electionline Weekly

electionline Daily News Email

What’s the best part of waking up? electionline Daily News in your inbox of course so be sure to sign up for your daily dose.

Each morning you’ll receive the top headlines of the day, plus a listing of states featured in that day’s news round up.

To sign up, simply visit our site and provide us with your email and you’ll begin receiving the news in your inbox each morning.

We Google so you don’t  have to!

Election News This Week

2024 Election Updates: The 2024 election season rolled on this week with presidential primaries, local elections and special elections. With the November top of the ticket unofficially decided, turnout was light in many places. Connecticut held its first presidential primary that featured early voting and turnout was light both for early voting and for primary day. “Early voting is a historic first for Connecticut. We had pretty low turnout in general, but I thought it was a resounding success,” Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas said at a press conference at the state capitol. “We had over 17,000 people come out in early voting across the state.” Cathy Politi, the Republican registrar for Fairfield expects a lot more people to be taking advantage of early voting in the fall for which she said her office is now better prepared.  “I think it’ll be much smoother next time.  I think everybody was a little on edge because all the information came a little late for us,” she explained.  “Now I think we’re pretty confident.  It was a good beta test and we worked all the kinks out.” Turnout for New York’s presidential primary was light as well. “Today is the lowest I’ve ever seen it,” said Kenneth Stump, an elections inspector in Elmira.  Stump says he has been working the polls for more than five years. Even though Tuesday’s election in Wisconsin was referred to as the spring elections, snow caused issues for voters in some areas. Some Wausau-area polling locations temporarily ran out of ballots. When an indoor location couldn’t be found to accommodate voters, the City of Madison used a park for a polling place. Poll workers were given tarps and heaters. “This is truly a Wisconsin experience,” said Bill Tishler, a city alderman. Pine Lake rolled out e-pollbooks for the first time. There were some complaints about electioneering in Green Bay. Results were delayed in Racine. The biggest news however out of Wisconsin on Tuesday was the passage of two constitutional amendments that will impact election administration. With 90% of ballots counted, 54% of voters approved a ban in the Wisconsin Constitution on private grants to help offset the cost of election administration, and 58% approved an amendment stipulating that only election officials “designated by law” can handle tasks relating to election administration. A special election was held in Kansas City, Missouri to determine public financing for stadiums. Several people were initially told they could not vote wearing Kansas City Chiefs and Royals gear but that information was incorrect and they were allowed to cast their ballots.  Storm damage and power outages didn’t stop the election process in Laclede County. Laclede County Clerk Linda Cansler tells Regional Radio News, they adapted. 

By the Numbers: This week, the Tarrant County, Texas board of elections voted to use prenumbered, sequential ballots in the Nov. 5 presidential elections. The vote was split along party lines by the members of the Board of Elections and Elections Administrator Clint Ludwig recused himself from the vote, saying he did not want to vote on an agenda item that directed him to perform a task. Seven speakers at the Election Board meeting spoke in favor of purchasing the prenumbered ballots, and five spoke against it. Using prenumbered ballots, the elections administration will instead assign them to the county’s polling locations. There, voters will now select prenumbered ballots that have been laid out on a table and mixed up to preserve the secrecy of the people’s vote. At the end of the night, the election judge will track which ballots were used, which ballots were spoiled, and which ballots went unused. The county will then store the unused prenumbered ballots for three years before destroying them along with the rest of the election records, as required by state law. Blank ballot paper costs the county $290 for every 1,000 ballots. Prenumbered ballots would cost $320 for every 1,000 ballots purchased by the city. The cost difference would be $39,000 per election, County Judge Tim O’Hare estimates about $13,000 worth of ballots would be wasted during the Nov. 5 presidential election. Tarrant County will hold four elections in 2024, if Tarrant County used prenumbered ballots for all four elections, it would result in about $52,000 worth of extra ballot paper. Only two other Texas counties use prenumbered ballots. 

AI News: There’s been a lot of news about the potential negative impacts Artificial Intelligence could have on elections, but Maricopa County, Arizona is looking toward the positive impacts. According to the Arizona Republic, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer is exploring using artificial intelligence to aid in pulling data from voter registration forms and other recorded documents. A bid proposal put out by his office in March seeks applicants for “a solution to improve processes around document identification, data extraction, and comparing handwritten signature images with on-file signature images by way of artificial intelligence.” He hopes to use the technology to “improve internal processes and streamline workflow,” according to the pitch. The move could greatly reduce his staff’s workload. Spokesperson Sierra Ciaramella said Recorder’s Office employees spend “thousands” of hours per week reviewing and manually processing papers that come in to be officially documented. Ciaramella said any artificial intelligence tool would not be used to verify voter signatures on early ballots, and any documents recorded with assistance from artificial intelligence would be subject to a human check. “We are exploring tools to help us process and index recorded documents and paper voter registration forms so we can better utilize county resources, while ensuring staff continues to review everything,” she said. “Anything having to do with signatures is strictly limited to the recordation function of our office.”

Update on the News: Recently, an effort by supporters of Cascade County, Montana Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant to reinstate the election oversight duties stripped from her by county commissioners in December has proved unsuccessful. Petitioners looking to put the issue up for a reconsideration vote on the June primary ballot were still thousands of signatures short of the total required to qualify as of a late March deadline. Jeni Dodd, a Great Falls resident who spearheaded the effort, confirmed for Montana Free Press last week that petitioners had managed to collect fewer than 2,000 signatures of the roughly 7,300 needed. Dodd attributed the shortfall to the suddenness of the commission’s action, lack of widespread awareness of the petition effort and what she characterized as a narrow timeframe allowed in state law. After hearing testimony, the Atlantic Beach, South Carolina Election Commission voted to invalidate the November 2023 mayoral election.  McPherson County, South Dakota has joined a growing list of South Dakota counties refusing to ban electronic voting and vote tabulation machines. 

Curb Your Criticism: In the first episode of the 12th and final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Georgia’s Elections Integrity Act takes center stage. In the episode Larry David is arrested for violating the 2021 law when he offers a bottle of water to someone standing in line to vote. Jeff Schaffer, one of the show’s executive producers, told TheWrap he immediately decided to focus on the law after he saw coverage of it in 2021. “We were always going to Atlanta because of that barbaric law that you can’t give anybody water or food when they’re in line for voting,” Schaffer said. “When we were talking about stories, Larry said: ‘This law is insane. I think it’d be funny if I got arrested for that.’” Needless to say, this caught the attention of folks in the secretary of state’s office including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Raffensperger offered tongue-in-cheek kudos to David for becoming the first “and to our knowledge, only person” arrested for running afoul of a provision in Georgia’s 2021 voting law forbidding the distribution of food or beverages to voters waiting within 150 feet of a polling site. The Republican tried to capture the spirit of “Curb” in his tone, and it was pretty on the nose. “We apologize if you didn’t receive celebrity treatment at the local jail,” Raffensperger wrote in a letter obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution through a public records request. “I’m afraid they’ve gotten used to bigger stars. It’s the TMZ of mugshots.” The tongue-in-cheek letter continues, “Given the obvious concern you have about access to voting in Georgia, you’ll be glad to hear that waiting times for all voters, including Leon’s aunt, in the last two major elections were under two minutes, even as we experienced record turnout.”

Sticker News: Jefferson County, Colorado Clerk & Recorder Amanda Gonzalez recently announced the winners of the county’s “I Voted” sticker contest. There were three categories for submissions; adult (over 18), youth (18 and under), and future voter (under 13). A panel of experts selected the top designs from each category, then the designs were presented to the public for voting in January 2024.  The adult and youth design winners will be printed on stickers that will accompany 2024 ballots (about 430,000 for each election) for the state primary in June and the general election in November. The “future voter” winning design is being printed on stickers that will be handed out to kids at vote centers and at community events. Gonzalez said, “the I Voted sticker has been worn for several decades as a celebration of civic pride, and we’re eager to offer people of all ages a new way to participate in our democracy. We’ve got talented artists throughout Jeffco and I can’t wait to see how their creations inspire our community to get out and vote.” And Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams announced the state’s inaugural “I Voted” sticker contest this week. The contest is open to Kentucky students from K-12. “Each year, my office encourages civic participation among middle and high school students through an essay and slogan contest,” Adams said. “This sticker contest allows us to get our youngest Kentuckians involved as well.” Adams’ office said finalists will go on a ballot that will be voted on during the 2024 Kentucky State Fair. The winner’s design will then be printed on stickers and sent to interested county clerks to provide to voters in November.

