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Election News This Week

Bet on It: With the popularity of sports betting at an all-time high and betting on election outcomes in the U.S. is basically illegal, Votebeat’s Carrie Levine has a look at how one company — Kalshi — is attempting to get elections into the mix. Kalshi has told the Commodity Futures Trading Commission it plans to start offering an option for users to bet on political control of the House and Senate an event contract — the event being a chosen political party’s control of each congressional chamber. It would function like a commodities contract. According to the information Kalshi submitted to the CFTC, the price would fluctuate between a penny and $1, depending on the odds, and a user would have to buy a minimum of 5,000 options, which means a minimum buy-in would be $500. Big firms that Kalshi determines have a “demonstrated established economic hedging need” would be allowed to bet up to $100 million. Kalshi pulled a similar proposal earlier this year. According to Votebeat, CFTC has rejected such proposals before, arguing that allowing people to bet on the outcome of elections might convince them to vote in favor of their financial interests, which is bad for society. In other words, elections aren’t a commodity and you can’t treat them like soybeans. Needless to say, there are concerns in the good government and elections community. “It’s not a March Madness bracket with your coworkers,” Stephen Spaulding, vice president for policy of Common Cause told Votebeat. “This is something on a much bigger scale.”

Voter ID: After rejecting nearly one-third of all provisional ballots cast in the Aug. 8 election, Lorain County, Ohio Board of Elections members said they plan to write to Secretary of State Frank LaRose with concerns over how recent changes in state elections law are disenfranchising potential voters. The board voted to reject 302 of the 1,074 provisional ballots cast in the special August election. That’s an approximate 72 percent acceptance rate, when provisional ballots are normally accepted at a 90 percent rate. More than half of the rejected provisional ballots, 160, were voters who failed to provide an unexpired photo ID at the polls. Of those, 121 had expired ID and 39 had no photo ID at all. Board President Marilyn Jacobcik, a Republican, and board member Anthony Giardini, a Democrat, said they planned to write LaRose’s office about it. Giardini and Jacobcik said the new law potentially disenfranchises older voters who don’t have a valid driver’s license because they don’t drive, can’t drive for medical reasons, and don’t have a passport. Giardini said the 160 people whose votes were rejected because the board followed state law were otherwise “perfectly qualified” to vote in a nonpartisan election. The only reason their votes didn’t end up counting was because of the voter ID requirement, he said. “That makes me very uncomfortable. These people weren’t cheating,” Giardini said. “I think we all share that concern,” Jacobcik said.

Pushing Back: Clerks in Wyoming are pushing back on the notion that they aren’t transparent because they don’t conduct enough audits. Recently, Wyoming Republican Party Chairman Frank Eathorne criticized the state’s county clerks for not performing audits as he and others would like to see them done. He said this showed a lack of transparency. However, Wyoming County Clerks Association President and Platte County Clerk Malcolm Ervin said the State Constitution does not allow clerks in the Cowboy State to perform election audits to the same degree that they are done in some other states. “We don’t believe we can do that in Wyoming because the Wyoming Constitution doesn’t allow for ballots to be made public,” Ervin said. The Wyoming Constitution states that all voters should be guaranteed absolute privacy in the appropriation of their ballots and that the secrecy of the ballot is compulsory. Ervin said the clerks have determined this to mean that ballots are to remain confidential both before and after their casting.  Ervin said even with names and other identifying factors redacted from a ballot, it could still be discovered how an individual voted based on the fact there are some precincts around the state where there are only a few registered Democrats. Also, there is the potential that someone could recognize another person’s handwriting on a write-in ballot and discover how they voted.  “That’s why we haven’t gone to the length of having a full-scale audit like you saw in Maricopa County,” Ervin told the Cowboy State Daily.

Pawpalooza: If you want a guaranteed way to get your local elections office featured in electionline, might we point you toward the good folks in the Lubbock County, Texas elections department. On August 26th the elections department will be hosting the second annual Adoption Pawpalooza and Voter Registration Drive. Visitors can get a tour of the facility, see the office’s voting equipment and learn more about the role of the Lubbock County Elections Office.  The event will have food and shaved ice. In addition, three local animal shelters will have animals there ready to find their forever homes!

