKalb County, Georgia— The following duties are normal for this classification. 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. Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; 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 County administrators and elected officials; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures. Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order 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 County administrators and elected officials; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate. Directs functions and activities of the department; directs voter registration programs, voter education and outreach programs; administers elections; recruits and trains poll workers; and oversees storage, maintenance, preparation, and testing of election equipment. Directs voter registration activities; reviews and approves staffing levels during high volume and peak registration periods; monitors work activities to ensure timely processing of applications and maintenance of voter registration rolls; and conducts voter education seminars and training for citizens. Conducts elections; supervises departmental personnel to ensure that all elections are conducted in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations; determines locations and schedule for early voting; organizes equipment and staff deployment levels for early and election day voting; reviews training packets; monitors early voting traffic and election task lists; approves ballot layouts; and implements changes in procedures to resolve issues. Plans, directs, trains, and supervises voter outreach activities; processing absentee ballots; receives/files nomination papers, candidate statements and initiative petitions; maintains the voter file; advises individuals/groups on procedures for filing initiatives, referendums and recall petitions; and files/audits campaign financial statements. Coordinates the daily operation of the department’s computer systems; supervises data entry of affidavits of registration; maintains election district information; prepares and maintains precinct maps; creating and consolidates precincts, including the operation of customized computer aided drafting applications; supervises election night ballot tabulating. Plans, directs and supervises employees engaged in securing polling places and precinct officers; training precinct officers; orders and delivers precinct supplies and materials; operating collection centers; conducting official canvass of election returns; operates mailing and computerized mail addressing equipment; mails sample ballots and election information to voters; and receives, inventorying and storing election supplies Assists in developing and implementing long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for the department; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans and programs; and researches, assesses, and makes recommendations regarding strategies to meet current and future election and voter registration needs. Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations and pending legislation that may impact department operations; and maintains an awareness of new products, methods, trends and advances in the profession. Assists in developing, implementing, and administering department budget; monitors expenditures for adherence to established budgetary parameters; and prepares and submits financial documentation. Oversees equipment and supplies for the department; determines voting equipment needs for each precinct for elections; monitors the packing and preparation of voting equipment and supplies; reviews and approves supply and equipment requisitions; develops equipment specifications; obtains price quotes from vendors; prepares and updates policies and procedures for equipment storage; and manages the maintenance of all related records. Completes data entry and filing; enters new voter registration information; verifies accuracy and completeness of voter information; conducts research of state records; mails out letters to retrieve missing information and documentation; updates existing records in statewide registration base; files new, updates existing, and pulls deleted cards as appropriate; scans and indexes registration and absentee applications; and files records and correspondence after processing. 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. Directs the design, planning and implementation of training programs aligned with department objectives and strategies; oversees community outreach programs and events; plans, organizes, and oversees special events, facility tours, educational programs; oversees the selection of locations, dates; 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 to media, other departments, municipalities, candidates and state officials; answers questions and provides information; coordinates work activities; reviews status of work; resolves problems; responds to media requests; gives interviews and official comments; and produces short television segments for DeKalb County TV. Salary range: $81,077 – $125,670. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

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

IT Coordinator, St. Johns County, Florida— The IT Coordinator is a critical role in the organization responsible for overseeing the technology operations of the Supervisor of Elections office operating in a Microsoft Windows environment. This includes managing the IT staff, ensuring the security and integrity of the organization’s data and systems, and identifying and implementing new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. The IT Coordinator manages core network operations, reports to senior management, and collaborates with other department heads to align Information Technology strategies to maximize organizational operations. Responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the Supervisor of Elections office and systems while identifying and implementing new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. Salary: $80,000 – $92,500 a year. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Legal and Electoral Dispute Resolution Expert, 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, bolstering the electoral dispute resolution process, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform, and promoting a set of candidate principles for trusted elections. The Carter Center’s proposed electoral dispute resolution program aims to bolster public awareness of existing mechanisms to resolve electoral challenges as a means of building confidence in the process and encouraging peaceful acceptance of results. It also seeks to identify and propose meaningful reforms to strengthen those mechanisms and make them more coherent. Ahead of the 2024 election cycle, The Carter Center is proposing a four-pronged program of work that to increase the transparency, accessibility, timeliness and accountability of electoral dispute resolution mechanisms and thereby bolster public trust in the electoral process. The program will seek to both raise awareness of existing mechanisms for electoral dispute resolution and provide recommendations for their improvement. This position will also serve as our legal expert and will work closely with other members of the US Electoral expert team to assess the extent to which the US legislation, state legislation, and their implementation complies with international election standards. The legal analyst is expected to understand the legal framework of elections in the United States, generally, brief staff on election-related legal issues, and meet with relevant stakeholders as requested. Salary: Commensurate with experience Length of Assignment: Through August 31, 2023, with possibility of extension or contract renewal. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Network Manager, Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office— The Network Manager will manage, maintain, document, and operate the Department of State’s (Department) network. Additionally, the Network Manager will configure, update, secure, and install network equipment with the Department’s infrastructure as well as work with other members of the eGov and IT Division to ensure secure reliable service to staff and the public. The Network Manager performs various duties including, but not limited to: Install, secure, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair LAN and WAN network hardware, software, systems, and cabling; Work with Department staff to assist them in understanding and utilizing network services and resources; Build and maintain network log infrastructure and support critical response initiatives; Manage, monitor, document, and expand the network infrastructure; Resolve desktop and networking problems; Assist staff with maintaining voice, data, and wireless communications; Develop and implement policies related to secure hardware and software; Optimize and maintain network security through the proper design, implementation and maintenance of network devices, appliances, and other systems; Plan and implement new network installations and upgrades; Maintain an orderly networking office and equipment storage area; Participate in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity planning, drill, and implementation activities; and Perform other duties as required. Salary: $73,416 – $83,126. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Operations Manager, Santa Fe County, New Mexico— Under the general direction of the Department Director or elected official, establishes, implements, and oversees sound financial management, accounting, budgeting, staffing, procurement, and monitoring of internal control systems and processes for a department.  Oversees multiple program support functions within the Department.  This position will also manage the customer service and front window functions of the Clerk’s office. Essential Job Functions: Collaborates with Finance Department to establish the departmental budget request and submittal; executes, analyzes, forecasts, and manages budget in compliance with County policy. Oversees the development, tracking, and processing of all Department contracts, Requests for Proposal (RFP), Personnel Actions (PA), and payroll. Tracks grants and bond expenditures to ensure timeliness and efficiency. Serves as the official liaison with County Finance Department, Legal Department, and Personnel Department regarding Contracts, RFP’s, and payroll. Ensures internal control structure, budgetary control system and all accounting processes are functioning effectively within the department. Certifies that payments to vendors are accurate and timely and are for goods and services rendered in accordance with County policy. Disseminates information to management regarding the fiscal procedures and responsibilities regarding all financial transactions and activities. Coordinates program support activities within the Department; may present information at Board of County Commission meetings; may develop policies and business procedures for the department; and may audit and verify department payroll matters. Supervises timesheet submission for the department, ensuring timesheets are accurate and complete. Coordinates with the County Human Resource Department regarding the processing and tracking of all employee actions and issues; collaborates with Human Resources to facilitate recruitment for the department. Assists the Department Director/Elected Official with projects and assignments of priority and ensures completion of assignments in an effective and timely manner. Responds to questions and requests for information for the department. Hires, orients, trains, supervises, assigns and reviews work of, evaluates, and disciplines staff; recommends staff for promotion, compensation increases; and disciplinary action. Schedules, plans, and oversees or assists with departmental meetings; attends external meetings as representative of department; and attends meetings with government officials, vendors, and the public. Maintains knowledge of emerging technology and trends, current industry standards, evolving technologies, and methodologies that will impact department. Manages the customer service procedures and protocols in the Clerk’s Office; is readily available by phone, chat and email.  Answers the main phone number and Clerk inbox; follows up with customer requests. Manages the Clerk’s Office calendar protocol, chat and ticketing systems. Maintains lists of regular customers by type: titles companies, surveyors, etc. Notifies customers of any operational changes, ensures holidays are posted. Maintains effective communications with users regarding vendor activities, problems, status, timelines and other details. Salary: $68,598 – $96,033. Deadline: Oct. 18. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Registration & Elections Supervisor, 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 in order 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 ; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate. Conducts elections; supervises personnel to ensure that all elections are conducted in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations; secures early voting locations and recommends schedule; appoints site managers and determines staffing requirements for early and election day voting; works with polling locations and County Information Technology staff to ensure technology capabilities; develops and reviews training for compliance with election laws; monitors early voting traffic; recommends changes in procedures to resolve issues; conducts election night precinct check in, election audit and preparation of precinct statistics; monitors election tasks lists; monitors election software programming; and oversees financial filings process. Implements, monitors and maintains registration functions and processes; reviews registration functions and processes such as felon registrations, duplicate voters, citizenship verification, jury summons questionnaires, provisional voting, election night precinct check in and election audit; monitors and ensures compliance with established protocols and procedures; and updates protocols and procedures as needed. Prepares and completes a variety of registration, production and election reports; compiles and/or tracks various administrative and/or statistical data; generates and prepares data; submits all mandated reports to local, state and federal regulatory agencies or others as required; and maintains related records. Maintains training and procedure manuals; and develops, updates, and revises manuals for all procedures involving voter registration and election functions. Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations and pending legislation that may impact department operations; and maintains an awareness of new products, methods, trends and advances in the profession. Assists in developing and implementing department budget; review. Salary: $54,927 – $88,433. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Research Director, CEIR— CEIR seeks a qualified Research Director to join our team. The Research Director will report to the Executive Director and lead CEIR’s research initiatives. These initiatives include, but are not limited to, matters pertaining to voter registration, voter access, election integrity and security, and election policy, generally. The Research Director will set goals aligned with CEIR’s mission and provide the research team with strategic direction on how to reach those goals, all while ensuring the rigor, integrity, and quality of all research activities. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated individual who wants to join a growing nonprofit that seeks to make a substantial, positive, nonpartisan impact on elections and American democracy. The Research Director role is a full-time job. CEIR supports hybrid work at its office in Washington, DC. However, we will consider outstanding candidates across the United States that wish to work remotely. CEIR’s office hours are 9am-5pm ET, and the Research Director is expected to be available during that time regardless of location. Salary Range: $110,000-160,000.Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Senior Program Manager, Center for Tech and Civic Life– As a Senior Program Manager at CTCL, you will lead development of a program to assess, recognize, and celebrate outstanding performance by election departments nationwide. To develop this certification program, you’ll collaborate with internal and external partners, including election officials and subject matter experts. You’ll report to an Associate Director in the Government Services department and will manage a small team. Responsibilities: Design and manage a certification program for election departments. Own the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of the program, its credibility, inclusivity, and user experience. Ensure documentation is comprehensive and clear. Manage a team. Contribute to equitable hiring processes for new teammates. Lead direct reports to set goals every 6 months, and provide coaching in weekly 1:1s. Support direct reports to reach sustainable professional development goals and career milestones. Manage relationship with consultant – Collaborate with a certification expert to define and address program needs. Share timely questions and challenges in recurring meetings, and assign owners to action items. Engage key stakeholders – Coordinate with staff, legal counsel, partners, election officials, and subject matter experts to strengthen the program and build buy-in. Communicate regular updates and respond to inquiries on the program’s development, operation, and outcomes. Develop and lead Certification Board – Recruit, organize, and oversee a new, nonpartisan, diverse Certification Board. Ensure board’s alignment with CTCL’s values, mission, and commitment to priority audiences. Design governance model, define term limits, and provide appropriate support and structure for the board to achieve its goals. Salary: $79,198. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Training Program Coordinator, Charleston County, South Carolina— This position is responsible for the recruiting, coordinating, and training of Election Day poll managers on the policies, procedures, and SC State law regarding the administering of fair, honest, and accurate elections within the polling places on Election Day and during early voting. This position will also train all temporary Early Voting staff. This position will be responsible for developing all instruction manuals and materials. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Election Operations. Salary: $53,248 – $69,784. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Voter Registration Specialist, Illinois State Board of Elections— Under the general direction of the Voter Registration Lead, and the Director of Voting and Registration Systems, the Voting Registration Specialist I, performs duties related to the operation of voter registration systems and processes.. Analyzes data within the statewide registration database, review data submissions, process data request and provide voter data dissemination files. Request information from local election authorities as it relates to voter registration and systems, assist with questions from election authorities and the public as it pertains to voter registration. Performs test of registration systems functionality. Salary: $3,750 – $5,834. Deadline: Aug. 10. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Voter Services Manager, Denver, Colorado– In this role, you will lead the Voter Services team within the Denver Elections Division. The Voter Services Manager also: Manages a dedicated team of 4 staff that provide customer service and conduct the day to day operations of voter registration.Serves as the County Administrator for SCORE (Statewide Colorado Registration and Election database). Oversees the petition verification process in SCORE. Oversees election judge training and creates the training programs for Supervisor Judges, Registration Judges and Support Judges. Collaborates with internal partners to fulfill open records requests. Provides recommendations for staffing needed to perform voter registration functions and answer phones and emails during various phases of the election cycle. Acts as a subject matter expert in elections and voter registration by continuously reviewing Colorado election laws to accurately inform and instruct the general public and internal staff. Implements policies, programs, and operating procedures for the voter services department. Contributes to the development of performance goals, documents performance, provides performance feedback, and provides information to inform the formal performance evaluation. Fosters an atmosphere of innovation to challenge the organization to think creatively, especially as it relates to positive citizen and customer experience opportunities. Coaches, mentors, and challenges staff. Champions continuous improvement, including devising new strategies and new opportunities. Leads staff development initiatives that include training and development. Performs other duties as assigned or requested. Salary: $93,744 – $154,678. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Voting System Specialist, Illinois State Board of Elections— Under the general direction of the Voting System & Testing Team Lead, and the Director of Voting and Registration Systems, the Voting System Specialist I, performs functions relative to the operational and procedural aspects of voting systems; performs voting tabulation system testing and certification testing to ensure voting systems are secure and promotes the integrity of statewide voting technology which is used by Illinois election authorities and the general public; assists in the development and planning of on-site and off-site testing; collaborates with agency divisions, election authorities, vendors, and the general public as it relates to voting systems; effectively organizes, coordinates, and independently schedules day-to-day projects and requirements to ensure all assignments receive appropriate attention and that established timelines are met. Salary: $3,750 – $5,834. Deadline: Aug. 10. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

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