Personnel News: Last week marked the 41st and final election that Shasta County, California Clerk and Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen certified before she retires in May. Amanda Joslin has been named the new Montgomery County, Tennessee elections administrator. Tim Mattix has resigned as the Cochise County, Arizona director of elections. Get well to Cook County, Illinois Clerk Karen Yarbrough who was recently hospitalized with an undisclosed medical condition. 

Legislative Updates

California: A bill introduced this year by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, aims to increase youth voter participation. Dubbed the High School Voter Registration Act, the legislation would ensure all high school students in California, starting with the 2026-27 school year, receive the opportunity and resources necessary to pre-register to vote at least once by the end of their 11th grade year. The goal of the legislation is to get a variety of resources into students’ hands, including information on whether and when they’re eligible to vote, what kind of services they could receive from the county elections office and about the secretary of state’s online voter registration tool at registertovote.ca.gov. Students would also be introduced to the Student Poll Worker program, which allows high schoolers age 16 and older who are U.S. citizens and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to earn a stipend working at the polls on Election Day. And if a student or their parent or guardian asks for a paper copy of a voter registration card, schools would be required to provide it. The legislation would largely leave it up to schools and education boards to decide how to provide these resources to students, but suggests engagement could be done in class or through family information sessions and school counselors. Under the legislation, schools and education boards would also be allowed to contract with a third-party nonprofit with “demonstrated experience providing nonpartisan youth civic engagement” to implement the law. 

Louisiana: Secretary of State Nancy Landry is behind what she’s called an “election integrity legislative package,” that seeks to restrict how voters can obtain and submit forms to request absentee ballots, along with limits on who may assist voters with the ballots themselves.

One of the proposals in Landry’s package is Senate Bill 218, sponsored by Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen. It would make it a criminal offense to give an absentee ballot application form to two or more people who are not immediate family members. It would also make it a crime to place application forms in a mailbox or deliver them by any other means to a parish registrar for two or more people who aren’t immediate relatives.  The Senate passed the bill in a 26-10 floor vote, sending it to the House for consideration.  A provision in the bill would require parish registrars to record the name, address and relationship of any person providing assistance to a voter during an early voting period and whether the helper was being paid to provide the assistance. The prohibition would apply to the application form voters have to fill out just to request an absentee ballot. Those forms are available for the public to save and print from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website and can be delivered by hand, mail or fax to the parish registrar’s office. Kleinpeter’s bill would also effectively prohibit assisted living facilities, retirement communities and other group homes from providing application forms to their residents and placing them in a mailbox. 

House Bill 506, sponsored by Rep. Polly Thomas, R-Metairie. Thomas’ bill would require voter registration groups to first register with the Louisiana Secretary of State before holding any registration drives. Requiring groups to register with the secretary of state would allow election officials to keep track of voter drives and contact volunteers to make sure they fill out forms correctly and turn them in, according to the Secretary of State. The House passed Thomas’ bill in a 73-27 vote and transferred it to the Senate for consideration.

Maryland: The Senate voted to confirm a Republican nominee to the State Board of Elections despite objections from a dozen lawmakers who said she was unfit to serve on the panel. The 32-12 vote clears the way for Diane Butler to serve on the board. The Ellicott City resident faced additional scrutiny because of a social media post and emails attributed to the former Howard County elections official. “I think one of the qualifications that we need to consider when selecting members of the state board of elections is their temperament,” said Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee Vice Chair Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery), who spoke at length in opposition to the nominee Friday. “Another is their judgment. I have found this nominee to be severely lacking on both.” Butler faced tough questions earlier this month over a social media post and emails attributed to her. In one 2021 post about mask mandates during the COVID pandemic, a comment attributed to Butler compared the masks to “Nazi armbands.” Butler, during her March 12 testimony, said she could not remember the post. In other 2021 emails, Butler writes to a state board of elections staff member raising concerns about custody of ballots, absentee balloting, and staffing. Butler, however, was defended by Republicans and some Democrats on the Senate floor.

Mississippi: Senate Constitution Chairwoman Angela Burks Hill killed this year’s effort to restore voting rights to people convicted of nonviolent felonies by deciding not to hold a committee meeting before an April 2 deadline. Hill, R-Picayune, did not conduct a single committee meeting over the last two weeks to consider any House bills that the lieutenant governor’s office referred to her committee for consideration. The Pearl River County lawmaker wouldn’t substantively comment on why she declined to advance any bills.  “The constitution speaks for itself,” Hill said. This was the closest ex-felon voting rights restoration had ever gotten to passage in Mississippi. Under the Mississippi Constitution, people convicted of any of 10 felonies — including perjury, arson and bigamy — lose their voting rights for life. A 2009 opinion from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office expanded the list of disenfranchising felonies to 22. Mississippi is one of only a handful of states that does not automatically restore voting rights to people who complete their sentences. About 37,900 names are on the Secretary of State’s voter disenfranchisement list as of Jan. 29. The House overwhelmingly passed legislation last month that created an automatic process for people previously convicted of some nonviolent felony offenses to have their voting rights restored.  A bipartisan pair of House members told Mississippi Today on Tuesday afternoon they were disheartened to hear that Hill declined to advance their measure in committee, given that a large majority of Republicans and Democrats supported the measure.

Mississippi will remain one of only three states that does not have in-person early voting after a House committee chairman killed legislation last week. House Elections Chairman Noah Sanford said in a committee meeting last week that he will not bring up Senate Bill 2580. The bill would have allowed 15 days of no-excuse early voting before election day. Sanford said he received concerns over the plan from some county circuit clerks, the local officials who administer elections.  “Some circuit clerks around the state had concerns that they might have to hire an additional deputy clerk to administer early voting,” Sanford said. Instead, Sanford, a Republican from Collins, said he would like to conduct some hearings in the summer or fall to examine the issue further and allow circuit clerks and others to present information. He said that after the hearings he would be more open to passing early voting legislation.  Mississippi currently allows in-person absentee voting before elections, but voters must meet criteria, such as being over 65 or disabled, or provide one of a handful of valid “excuses,” such as being out of town for work on election day and follow a long list of rules and procedures. But Mississippi does not have no-excuse absentee voting or any type of early voting. The Senate measure would have “no-excuse” voting for all registered voters and eliminate in-person absentee voting. It also would have required voters to present a valid photo ID to vote early.

Missouri: The House has approved HB 2140. Sponsored by State Rep. Peggy McGaugh, the bill passed with the hopes of bringing about several crucial changes to election administration in the state. HB 2140 addresses various aspects of the electoral process, from updating filing dates for candidacy declarations to enhancing protections for election officials. The bill also introduces measures aimed at safeguarding the integrity of absentee voting and expands access to provisional ballots. Here is a breakdown of the key provisions and changes proposed in the bill; Notification of Elections via Email: The bill allows the officer or agency responsible for calling an election to notify the election authority via email. Changes to Filing Dates for Declaration of Candidacy: The bill alters the opening and closing dates for filing a declaration of candidacy for offices in political subdivisions or special districts. In-Person Voting for Covered Voters: Covered voters, including those eligible to register to vote, interstate former residents, and new residents, may now vote at the office of the election authority on Election Day for presidential and vice presidential electors. Confidentiality of Lists of Absentee Voters with Permanent Disabilities: The bill specifies that lists of absentee voters with permanent disabilities shall be kept confidential and not be publicly displayed or shown to unauthorized persons. Signature Verification for Absentee Ballots: Election authorities are required to compare the signature on the absentee ballot envelope with the signature on the voter’s registration record. Inconsistent signatures will result in rejection of the ballot. Expansion of Provisional Ballots: Provisional ballots, previously available only at elections with federal or statewide candidates or measures, are now available at any public election. New Election Offenses and Penalties: Threatening or harassing election officials, attempting to pressure them to violate election laws, and doxxing them or their families are designated as election offenses, with varying degrees of severity. Extension of Electioneering Restrictions: Restrictions on electioneering activities, previously applicable only near polling locations on Election Day, are extended to locations where in-person absentee voting occurs during the absentee voting period. Circulating initiative and referendum petitions are also added to the list of prohibited activities near polling locations. Creation of Missouri Elections Sovereignty Act: This act reserves the right for the State of Missouri to determine the time, place, and manner of its state elections, asserting that federal laws regulating elections shall apply only to federal elections. HB 2140 received bipartisan support during its passage through the House. The bill will now move to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

The Senate gave initial approval to a resolution that would ban ranked choice voting in the state. If approved by the House, it would be sent to the ballot for voters to decide on later this year. Senate joint resolution (SJR) 78, introduced by Sen. Ben Brown, R-Washington, would also ban noncitizens from voting in any elections within Missouri, including local and county elections. This is already law. The resolution was approved on a voice vote after almost 45 minutes of negotiations between Brown and Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis.