Personnel News: Rose Miranda is the new Harvard, Massachusetts clerk. Chris Davis has resigned as the Williamson County, Texas elections administrator, and Judith Ritchie has been appointed interim.  Arthur Morrell has joined the race for Louisiana secretary of state. Dustin Estes will be the new DeKalb County, Tennessee elections administrator. Thomas Freitag, the director of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania Board of Elections has stepped down. Elko County, Nevada Clerk Kristine Jakeman is resigning. Jim Riley is the new Gillespie County, Texas elections administrator. Nancy Landry, first assistant secretary of state in Louisiana is running for the top position.

Legislative Updates

Federal Legislation: Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D- Dallas, introduced the Democracy Restoration Act last month to restore voting rights in federal elections to all released felons regardless of parole or probation status, and regardless of state laws. Versions of the measure have been filed since 2008 but never made it to the president’s desk. The Democracy Restoration Act would restore voting rights for released felons in federal elections only. In states where eligibility doesn’t kick in during probation or parole, the voter would only be able to fill out a federal ballot. Voting rights experts and prisoner advocates blame the patchwork for confusion that can deter ex-offenders from casting ballots even when they have the right to vote or, in some cases, lands them behind bars again for an honest mistake. “When state governments create confusion about the voting laws and prosecute innocent mistakes to the fullest extent possible, people just don’t risk it,” Crockett told reporters at the Capitol on July 27. “It’s yet another way to make sure that voter suppression is real in this country.” The House included the act in two sweeping election reform bills, the For the People Act in 2021 and the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act in 2022. Both bills died in the Senate.

Morrow, Georgia: The Morrow city council recently approved a plan to let voters decide whether the city should start printing all of the municipal election ballots in more than one language in addition to English. It’s been such a heated argument in Morrow that, at one point, one council member called a colleague “un-American” for wanting multi-language ballots. So, the council decided to stay out of it and put it to the voters directly. Council Member Dorothy Dean proposed that, instead of the council debating and voting on a proposed ordinance, the council should order a city-wide referendum on November 7 to let voters decide. The suggested ballot language, Dean said: “Shall the City of Morrow use bilingual ballots on all future elections? Yes or No?” Dean’s motion passed unanimously. City Council Member Van Tran is working to determine if Morrow, in fact, might actually be required by the federal Voting Rights Act to print ballots in multiple languages because of the city’s growing minority populations–never mind any ordinance or referendum.

North Carolina: House Republicans advanced a slightly diluted version of a sweeping elections bill, still aiming to make significant changes to absentee voting and poll observers but removing certain controversial provisions that were included in the original. The original bill, Senate Bill 747, contained a series of what supporters described as election integrity measures, including setting an Election Day deadline for receiving absentee ballots, making voters using same-day registration cast provisional ballots and prohibiting private money in election administration. Democrats argue that these measures would make it more difficult to vote and easier to throw out legitimate ballots. The new bill keeps most of the bones, but softens certain sections and removes others that critics had called impractical. For same-day registrants, those registering to vote during the early voting period, the House’s bill does not require them to cast provisional ballots, which are normally used for those whose eligibility as voters are questioned. But it does require that they use a “retrievable ballot,” meaning that their vote may be thrown out if the county board of elections cannot verify their address. Two of the most significant provisions in the original bill are left largely unchanged. Just like in the old version, the deadline to receive absentee ballots would be set at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Currently, absentee ballots can be accepted up to three days past Election Day. Also, election boards at the state and local level would be prohibited from accepting any private monetary donations to help conduct elections. The bill also expands the ability of partisan poll observers to observe election procedures, though not as extensively as an earlier bill, House Bill 772. The earlier bill would have given observers broad access to voting enclosures, even allowing them some opportunities to take photos and video. The new bill takes out some of these permissions, but still clarifies that observers may hear conversations between election officials and voters, move around the voting space and see setup and tear down procedures. The new version also softens a requirement to verify signatures on absentee ballots. The original bill would have required all absentee ballots to go through a signature matching process in the 2024 general election following a pilot program in the primaries. The new version institutes only the pilot program — which cannot throw any ballots out for failing a signature match — and leaves open the possibility for signature matching in the general election depending on the results of the pilot.