Ohio: Legislators want to change Ohio’s voter registration forms to explicitly prompt voters to list their most recent previous address, a move the bill sponsor says will streamline elections officials’ work to keep voter roles current. Currently, there is a separate state form to cancel voter registrations, which the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Gary Click said is rarely used. The result is that there is some number of voters who are registered in multiple counties at once, he said. The new standard voter registration form would add a line where voters can list their most recent address. The proposed law would require elections officials to use that information, if it showed the voter has moved to a different county, to notify elections officials in the previous county where that voter lived. If a voter moved to Ohio from a different state, elections officials would have to notify the top state elections official in the voters’ former state. But the field would only be optional, and wouldn’t prevent anyone from voting if they didn’t complete it, he said. He said he got the idea after his son moved to a different state temporarily and forgot to cancel his Ohio voter registration while he was gone. “I think it streamlines the process it makes it easier for everyone. There’s no compulsion, there’s no consequences. It’s just convenience,” Click said.

Oklahoma: House Bill 1629 passed unanimously from the Senate Judiciary Committee, possibly giving it only two more steps before becoming law. The bill is authored by Rep. Regina Goodwin, R-Tulsa, and Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City. HB1629 attempts to clarify state statutes on voting rights for citizens convicted of a felony who’ve received a commutation or pardon. Specifically, the bill allows those convicted of a felony to immediately register to vote after their original sentence is commuted, instead of having to wait until their original sentence time frame is finished. The Senate author for the bill, Democrat George Young, said there’s been confusion surrounding voter eligibility for years, and believes this will help spark those individuals to become more politically involved. “I think particularly for people, individuals who have gone through difficult times who wants to be a part of the system, who wants a voice in where this state is going, I think it opens up a great possibility of them seeing themselves more involved, more invested in what’s happening in our state,” Young said. “They can now vote for their representatives, their senators, they can vote for governor, they can vote on the policies and issues of the state. So, I think psychologically, it has a very very big impact upon the state of Oklahoma.”

Wyoming: The Legislature’s Management Council sent a letter to Gov. Mark Gordon recommending, with a 7-2 vote, that he reject Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s proposed rules to tighten voter registration requirements at the polls. If approved by the governor, the new rules would require people registering to vote in Wyoming an additional requirement to prove residency if their form of identification doesn’t already show it. The letter argued that the proposed rules don’t fall within the scope of authority granted to the secretary of state. This is a similar argument to the one made by legislators who spoke against Gray’s rules at a Jan. 26 hearing on the matter, although most of the people who attended the meeting expressed support for the rules. Gray said the rules are within his statutory authority and the LSO memo ignores that his rules solely require proof of Wyoming residence. “Our rulemaking ensures that only Wyomingites are able to vote in Wyoming, not non-residents and illegal aliens,” Gray told Cowboy State Daily. “As did some members of the Management Council, I disagree with the Legislative Service Office’s recommendation and analysis, and would encourage the governor to sign the rules as written to ensure illegal immigrants cannot vote in Wyoming elections.” State Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, a member of the council who voted against accepting Gray’s rules, told Cowboy State Daily there appears to be an ongoing trend at play. “It’s certainly concerning considering state statute doesn’t give him that authority to make these changes,” Zwonitzer said of Gray’s rules. “It’s the second time in six months the Legislature has said that we think he’s exceeding his authority in this realm.”

Legal Updates

Alaska: Three voters filed a complaint this week against the state Division of Elections asserting that it violated state law when it certified a ballot measure that seeks to repeal ranked choice voting and open primaries. The Division of Elections certified last month that a grassroots group successfully gathered the signatures needed to put a question on the 2024 general election ballot on repealing Alaska’s voting system. The complaint filed in Anchorage Superior Court asserts that the ballot group “intentionally conducted their signature petition drive illegally, thereby disqualifying thousands of signatures.” Without those signatures, the complaint asserts that the petition fails to meet requirements and should be invalidated. The named defendants in the case are Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher, the Division of Elections, and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstom — who oversees Alaska elections. In an email, Beecher said the complaint is “under review” and directed questions to the Department of Law. Dahlstrom, a Republican running for U.S. House, directed questions to the Department of Law through her chief of staff Kelly Howell. Patty Sullivan, a spokesperson for the department, said the complaint was received and was being reviewed.

Arizona: Pinal County Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh filed a notice of claim on March 21 against Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis. Cavanaugh cites emails from a so-called whistleblower, someone claiming to work with Lewis, who says Lewis spread rumors the supervisor is secretly recording her conversations. Cavanaugh, who’s now running for Pinal County sheriff, claims Lewis defamed him by accusing him of making those recordings. Cavanaugh is demanding $456,000 in damages and wants Lewis removed from office. The emails, obtained by KJZZ, mostly contain claims that the county’s ballot security and tabulation systems are unsecure – and that Lewis allowed the county to use election machines she knew were faulty. “The issues that have been brought up were potential problems that had to do with machines or equipment, perhaps human error,” Cavanaugh said. “Those things need to be examined.” Cavanaugh also claims Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer did not thoroughly investigate the whistleblower’s claims after Cavanaugh shared them with the attorney’s office. According to KJZZ, Lewis could not be reached for comment.

Delaware: Superior Court Judge Eric Davis has scheduled a major defamation case against right-wing cable channel Newsmax to go to trial in late September, putting the battle over 2020 election lies front-and-center at the peak of the 2024 campaign. Newsmax and the voting technology company Smartmatic could still reach an out-of-court settlement, and further delays are possible. But if the September 24 trial date holds, the fallout from former President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election will be on full display as he tries to return to the White House. The trial would also be the first of more than a dozen high-profile defamation cases to face a jury, all stemming from the false claims that Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems rigged the 2020 election by flipping millions of votes from Trump to Joe Biden. Those lies — championed by Trump and his allies in Congress and the right-wing press — fueled the deadly insurrection on January 6, 2021. The Newsmax trial is slated to take place in Delaware Superior Court, and Judge Eric Davis, who presided over the historic case brought by Dominion against Fox News last year, is similarly handling the Newsmax-Smartmatic lawsuit. The case is still in the discovery phase, and it’s possible Davis decides later that it shouldn’t proceed to trial. Smartmatic filed the lawsuit in 2021, claiming that Newsmax intentionally promoted lies that the company was involved in rigging the election because it helped the network close the ratings gap with Fox.

District of Columbia: D.C. Superior Court Judge Carl E. Ross determined that a lawsuit to stop an open primary/ranked choice voting ballot initiative was filed prematurely and affirmed the city’s motion to dismiss the case. The campaign to open up primaries to independent voters and bring ranked-choice voting to the city launched in May and later became known as Initiative 83. It would allow more than 73,000 people registered as “unaffiliated” with a party to vote in DC’s primary elections, which are closed to those voters, starting in 2026. It would also implement a ranked-choice balloting system. Initiative 83 has drawn opposition from the D.C. Democratic Party, which filed this lawsuit and a previous one last summer. The first lawsuit was withdrawn in November 2023. In both suits, the D.C. Democratic Party argued that the measure violates the U.S. Constitution and Home Rule charter.

Georgia: Administrative Law Judge Lisa Boggs has ruled that the Georgia Republican Party’s first vice chairman, Brian K. Pritchard, violated state election laws when he voted nine times while serving probation for a felony check forgery sentence. Pritchard must pay a $5,000 fine and receive a public reprimand from the State Election Board, according to the decision. Prichard has said he didn’t do anything wrong and thought he had completed his probation before voting in Georgia. But that didn’t convince the judge in the case. “The court does not find the respondent’s explanations credible or convincing,” Boggs wrote in her 25-page decision. “At the very least, even if the court accepts he did not know about his felony sentences, the record before this court demonstrates that he should have known.” Pritchard, who currently hosts a talk show, has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 election was stolen through voter fraud. 

Illinois: A three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last week in a case against Illinois’ vote-by-mail system. In May 2022 Rep. Michael Bost (R-12th) and two other GOP officials sued the state board of elections, hoping to enjoin a state statute which allows for mail-in ballots to be counted up to two calendar weeks after election day. U.S. District Judge John Kness tossed the case in July 2023, finding the trio lacked standing. Kness said the injuries Bost and his fellow plaintiffs claim they’ve suffered under the law — spending more on their campaigns, diluting votes in their favor, the specter of voter fraud — were too hypothetical and “not certainly impending” to justify the suit. The three-judge appellate panel raised the same concern, grilling Bost’s attorney Russell Nobile over what concrete injuries the congressman might suffer as a result of the law. The appellate panel took the case under advisement but didn’t say when it would issue a ruling.

Iowa: Kim Taylor, the wife of Woodbury County Supervisor Jeremy Taylor received an eight-month sentence. Four months will be served in prison and four months will be home confinement. She will also have two years of supervised release immediately after her release from prison. She will also pay a special assessment of $5,200. Not only a fraction of the maximum sentence, but much less than the government had asked for. The judge said guidelines called for a sentence of 18-24 months, but he says that’s not justified in this case. Taylor was found guilty of 50 counts of voter fraud earlier this year. 

Michigan: Andrew Hess, 37 of Livonia, has been charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism. The incident happened on Dec. 15 at the county complex in Pontiac. A release from the prosecutor’s office said officials were overseeing the recount of several local elections from November last year when Hess made the alleged statement. He walked out of a room where votes that were cast during local elections in Oakland County were being recounted and stated “Hang Joe for treason.” Prosecutor Karen McDonald said the threats made against election workers impact not just their work, but democracy in general. “We need dedicated, ethical public servants to conduct that process, and to do it transparently – we should invite public scrutiny. But there are individuals who seek to undermine the integrity of the election process by threatening and intimidating election workers and supervisors,” she said. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $20,000 if he’s convicted.

Minnesota: The Minnesota Supreme Court held oral arguments in a case brought by the Minnesota Voters Alliance challenging the constitutionality of a 2023 law restoring voting rights to felons who are no longer incarcerated. Last year, the Minnesota Legislature passed and Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill that restored the right to vote to over 55,000 Minnesotans who were convicted of a felony and are no longer in prison, allowing them to vote while still on parole, probation or supervised release. Prior to the 2023 law, felons had to wait until they were off probation, parole or supervised release and paid their fines or restitution; given Minnesota’s lengthy probation sentences, that could mean years. The conservative group challenged the new statute last year, arguing the Legislature had exceeded its authority granted under the Minnesota Constitution. The Upper Midwest Law Center, a right-wing public interest law firm, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Alliance.  The Minnesota Voters Alliance constitutional challenge relies on a grammar point in the restoration of “civil rights.” The justices seemed skeptical of the Minnesota Voters Alliance’s emphasis on civil rights in the singular versus in the plural. 

New Jersey: US District Judge Zahid Quraishi struck down the use of a controversial primary ballot design that favored party-backed candidates. The decision is potentially a grave blow to the state’s powerful political machines, which have for decades used the so-called county line to prop up their endorsed candidates. The system is currently used in 19 of the Garden State’s 21 counties. The preliminary injunction is almost certain to be appealed, but, for now, it means that New Jersey voters will use office block ballots – the standard across most of the country – during the June primary. The lawsuit was brought by Democratic Rep. Andy Kim, who is running for the seat of incumbent Sen. Bob Menendez, and two other South Jersey-based House candidates, who argued that the current system is unconstitutional. Quraishi’s order includes specific language barring county elections officials from organizing their ballots “by column or row” and replacing it with a “randomized ballot order system … which affords each candidate for the same office an equal chance at obtaining the first ballot position.”  The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request from county clerks to block the lower court’s decision that would eliminate the state’s unique ballot design for the June Democratic primary. County clerks from Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Warren counties said they would not continue an appeal. They joined county clerks from Burlington and Hudson Counties, who said prior to the 3rd Circuit’s decision that they would not appeal the decision.

New Mexico: U.S. District Judge James Browning found that Voter Reference Foundation LLC was entitled to information from New Mexico voter registration rolls and that the Secretary of State’s office violated a federal election transparency law in denying the foundation the records. In the 329-page ruling Browning found that the National Voter Registration Act preempts state restrictions. He stated that he was concurring with other federal courts that have considered the issue. Voters Reference Foundation sued election officials in Pennsylvania over similar records requests, and the state of Maine failed in its recent effort to protect its state voter records from being posted online. The New Mexico legal case dates back to 2022. Voters Reference Foundation had initially posted New Mexico voting records from April 2021 after obtaining them through an out-of-state company. However, it removed them from its website at the request of New Mexico election regulators who contended that the foundation’s website violated state restrictions on the purchase and dissemination of voter registration records. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, contended that state law permits voter rolls to be used for campaign or government activity only. A spokesman for the Secretary of State’s office  said the agency will appeal the ruling to the 10th Circuit Court and will ask for a stay pending the appeal.

North Carolina: U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder refused to dismiss two lawsuits challenging how North Carolina legislators recently tightened same-day voter registration. Schroeder rejected motions from defendants who include Republican legislative leaders and the State Board of Elections. The lawsuits target a 2023 law that changes when election officials can disqualify a vote cast by someone who registered the same day during the 17-day early voting period. Defendants had sought to dismiss the lawsuit following changes made to the state’s law. But Schroeder noted that under state law, rules the State Board of Elections rewrites in response to a court decision are temporary. In this case, the changes expire in early 2025. Schroeder acknowledged that it’s likely the General Assembly will pass a law to make the state board’s rules permanent. But for now, the rules remain temporary, he wrote, and legislators haven’t shown that the “interim rule moots the complaint.” In separate orders denying dismissals of the lawsuits, the judge, who was nominated to the bench by President George W. Bush, also wrote that the plaintiffs had legal standing to sue or that their allegations surpassed a low plausibility threshold. The judge also set a June 3 trial date for one of these lawsuits, filed by Democracy North Carolina, the North Carolina Black Alliance and the League of Women Voters of North Carolina.

North Dakota: Legal advocates for tribes remain optimistic as a U.S. appeals court deliberates over North Dakota’s challenge to recent Native voting rights victories. A lower court has ordered the state to adopt redistricting maps proposed by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas and the Spirit Lake Nation. The ruling would enforce parity for the reservations’ electorate in the upcoming 2024 races. Secretary of State Michael Howe appealed the case to the 8th Circuit Court. The tribes responded by filing a motion on March 14 to quash the North Dakota appeal. “We hope and expect this challenge to North Dakota’s Native voters, and voting rights generally, to be rejected in line with decades of precedent,” said Mark Gaber, senior director of redistricting at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. Gaber contributed to a March 18 brief reiterating that the state’s 2021 redistricting map violates the federal Voting Rights Act and raises concerns over threats to dilute the Native vote. The Native American Rights Fund released the brief. “In this case, North Dakota was sued under two laws: Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects each citizen from racially discriminatory voting restrictions and Section 1983, which allows any U.S. citizen to sue when their rights are violated,” said NARF Staff Attorney Michael Carter. The earlier court ruling declared that the 2021 state legislative map for North Dakota dilutes the votes of Native Americans living in the northeastern part of the state. According to the case document, plaintiffs proved at trial that North Dakota’s map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Section 2 prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate based on race, color, or membership in one of the language minority groups.

Texas: The Tarrant County-based Second Court of Appeals overturned the illegal voting conviction of Crystal Mason, who was given a five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for federal tax evasion. The decision means she is formally acquitted of the felony voting charge. The court said in the decision that there was no evidence Mason knew she was ineligible to vote when she cast her ballot — which is a condition that must be met in order to convict her of illegal voting. Mason has maintained throughout the seven-year case that she did not know she was ineligible and would not have risked her freedom if she had. She said Thursday in a statement that her long legal fight, which gained international attention, was devastating. “I am overjoyed to see my faith rewarded today,” Mason said. “I was thrown into this fight for voting rights and will keep swinging to ensure no one else has to face what I’ve endured for over six years, a political ploy where minority voting rights are under attack.” The Second Court of Appeals initially upheld her conviction but two years ago was instructed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to “evaluate the sufficiency” of the evidence against Mason, saying that the lower court had “erred by failing to require proof that [Mason] had actual knowledge that it was a crime for her to vote while on supervised release.”