Utah: Some government offices are asking lawmakers for help as they face an increasing amount of harassment from upset people. Legislators said county clerks are seeing a high amount of turnover because of this harassment, so, lawmakers are looking into increasing the penalties for anyone who interferes with government workers. Sen. Todd Weiler said the Criminal Code Evaluation Task Force has been asked to look into what they can do to protect government workers. They haven’t hammered out exactly what the new penalties would be for interfering or threatening a poll worker, but Weiler said it could be at least a Class A misdemeanor, or in some cases, a felony. “One idea that’s on the table, no decision has been met, is if we increase the penalties, hopefully, incentivizing people to do the right thing and not cross those lines,” Weiler said.

Legal Updates

Alabama: Federal judges reviewing Alabama’s new congressional map sharply questioned if state lawmakers ignored the court’s directive to create a second-majority Black district, so minority voters have a fair opportunity to influence elections. The three-judge panel held a hearing as they weigh whether to let the map stand or to step in and draw new congressional districts for the state. The panel heard arguments this week but did not indicate when it would rule. Alabama was forced to draw new district lines after the U.S. Supreme Court, in a surprise June decision, upheld the panel’s earlier finding that the state’s then-map — which had just one Black-majority district out of seven in a state where more than one in four residents is Black — likely violated the federal Voting Rights Act. Lawyers for plaintiffs in the case Monday that the new plan, which maintains one majority-Black district, still discriminates against Black voters. They said it flouts the panel’s 2022 finding that Alabama should have two districts where Black voters comprise a majority or “something quite close to it.”

Arizona: James Clark, 38 of Falmouth, Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to sending a threat two years ago to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs when she was the secretary of state, the U.S. Justice Department said. Clark entered a guilty plea to one count of sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official, according to a news release. The FBI arrested Clark last year over online threats he made in February 2021. According to prosecutors, Clark sent a message through an online form maintained by the Secretary of State’s election department. He warned Hobbs she had to “resign by Tuesday Feb. 16 by 9 a.m. or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated.” He also was accused of doing Internet searches of Hobbs’ name with phrases like “how to kill” and “address.” Clark’s threat was one of countless threats made against Hobbs for her role in certifying the 2020 presidential election, which then-Republican President Donald Trump contended without evidence was stolen. Democrat Joe Biden was declared the winner in Arizona. Clark will be sentenced on Oct. 26. He faces up to five years in prison.

Georgia: Former President Donald Trump and 18 others have been indicted on charges in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. The 41-count, 98-page indictment said Trump and his co-defendants refused to accept the fact that Trump lost in Georgia. But “they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump. That conspiracy contained a common plan and purpose.” The charges are the culmination of a 2 1/2-year criminal investigation launched by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis shortly after Trump’s leaked Jan. 2, 2021, phone call with Brad Raffensperger, during which he asked the Georgia secretary of state to “find” him 11,780 votes. The indictment lays out several different areas of alleged criminal misconduct. Among them: The phone calls Trump made to Georgia officials, including Raffensperger and Gov. Brian Kemp. The “alternate” GOP electors who cast Electoral College votes for Trump on Dec. 14, 2020 while the official Democratic electors cast votes for Joe Biden. The false testimony given to state House and Senate committees, which led to threats and harassment of Fulton County poll workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss. The copying of sensitive Georgia elections data in Coffee County, some 200 miles southeast of Atlanta, the day after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Also charged: state Sen. Shawn Still; attorneys John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Bob Cheeley, Ray Smith III and Kenneth Chesebro; former assistant U.S. attorney general Jeffrey Clark; former Coffee County GOP chairwoman Cathy Latham; Atlanta bail bondsman Scott Hall; former Coffee County elections director Misty Hampton; GOP strategist Michael Roman; publicist Trevian Kutti; Illinois pastor Stephen Cliffguard Lee; and Harrison Floyd, who briefly ran for a suburban Atlanta U.S. House seat before serving as director of Black Voices for Trump.