Judge David Peeples, a visiting judge from Bexar County heard arguments this week in the last trial contesting the 2022 election in Harris County. Peebles was tasked last year with all 21 lawsuits filed by unsuccessful Republican candidates challenging their election outcomes. While Peeples has previously upheld election results, he could be persuaded to order a redo in this final race given the razor-thin margin. He upheld the results in 15 other cases as well, and another three candidates dropped their lawsuits before his ruling. Lunceford’s case is currently on appeal. While Harris County’s midterm elections were marred by a ballot paper shortage on election day that impaired voting at around 20 out of 782 polling locations, Republican candidates’ grievances eventually expanded to include numerous allegations concerning election errors and illegal votes. Peeples did not indicate when to expect a decision. In November, he issued a 36-page ruling three months after the trial concluded. Pierce’s attorney asked the judge to expedite his judgment in this case.

Utah: Dustin Hansen, a former Cache County election official who was charged with falsifying a state election document–a felony–had his first court appearance this week. Hansen is accused of forging the date on a test of the county’s voting machines, according to charging documents. Documentation of the test — which is required for every county clerk’s office in the state — was later sent to the Utah lieutenant governor’s office, which suspected the document had been forged. In charging documents, prosecutors alleged Hansen altered the document using software on his computer. Hansen resigned from his job as an elections coordinator with the Cache County clerk/auditor’s office days before he was charged. Hansen appeared in person before Judge Angela Fonnesbeck on Monday. He spoke once during the short hearing, responding “OK” after Fonnesbeck outlined the next steps in his case. Hansen’s attorney, Jonathan Nish, said during the brief hearing he was not yet ready to set a preliminary hearing date. Hansen’s next court appearance was then scheduled for June 10.

Washington: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block the use of Washington state’s new legislative district maps that give Latino voters greater representation.  A Republican lawmaker and two voters asked the justices to allow the state’s 2024 election to move forward under a map that was found to have violated a section of the Voting Rights Act that prohibits race discrimination. A lower court judge recently enacted a remedial map after claims of Latino vote dilution, but the Republicans say the new map is more discriminatory than the first.  “Far from preserving the existing enacted map as much as practical, as binding precedent demands, the remedial map here made sweeping and needless alterations — almost all uniformly benefiting one political party,” the Republicans’ attorney Jason Torchinsky of Holtzman Vogel wrote in their emergency appeal.  The court did not explain its denial of the emergency application. There were no noted dissents.  In 2022, voting rights groups claimed in a lawsuit that legislative maps redrawn after the 2020 census intentionally split Latino voters into several districts in the Yakima Valley region. The groups said the redistricting commission created a “facade Latino opportunity district” but in fact diluted Latino voting power.

Wisconsin: Gov. Tony Evers (D) is asking the state Supreme Court to roll back its 2022 ruling that prohibited using drop boxes to receive absentee ballots in elections. The brief filed this week on Evers’ behalf states that the 2022 ban by the former majority created a prohibition that was nowhere in Wisconsin election law. That decision “rewrote the text of the law through a circuitous analysis that ended with new, confusing rules for election administration,” the brief asserts. Municipal clerks who administer elections cover jurisdictions ranging from fewer than two dozen voters to more than 300,000, the brief argues. The 2022 decision “imposed one-size-fits-all, judicially created constraints on these municipal clerks’ authority to administer elections in a manner that is both responsive to the needs of their unique communities and compliant with the law,” it states. “The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy,” the brief adds. “Such an important right warrants every effort on this Court’s part to ensure that the best and most accurate reading of statutes relating to its exercise prevails.”

The state Supreme Court declined to clarify which legislative maps should be used for any potential recall or special elections held before November, denying a request from the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The commission had sought clarification because the court previously deemed the state’s current maps unconstitutional, but new maps signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers do not take effect until November. In its ruling, the court acknowledged that in a Dec. 22, 2023 decision, it blocked the elections commission from using the state’s current maps “in all future elections.” “Based on the submissions before us, we decline to further clarify or amend the opinion and order,” the court wrote, noting that the maps passed by the Legislature and signed by Evers are not before the court in the existing redistricting case.

Opinions This Week

National Opinions: ERIC | Voter ID | Ranked choice voting

Alaska: Ranked choice voting 

Colorado: Secretary of state 

Florida: Manatee County 

Illinois: Ballot counting

Montana: Court ruling 

Ohio: Threats 

Rhode Island: Ranked choice voting 

Washington: Threats

Wisconsin: Election workers, II | Voter ID | Election security | Constitutional amendments

Upcoming Events

Race and Risk of Election Subversion: The Safeguarding Democracy Project at UCLA promotes research, collaboration, and advocacy under the leadership of UCLA Law Professor Richard L. Hasen; one of the nation’s leading election scholars. The Safeguarding Democracy Project is built upon the premise that tackling issues of the U.S. election integrity must be collaborative: across ideologies, across scholarly disciplines, and as a bridge between theory and practice. Speakers: Matt Barreto, Lecturer in Law UCLA School of Law; Sophia Lin Lakin, Director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project ACLU; and Spencer Overton, The Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professorship and Professor of Law George Washington Law. When: April 9, 3pm Eastern. Where: Online and Los Angeles

After the Voting is Over: Counting, Results Reporting, Recounts (and More): It’s full steam ahead to 2024’s general election. What are lawmakers and election administrators thinking about now to prepare? Find out in this four-part series, hosted  by the National Conference of State Legislatures in partnership with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. We’ll focus on the elections workforce; counting and recounts and more post-voting work; the voters’ perspectives and voter confidence. The election doesn’t end when the polls close. Counting (and confirming the count) comes next—along with reporting results and, sometimes, recounts. Join us for the second installment of NCSL’s four-part webinar series on election administration to learn about what happens after voting is over. U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Donald Palmer will consider how all states address these tasks that ensure accurate and verifiable results. When: April 12, 2pm Eastern. Where: Online. 

U.S. Election Assistance Commission Annual Board Meetings – The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) will hold two annual board meetings at the Fontaine Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. The Standards Board will hold its annual meeting on April 17 and 18. The Board of Advisors will hold its annual meeting on April 18 and 19. The boards will join for combined panels on the morning of the 18th. During the Standards Board Annual Meeting, members will discuss communications, lessons from the presidential primaries, the impact of artificial intelligence on elections and mitigation tactics, and preparing for the general election. The Standards Board consists of 55 state election officials selected by their respective chief state election official and 55 local election officials selected through a process supervised by the chief state election official. As part of the Board of Advisors Annual Meeting, members will learn about EAC agency developments, ethical standards for election administration, discuss elections administration in 2024, and more. The Board of Advisors is a 35-member board composed of representatives from various EAC stakeholder associations, federal government agencies, and Congress.  These meetings will not be live streamed but are open for the public to join in person. Media and members of the public interested in attending in person can register on the Standards Board Annual Meeting registration page and on the Board of Advisors Annual Meeting registration page. When: April 17-19. Where: Kansas City, Missouri

The Misinformation and Disinformation Idea-thon: Help Solve a Major Societal Problem—Bring Your Ideas to Fight Misinformation and Disinformation Misinformation and disinformation pose a significant threat to democracy. They are spread by authoritarian state actors and malign non-state actors bent on undermining and damaging free and liberty-loving republics. Unfortunately, most solutions come internally from social media platforms or rest with governments to devise. A new grassroots strategy is needed: bottom-up rather than top-down. That is why R Street Institute and George Mason University are holding an Idea-thon to address the problem and find new solutions. Teams will form to attack misinformation and disinformation from four tracks: government, business/technology, nonprofit, and education. Winning teams will receive prizes. Examples of work products include new legislation and regulations, a business plan for a tech start-up, a mobile app, an academic course, or a new nonprofit. Be creative! Software developers are needed, but no computer science skills are necessary to participate. Just bring your best ideas for combating misinformation and disinformation. When: April 20. Where: Fairfax, Virginia

Election Center Special Workshop: The Election Center will hold a Special Workshop in Portland, Oregon with a focus on state trainings, certifications and conferences. Covered topics will include AI and election management, training new employees,  working with interns, volunteers and law students, executive staffing and working with the Legislature. There will also be presentations by the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission and CISA. The workshops will kick off with a tour of the Multnomah County elections office. Additionally several CERA classes will be held in conjunction with the workshop. When: April 24-28. Where: Portland, Oregon.

Focus on the Voters: It’s full steam ahead to 2024’s general election. What are lawmakers and election administrators thinking about now to prepare? Find out in this four-part series, hosted  by the National Conference of State Legislatures in partnership with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. We’ll focus on the elections workforce; counting and recounts and more post-voting work; the voters’ perspectives and voter confidence.  Who are the most important people in an election? The voters. In the third installment of NCSL’s four-part webinar series on election administration, U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Tom Hicks will address questions voters often ask and how states “get out the information” to voters. He’ll cover how states ensure the right to vote for people with disabilities and citizens living abroad (military and otherwise). When: May 10, 2pm Eastern. Where: Online. 