Idaho: The Idaho Supreme Court has ruled that Attorney General Raul Labrador must rewrite titles to a ballot initiative that would overhaul the state’s primaries election. The decision comes after Idahoans for Open Primaries, a coalition seeking to make primary elections more accessible and establish a ranked-choice voting mechanism in Idaho, sued Labrador. The group alleged that Labrador made false and mislead statements to the public about the group’s  ballot initiative. The Idaho Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Labrador’s titles were likely to cause prejudice against the measure. “Today’s decision is a major victory for the voters of Idaho,” Bruce Newcomb, a member of Idahoans for Open Primaries and former Republican speaker of the Idaho House, said in a news release. “Too many of our elected officials are handpicked by special-interest groups, not by the voters they’re supposed to serve. The Open Primaries Initiative will change that by giving all voters — regardless of party affiliation — the right to vote in primary elections.”

Indiana: By granting older voters the right to vote by mail, Indiana is not abridging the right to vote of those under the age of 65 and does not violate the 26th Amendment, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday in affirming a district court decision. Indiana law allows “elderly” voters — those 65 or older — to vote by mail. Indiana voters who are younger than 65 must fall within one of 12 other categories in order to vote by mail. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana Election Commission extended absentee-voting privileges to all registered Indiana voters for the June 2020 primary but did not renew that order for the November 2020 general election. The plaintiffs in the instant case — Indiana voters who were allowed to vote absentee in the primary, but who do not otherwise qualify for absentee voting — filed suit when the extended absentee-voting privileges weren’t renewed. They initially sought a preliminary injunction requiring Indiana to permit unlimited absentee voting, claiming that the state’s failure to extend absentee voting to all eligible voters abridged the rights of younger voters in violation of the 26th Amendment and also infringed their fundamental right to vote in violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana denied their request for a preliminary injunction.

Kansas: Conservative legal groups are backing Kansas government officials in appealing a federal court ruling that a new election law related to mail ballots is unconstitutional. The election law, House Bill 2332, was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2021 over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. Among its provisions was a ban on mailing voters a pre-filled application for a mail ballot. VoteAmerica and the Voter Participation Center sued, and U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Vratil ruled in May that the law unconstitutionally infringed on their First Amendment rights to speech and association. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Attorney General Kris Kobach, as well as Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe, appealed to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in June and filed their brief July 27. Schwab, Kobach and Howe have received support in the appellate court from amicus curiae briefs of four conservative groups that have been involved in election law litigation. Schwab and Kobach aren’t appealing a separate provision of the law, which prohibits out-of-state entities from sending blank applications to Kansas voters. The state agreed to a permanent injunction against that part. They also stipulated that VoteAmerica’s activities didn’t run afoul of the disputed law because they sent pre-filled applications only after a voter requested one through their website.

Michigan: Andrew Nickels, 37 of Caramel, Indiana has been charged, and will soon be in court, after he allegedly threatened former Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton in November 2020. Nickels is charged with making a threatening interstate communication — with a maximum penalty of five years. Nickels allegedly called Baron, and left a voicemail telling the clerk to “watch her back”.  The voicemail went as follows: “We’re watching your…mouth talk about how you think that there’s no irregularities…[Y]ou frauded out America of a real election…Guess what, you’re gonna pay for it, you will pay for it…[T]en million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it, and your little infantile Deep State security agency has no time to protect you because they’ll be bought out and we’ll [expletive] kill you…[Y]ou will [expletive] pay for your [expletive] lying ass remarks…We will [expletive] take you out. [Expletive] your family, [expletive] your life, and you deserve a [expletive] throat to the knife…Watch your [expletive] back…watch your [expletive] back.”

Nevada: An election-fraud crusader in Nevada withdrew his latest federal lawsuit in an ongoing feud with county officials in Reno after their lawyers threatened to seek sanctions for filing a baseless complaint laced with “rantings of a conspiracy theorist.” But Robert Beadles, a wealthy ex-California businessman and right-wing activist who has embraced many Republicans’ disproven claims of election fraud, is vowing to continue his legal battle in state court. He has filed a new lawsuit in Washoe County District Court with similar allegations of fraud and other wrongdoing. He insists, without evidence, that the election system is rife with “flaws and irregularities” that robbed him of his vote in 2020. He lost another lawsuit last year that sought heightened observation of Washoe County’s vote-counting process. Beadles’ lawsuit “contains various baseless and delusory allegations disjointed from any viable legal claim,” Deputy District Attorney Lindsay Liddell wrote in the draft motion. She described it as “inaccurate rantings of a conspiracy theorist disconnected from any legitimate claim.”

Texas: The Texas Attorney General’s Office appealed the decision of Travis County District Judge Karin Crump to temporarily block a new law passed by Republicans to abolish Harris County’s elections chief position. The decision by Crump found that the law is unconstitutional and would disrupt this fall’s elections.  The AG’s Office filed its appeal in the Texas Supreme Court, keeping Crump’s order from taking effect. The law, which would have forced the county to eliminate the county’s elections administrator and transfer all election duties to the county clerk and the tax assessor-collector, is set to take effect Sept. 1, weeks before early voting begins for the county’s November municipal elections. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee filed the lawsuit in Travis County District Court last month and argued the law, Senate Bill 1750, violates the Texas Constitution because it was used by the Legislature to single out one county. Menefee asked Crump to prevent the law from taking effect.  Crump agreed and in her ruling added, “Not only will this transfer lead to inefficiencies, disorganization, confusion, office instability, and increased costs to Harris County, but it will also disrupt an election that the Harris County EA [elections administrator] has been planning for months. The Harris County Clerk and the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector have had no role in preparing for the November Election.”

State District Judge David Peeples, presiding over Republicans’ widespread challenges to losses in the 2022 elections around Houston said not to expect a quick ruling following a trial in which no GOP voters came forward to testify that they were unable to vote because of ballot shortages or delayed poll openings last November. During the two-week trial, lawyers for the losing Republican candidates relied heavily on theories generated by their party members in lieu of testimony from voters or analysis from election law experts. Peeples said following closing arguments that he did not expect to issue a ruling for weeks.

Wisconsin: Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ryan Nilsestuen has ruled that a lawsuit that would let Wisconsin election officials accept absentee ballots with partial witness addresses as long as the correct addresses are discernible can proceed. Republican lawmakers had argued the case must be dismissed because the argument raised by the plaintiff, Rise Inc., a liberal group that mobilizes young voters, relies on “a legally incorrect construction of Wisconsin’s absentee-voting laws.” However Nilsestuen ruled that a motion to dismiss was improper and the case can be argued in court. “Rather than arguing that the case is not justiciable, the Intervenor argues the merits of the case, given that its argument rests on whose definition of ‘address of a witness’ is correct,” Nilsestuen wrote in the order. “Even if I agreed that the Plaintiffs’ claims fails on the merits — and I take no position at this stage in the litigation — the proper course of action would not be dismissal.”

Opinions This Week

National Opinions: Election worker security | Ex-felon voting rights | Election interference | List maintenance| Election security | Election integrity | Early voting | 2020 indictment, II | Election legislation