ESRA 2024 Conference: The 8th Annual Summer Conference on Election Science, Reform, and Administration (ESRA) will be held in person from May 16-17, 2024 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Call for Proposals The 2024 conference Call for Proposals is now open through February 16! Learn more about this year’s conference and submit your proposal here. Registration: Registration to attend the 2024 conference has not yet opened. To hear the news first when it does, please sign up to join our mailing list. When: May 16-17. Where: Los Angeles

Voter Confidence: What Can Move the Needle: It’s full steam ahead to 2024’s general election. What are lawmakers and election administrators thinking about now to prepare? Find out in this four-part series, hosted  by the National Conference of State Legislatures in partnership with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. We’ll focus on the elections workforce; counting and recounts and more post-voting work; the voters’ perspectives and voter confidence.  Voter confidence is top of mind for elections stakeholders this cycle. In the final part of NCSL’s spring webinar series, U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Christy McCormick will delve into state policies that can increase voter confidence. Perfecting processes and procedures comes first: clarifying all policies before the first vote is cast; cleaning voter lists; adopting strong chain-of-custody procedures for ballots and equipment; updating emergency plans; using pre- and post-election audits; and more. The next job is to ensure all that good technical work is transparent and communicated well to voters and the public. When: June 14, 2pm Eastern. Where: Online. 

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.