Alabama: Redistricting, II | Voting rights

Arizona: Election violence

California: Orange County | Civic engagement

Connecticut: Voter suppression | Ranked choice voting

District of Columbia: Ranked choice voting

Florida: Ex-felon voting rights | Youth vote

Georgia: 2020 indictment, II | ERIC

Idaho: Ranked choice voting

Missouri: Secretary of state

Montana: Get out the vote

North Carolina: Election legislation, II

Ohio: Poll workers, II | Secretary of state

Pennsylvania: Accessibility

South Carolina: Ranked choice voting

Texas: Harris County | Williamson County | ERIC

Virginia: Satellite voting

Upcoming Events

US vs. Trump: The Big Lie on Trial: Former President Trump has been indicted in both federal and Georgia state courts for conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Something larger than Trump will be on trial — the Big Lie of a “stolen” election. Trump didn’t act alone. A web of pundits, elected officials, and media outlets propelled misinformation and baseless conspiracy theories. They stoked distrust in our electoral system, instigating an insurrection.  The indictments will echo through American democracy for generations. The outcomes of the cases will affect voting rights, racial justice, executive powers, checks and balances, and so much more. On Wednesday, August 23, join us virtually at 3 p.m. ET to hear Brennan Center experts and NYU professor and MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann discuss the cases and their implications. When: August 23, 3pm Eastern. Where: Online.

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 Poll Worker Recruitment Day: National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, Aug. 23, 2023, is a national day of action established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to encourage people to help America vote by signing up to be a poll worker. By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is addressing the critical shortage of poll workers, strengthening our democracy, inspiring greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and helping America vote. When: August 23.

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 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 Assistant & Special Projects Administrator for Director, Michigan Department of State— As an Administrative Assistant, this position assists the Director of Elections performing special projects related to election security including, but not limited to, advising and assisting the Director with strategic planning, reviewing and analyzing state and federal legislation relevant to Bureau of Elections (BOE), and assisting in the development of programs and procedures. The position coordinates BOE response to and management of election-security incidents with partners and stakeholders. The position works with BOE staff, Michigan Department of State (MDOS) staff, and partners to develop and implement an extensive election security-related education and training program for county and local election officials (as well as internal staff), focusing on election-related cyber security, physical security and secure and sound election administration procedures. The position assists county and local election officials in completing detailed election system security assessments and implementing security improvements as identified and needed, covering all major county/local election system components. The position serves as liaison with state and federal partners on election security coordination and initiatives. The position makes recommendations for priorities for and maintains, tracks and reports on the Department’s Federal election security grant program with MDOS Budget office. Salary: $31.98-$47.70/hr. Deadline: August 18. 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.

Certification Manager, Hart InterCivic— Hart InterCivic is looking for a Certification Manager to join our team in Austin, Texas. The Certification Manager’s responsibilities include planning and managing federal and state certification activities, ongoing compliance activities, and leadership of the Certification Team. The Certification Manager will report to the VP of Product Management and will work closely with key internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional input providers including Sales, Product Management, Finance, Operations and Engineering. The ideal candidate will be a master communicator, will have the ability to move seamlessly from big picture to detailed planning activities and will have experience working with state and local government elections processes, high-level project management skills, and the ability to manage priorities to ensure adherence to externally driven deadlines. 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.

Departmental Supervisor 11 – Elections Support Desk, Michigan Dept. of State — This position serves as the first line supervisor of technician positions in a standard work area for the Bureau of Elections Help Desk, which provides procedural information about campaign finance, disclosure, notarial acts and election law to candidates, committees, election administrators, notary providers and to the general public. This manager coordinates the tier 1 support and triage for inbound calls and communication to the Bureau of Elections to either resolve or route to the appropriate advanced level support. The incumbent coordinates with the Operations Section manager to provides additional support for bureau wide project activities and initiatives. Incumbent coordinates the staff that provides coverage for the Bureau of Elections front desk that support in person appointments or customer questions. Salary: $45,136-$95,347. Deadline: August 18. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Departmental Training and Education Coordinator, Pima County, Arizona— Assesses need for staff and/or client education, develops curriculum, training/education materials and presentations, and conducts/coordinates training/education for staff and/or clients. Salary: $54,662. Deadline: August 18. 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.

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.

Senior Supply Technician, Pima County, Arizona — Receives, issues, inventories, stores supplies, materials, and equipment. Performs various processing tasks and manual duties requiring familiarity with the supply and/or property operations. Some positions perform duties in law enforcement or corrections environments and may include daily contact with inmates. Some positions may be required to order, handle, store, and deliver hazardous materials. Salary: $15.82/hour. Deadline: August 18. 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.

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