Advocacy Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program, The Brennan Center– The Elections and Government Program is looking to hire an experienced campaign strategist. The Advocacy Campaign Strategist position reports to the DC-based Deputy Director of the Elections and Government Program. Responsibilities: Contribute to planning and execution of advocacy campaigns to achieve Elections and Government Program goals, including: Provide project management, organization, logistical solutions, and administrative support, as needed. Identify tools and methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of team’s work. Coordinate communications between program staff and internal/external stakeholders. Engage in field advocacy, including: Participate in coalition meetings, convenings, briefings. Develop and maintain productive relationships with election officials, grassroots allies, civic partners, government staff, elected officials, and other outside stakeholders. Identify and create opportunities to advance program goals in the field, as well as to improve the program’s advocacy with learning and perspectives from the field. Conceive and execute advocacy products, such as blog posts, digital media products, public comments, FAQs, and other assets, in collaboration with communications colleagues where appropriate, with focus on broadening and increasing partner engagement with program’s work. Contribute research and writing for policy and empirical research reports that will form the basis of advocacy campaigns. Contribute to program’s media and public education work, including strategy, talking points, and speaking engagements. Help to train new program support staff, including program associates, and serve as their first point of advice on routine matters. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Counsel, Elections and Government Program, The Brennan Center– The fight for a more secure, responsive, and equitable democracy has never been more urgent. The Brennan Center seeks a talented early career attorney to join its team in the Elections and Government Program, working on a range of issues related to defending the security of our elections, breaking down barriers to political participation, restraining campaign finance abuses, countering disinformation, and bolstering the integrity and responsiveness of government. The Brennan Center’s methods include legislative and policy advocacy, legal and empirical research and writing, litigation, media communications, and public education. This is an in-person position based in New York City or Washington, D.C. It will require occasional travel. Responsibilities Include: Assisting with policy advocacy, sometimes through work in coalitions, to change policies and laws at the local, state, and federal levels. Participating in litigation, including research, brief writing, and strategy development, with team members, allied organizations, and/or pro bono law firm counsel. Authoring and otherwise supporting the preparation of written work (including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, reports, policy proposals, and organizational materials), with opportunities for named authorship. Providing research support for reports and policy proposals, including research (legal, social science, and news-based), fact checking, legal cite checking, and proofreading. Representing the Brennan Center in meetings and other interactions with external stakeholders, including government officials, allies, donors, and journalists. Helping to supervise and mentor program associates and legal and undergraduate interns. Taking on special projects and other duties as assigned. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Counsel, Elections and Government Program (Research and Policy), The Brennan Center– The fight for a more secure, responsive, and equitable democracy has never been more urgent. The Brennan Center seeks a talented attorney to join its team in the Elections and Government Program, working primarily on empirical research and policy advocacy around campaign finance and related money in politics issues (for examples of the type of work this position would do, please see here, here, and here), with opportunities to work on a range of other matters that are the focus of the program’s work. The Brennan Center’s methods include legislative and policy advocacy, legal and empirical research and writing, litigation, media communications, and public education. This is an in-person position based in New York City or Washington, D.C. It will require occasional travel. This position will report to the directors of the Elections and Government program, and work under the supervision/in close collaboration with a senior attorney who leads campaign finance research initiatives. Responsibilities Include: Designing and executing empirical research projects involving campaign finance and similar data, in collaboration with social scientists and other researchers. Advocacy, sometimes through work in coalitions, to change policies and laws at the local, state, and federal levels. Authoring and otherwise supporting the preparation of written work (including articles, opinion pieces, speeches, reports, policy proposals, and organizational materials), with opportunities for named authorship. Public speaking and other representation of the Brennan Center in meetings and other interactions with external stakeholders, including government officials, allies, donors, and the media. Legal strategy, research, and writing. Helping to supervise and mentor junior lawyers, program associates, and legal and undergraduate interns. Taking on special projects and other duties as assigned. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Departmental Analyst 12 – Security & Standards Section, Michigan Department of State –  This position serves as an analyst in the Security and Standards section and will serve as recognized resource for creating or changing election administration materials for clerks and vendors based on changes to the Michigan Election Law. This position will gather data from election officials to determine program needs and coordinate with Election Administration staff on development of section programs; assist with the oversight of Michigan’s over 1,600 county and local election officials in the performance of their duties to ensure proper practices and procedures; and provide support for section programs, such as assisting with audits and recounts. This position will require some travel. Salary: $49,712 – $84,115. Deadline: April 7. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Deputy Director, Swain County, North Carolina– The Swain County Board of Elections is now hiring for its Deputy Director of Elections position. An employee in this position performs clerical functions, voter registration procedures, and other election-related tasks in the daily operations of the Swain County Board of Elections, as may be assigned by the Director or Chair/members of the Board of Elections. This position is open until filled. Desirable Experience and Training: 1. Graduation from high school/GED or higher. 2. Considerable experience in one of the following fields: elections, public administration, clerical work involving public contact, or another field related to this position. OR 1. An equivalent combination of education and experience. Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Swain County is an excellent place to live and work and is a popular destination for tourists across the Southeast. It contains nearly half of America’s most-visited national park and is home to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Fontana Lake, and the vibrant communities of Bryson City and Cherokee. Apply to join us today! Salary: $38,850 – $51,445 per year. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Director Board of Elections/Voter Registration, Bucks County, Pennsylvania— Are you ready to play a pivotal role in the election processes in Bucks County, the fourth largest county in the State of Pennsylvania? Are you committed to ensuring the efficient and accurate administration of elections while also maintaining the integrity of vital records of 470,992 registered voters? If so, we invite you to consider the role of Director of the Bucks County Board of Elections/Voter Registration. The Board of Elections office is at the heart of our community’s election governance, overseeing critical functions that impact every Bucks County resident. As a member of our team, you will collaborate with a dedicated group of 20 full-time and 40+ seasonal part-time employees, working under the direction of the Board of Elections/Voter Registration Director. Bucks County has an excellent benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and prescription as well as an employer-matched retirement program. Bucks County is a wonderful community to live, work, and play and is uniquely located along the I-95 Corridor. Directs operation of the offices of Board of Elections, Voter Registration, and Voting Machines. This includes planning and conducting elections, voter registration management, and ensuring compliance with election laws and regulations. The Director is responsible for training election staff, overseeing technological security measures to safeguard voting integrity as well as creating an annual budget. Communicates election information to the Board of Elections, County administration, and the public. Addresses any issues or concerns that may arise during the election process. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Election Protection Hotline Specialist, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law– Are you passionate about safeguarding democratic processes? Join us as an Election Protection Hotline Specialist! This pivotal role involves collaborating with hundreds of legal volunteers to address voter concerns reported to the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline. As part of our dynamic hotline infrastructure team, you’ll be at the forefront of managing day-to-day operations. Expect a fast-paced environment, multitasking, and a commitment to early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Embrace the opportunity to learn and employ cutting-edge technology. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law stands at the forefront of national racial justice legal advocacy. Established in 1963 at the behest of President John F. Kennedy, our organization employs legal advocacy to champion racial justice. We strive, within and beyond the courtrooms, to ensure that Black individuals and people of color have a resounding voice, equal opportunities, and the power to materialize the promises of our democracy. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Election Services Representative, Fort Orange Press— The Election Services Representative is an onsite position at our Albany, NY facility. It acts as a liaison between clients and internal Fort Orange Press teams (i.e., Estimating, Sales, Prepress, Production, Shipping, etc.). The primary focus is gathering election details, and artwork from numerous clients across the United States while coordinating all aspects of day-to-day processes to ensure a successful election cycle. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and thrive in a high-pressure environment. Providing timely solutions for clients’ ever-evolving needs while building/maintaining quality relationships. Identifying new business opportunities within assigned accounts. This role is a brand ambassador to both current and prospective clients and requires an energetic personality, the ability to multitask, manage multiple clients and elections at the same time and serves as the internal client advocate. Salary: $23– $32 per hour.  Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections and Democracy Fellow, Center for Democracy & Technology– The Elections and Democracy Fellow will contribute to the organization’s work across these issues, particularly focusing on threats to the online information environment. The position requires a combination of research and advocacy skills to respond to emerging issues. Responsibilities: Conducting research on key issues impacting the information environment around elections, in order to raise awareness about vulnerabilities, highlight best practices, and develop/disseminate recommendations for generative AI companies, social media platforms, election officials, political campaigns, and other actors. Authoring policy papers, reports, blog posts, and similar materials. Engaging directly with technology companies to develop best practices and policy recommendations. Serving as a resource to federal and state governments and political campaigns as they enact new policies and practices on the use of generative AI in political advertising and campaigning. Coordinating advocacy efforts with other civil society organizations that have a shared interest in elections and democracy and the online information environment. Assisting with tracking and analyzing federal and state proposals to regulate generative AI and other elections-related legislation. Convening and engaging with technical experts, election vendors, election officials, voting and democracy advocates, academics and other stakeholders working on issues within the project’s scope. Supporting research, preparation, and operationalization of trainings for election officials and other stakeholders. Collaborating with CDT’s teams focused on free expression/online platform governance; technology & disability rights; AI governance, and consumer privacy; as well as CDT’s Research team and non-resident Research Fellows. Salary $65K-$105K. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Elections Compliance Officer, Pima County, Arizona— Are you an experienced professional specializing in elections? The Pima County Elections Department is looking for you! Join our team and bring your expertise to the forefront of our mission. Your background in city, county, state, or federal agencies, coupled with your in-depth knowledge of election processes, will make you an invaluable asset. Be a part of our dedicated team, shaping policies, and ensuring the integrity of our electoral system while making a lasting impact on our community. If you’re ready for a rewarding challenge, apply today! (Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor) Independently plans, coordinates, monitors and participates in administrative and operational activities required to maintain compliance with state and federal election regulations; Verifies department director and staff operate within full compliance regarding any and all applicable legal regulations and timelines; Maintains a listing of legally required deadlines for the unit via a cyclical timeline; Manages campaign finance, including correspondence for late filings and violations; ensures candidate filing compliance, including challenges; Ensures federal and state voting equipment compliance; Responds to public records requests; Assures separation of duty compliance required by Pima County; Completes periodic compliance audits and provides findings with recommendations to the Director and Deputy Director; Prepares requisite drafts of new procedures or processes for preclearance by regulatory agencies in compliance with state or federal laws or other regulatory requirements;  Coordinates the compilation and submission of required reports to regulatory agencies; Ensures Department compliance with all poll worker regulations; Determines Department compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with respect to facilities utilized in the elections process; Assists with grant requests; Develops and maintains public feedback tracking systems to capture voter complaints and concerns, allocate them to the appropriate division for resolution and record actions taken to rectify issues identified. Salary: $57,607 – $63,367. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections Coordinator, Buncombe County, North Carolina– The purpose of this position is to plan, coordinate, and administer assigned elections program or service area to support the strategic direction of the department and organization by connecting community participants to election services. Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities: Provide training and lead worker support through motivation, direction, review, and feedback of assigned tasks. Essential Functions of the Position: Organize and manage day-to-day activities of assigned elections program area to ensure program objectives are met; ensure compliance in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulatory standards, ordinances, laws, and requirements. Participate in the recommendation, assignment, training, direction, and success of seasonal poll workers and other seasonal staff. Design, deliver, and/or facilitate trainings, program outreach, and educational sessions to expand knowledge of services; develop content, materials, and necessary supporting documentation. Effectively administer software tools and systems to manage program; synthesize and analyze program data, design/develop reports and ensure accurate and timely reporting. Act as the liaison and conduit between key shareholders, the community, and the department to convey relevant information and ensure effective collaboration; participate in meetings, presentations, trainings, and outreach as needed. Manage budget for assigned elections program including coordinating, processing, and recording financial and budget information and transactions. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements. Perform other related duties as assigned. Salary: $28.65 – $40.11. Deadline: April 19. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Elections Equipment/Operations Analyst, Jackson County, North Carolina— This position performs intermediate skilled technical and operational support work assisting the Director with planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising the elections process. Duties and Responsibilities: Assists in Implementing changing election laws, coordinating elections, and supervising activities of the office. Oversees set up of One-Stop voting sites and network. Sets up all E-poll books according to polling place. Assists in machine logic and accuracy. Administers Campaign Reporting schedule. Provides requested information such as registration analysis, voting analysis, lists of precinct officials, precinct locations, precinct political committees, and campaign reports to the various candidates, campaign committees, party chairs, news media, and the general public. Provides requested information   regarding the North Carolina Campaign Reporting Act to prospective candidates, candidates, elected officials, media, and the general public, provides and notices of required reports to Candidates. Assists with audits submitted campaign reports, reviews, and verifies records to ensure that required information is provided and correct. Assists with polling sites database. Prepares campaign reports for public viewing. Assists with planning for and coordinating all early voting site, including the set up and close out of all sites.  Assists in training of one-stop workers.  Assists in canvassing the returns of all elections. Explains policies, laws, rules, regulations, and procedures to the public and other inquiring parties. Assists with voter registration verification procedures. Assists in ADA compliance and Campaign zones at polling places. Assists in processing and verifying petitions. Assists in preparing and conducting elections. Assists with state reporting requirements. Interacts with elected officials, candidates, the North Carolina Campaign Reporting Office, the general public, and the media. Performs other related job duties as assigned. Salary: $40,694. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections Investigations Lead (Compliance Specialist 3), Oregon Secretary of State’s Office– In this role, you will help enforce Oregon election laws and rules by investigating complaints and requests for investigation. This is accomplished in part by, but not limited to: Reviewing investigation requests/complaints alleging possible violations of Oregon election laws/rules; Evaluating and determining whether the division should proceed with an investigation; Establishing team workload and prioritization of cases; Conducting thorough investigations into possible violations; Recommending Division action and outcome of cases; Assessing civil penalties for non-compliance with Oregon election laws/rules; and Maintaining internal program-related standard operating procedures. Salary: $5,736 – $8,811. Deadline: April 24. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Elections Operation Manager, Pima County, Arizona— Pima County Elections Department is actively seeking a highly qualified candidate with a unique blend of skills and experience to join our team as an Elections Operations Manager. The ideal candidate brings extensive expertise in voting equipment and e-poll books, ensuring the seamless functioning of critical election infrastructure. Your familiarity with online inventory systems will be instrumental in maintaining accurate and efficient inventory management. Additionally, your proven ability to collaborate with political parties and high-ranking officials sets you apart. Your past interactions with these stakeholders have showcased your exceptional communication and diplomacy skills, essential in the realm of elections. If you’re ready to leverage your expertise and contribute to the democratic process, we encourage you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of elections, where your skills and experience will make a significant impact. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules. Duties/Responsibilities: (Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.) Develops program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, and establishes short- and long-range program performance plans subject to management review; Manages and administers program activities and evaluates program effectiveness and success; Manages the activities of professional staff and evaluates their performance; Develops, negotiates, monitors, and administers contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and/or financial and service agreements for the program managed; Monitors program contract compliance and takes corrective action as required; Performs as a program representative within the community, delivers informational news releases, serves as a program contact person, and participates in community awareness activities; Develops and maintains effective working relationships and coordinates program activities with other County departments, public and private agencies, organizations and groups to promote the program and its goals; Analyzes local, state and federal legislation and ensures program compliance with applicable regulations and policies; Directs organizational and management studies for the purpose of identifying problems and alternative solutions to the problems; Develops, writes and administers the program’s annual budget, prepares program-related financial forecasts, and identifies funding sources to support program activities; Reviews and analyzes routine and special reports detailing the status and/or success of the program, prepares recommendations, and/or initiates corrective action; Evaluates management problems and makes decisions regarding the proper course of action; May make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding program objectives; May direct the preparation and submission of proposals and grant applications; May access or maintain specialized databases containing program-specific information to review information or generate reports. Salary: $57,607 – $63,367. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections Technician II, Pima County, Arizona— Participates in the supervision and training of elections personnel and the administration of elections activity. Duties/Responsibilities: Supervises and participates in activities involved in inventory control, ordering, receipt, delivery, and storage of election equipment and supplies; Researches election laws and regulations and prepares reports regarding impact on County election procedures; Supervises the preparation of the ballot order; Participates in preparing forms; Receives and files nomination forms; Assists in generating signature requirements necessary for the candidate or proposition to be placed on the ballot; Supervises and coordinates requisite training of election office and warehouse personnel; Coordinates the transportation and delivery of voting machines, supplies and equipment to polling places; Makes minor adjustments to voting machines to ensure functionality and operability prior to use by the public; Demonstrates voting machine operation and explains voting procedures to the public and elections workers; Participates in updating precinct and district maps; Assists State and local agencies in administering election activities; Participates in coordinating elections activities with other government agencies or departments; Assists in the training of subordinate and volunteer staff. Salary: Hiring Range: $19.14 – $22.49/hr. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Elections Technology Specialist, McLennan County, Texas– Under supervision of the Elections Administrator, the Elections Technology Specialist performs complex and technical duties related to activities in overseeing the County’s voting equipment by creating each election’s ballot using ballot origination software, programing and testing the County’s voting equipment with each elections ballot, processing and scanning returned mail-in ballots with the Ballot Board, and maintaining the County’s voting equipment after each election. Salary: $19.92 – $31.72 Hourly. Deadline: June 20. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Executive Director– The American Council of Election Technology (ACET), a national, nonpartisan trade association of the leading providers of election technology solutions, is currently conducting a search for a dynamic, well-connected, hard-working election professional who loves this field and the people in it, to serve as ACET’s Executive Director to work with the group under contract throughout the remainder of calendar year 2024. (For 2025 and beyond, this position will be contracted annually from January through December.) Please see our detailed LinkedIn post for more information. If you are interested in discussing this exciting opportunity, please inbox Michelle Shafer on LinkedIn (Michelle is currently consulting with ACET to help coordinate this search.) or send a resume and cover letter to ACET at info@techforelections.vote. The American Council of Election Technology (ACET) is a national, nonpartisan trade association of the leading providers of election technology solutions. Thousands of jurisdictions across the United States rely on our members’ products and services to advance democracy. ACET members provide voters with the means to cast their ballots with confidence that their votes will be accurately recorded and protected. Their technologies and services help state and local officials print ballots, check-in voters, tabulate votes, and report and audit election results. Current ACET Member Companies are: Election Systems & Software, Hart InterCivic, MicroVote, Runbeck Election Services, Smartmatic, Unisyn Voting Solutions, VOTEC Corporation. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Field Operations Coordinator, Hays County, Texas– Reporting directly to Election Network Engineer, responsible for overseeing the inventory, distribution, maintenance, warehouse storage, and logistics of all equipment, voting ballots, and department assets for Hays County Elections Department. Responsible for identifying and reserving polling sites including overseeing the coordination of all polling site compliance and usage. Ensures polling locations follow the Texas Election Code for early voting and election day. Oversees the day-to-day tasks of the election technicians’ program. Salary: $46,378 – $50,678. Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Field Services Engineer, Syracuse, New York– Our nation’s elections are being challenged like never before, and the elections industry has historically stifled innovation to improve voting technology. As the first newcomer in the industry in the last 30 years, Clear Ballot rises to the challenge with a simple goal: Let’s create technology that empowers our customers to improve democracy. We are seeking a dedicated Field Service Engineer to provide exceptional on-site support and technical services to our clients. In this critical role, you will ensure that our election technology operates flawlessly, safeguarding the integrity of the voting process. This is a remote position with up to 70% travel, especially during election cycles, to deliver hands-on assistance and expertise nationwide. Key Responsibilities: Install, configure, and maintain Clear Ballot election systems at customer sites, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Conduct comprehensive training sessions for customers, empowering them to effectively use our technology. Provide immediate on-site technical support during pre-election, election day, and post-election activities, resolving any issues to prevent disruptions. Perform regular system maintenance and updates, minimizing downtime and ensuring continued compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with engineering and product teams to report field observations and contribute to product improvements. Develop and maintain strong customer relationships, providing exceptional service and support. Manage logistics and prepare for deployments, ensuring all necessary equipment and materials are available on-site. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Operations Associate, NASED– A part-time (approximately 20 hours per week), fully remote, Operations Associate for a small nonpartisan, nonprofit membership association. Reporting to the Executive Director, this new role will support all the organization’s operational needs. The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to, the following: Help update and maintain website content; Help maintain NASED’s social media presence, including developing content and creating basic graphics; Work with NASED’s controller on monthly financial reports and with the auditor and accountant on annual reports and filings; Monitor and assist with responses to inquiries sent to NASED’s shared inboxes; Maintain organization distribution lists; Assist with scheduling Board and Committee meetings; Assist with conference planning, including developing the conference website via the conference management platform, creating and proofing materials, planning activities, and budgeting; Support the execution of two national conferences per year; Create and send annual invoices to organization members and Corporate Affiliate members; and Other duties and special projects as assigned. This position is part-time and fully remote, but the candidate must live in the United States. Travel to support NASED’s Winter and Summer conferences is required (approximately 10 days per year). This position reports to NASED’s Executive Director. This role does not supervise any staff. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Precinct Manager, North Charleston, South Carolina— Are you passionate about democracy and civic engagement? Join us as a Precinct Manager at the Board of Elections and play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and efficient elections! Welcome to the Board of Voter Registration and Elections, where we are not just an agency, but a dynamic force committed to excellence in democracy. As an award-winning organization, we pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit of improvement to better serve the voters in our community. A major way this is done is through the recruitment and management of those who serve as poll managers. At the heart of our mission is an unyielding dedication to organizing elections with precision, fairness, and strict adherence to the law. Salary: $64,209 – $84,146. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Registration & Elections Manager, DeKalb County, Georgia– The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Manages, 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; manages personnel to ensure that all elections are conducted in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations; secures early voting locations and recommends schedules; appoints site managers and determines staffing requirements for early and election day voting; works with polling location personnel and county information technology and GIS staff to ensure provision of technology training and services; 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 filing process. Implements, monitors and maintains registration functions and processes; reviews registration functions and processes including felon registrations, duplicate voters, citizenship verifications, 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 procedural manuals for 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 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; reviews budgetary needs and makes recommendations to executive management; and monitors expenditures against approved budget. Salary: $66,132 – $106,473. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Sales Engineer, Richmond, Virginia– Our nation’s elections are being challenged like never before, and the elections industry has historically stifled innovation to improve voting technology. As the first newcomer in the industry in the last 30 years, Clear Ballot rises to the challenge with a simple goal: Let’s create technology that empowers our customers to improve democracy. We are on the lookout for a proactive, dynamic Sales Engineer to join our team. In this remote position, you will have the flexibility to work from home, bridging the gap between our innovative technology and the customers who utilize it. This role is instrumental in advancing our mission to enhance democracy. Please note, while this position offers remote flexibility, it requires up to 70% travel, especially during election periods, to provide on-site support and expertise to our customers nationwide. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate closely with the sales team to understand customer requirements and provide technical support during the sales process. Develop and deliver product demonstrations that clearly articulate the value and unique advantages of Clear Ballot’s solutions.Respond to technical questions and concerns from potential clients, ensuring they understand how our technology can meet their needs.Assist in the preparation and delivery of proposals and presentations that effectively communicate the benefits of our products. Provide feedback from the field to our product development teams, influencing future product enhancements and innovations. Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies to position Clear Ballot effectively in the market. Serve as a Field Service Engineer during election periods, offering hands-on support and expertise to ensure the seamless operation of Clear Ballot technology for existing customers. Provide proactive assistance to customers during pre-election testing and setup, ensuring their systems are optimized and ready for use. Be readily available on election day to troubleshoot any issues that arise, offering immediate solutions to maintain the integrity and smooth functioning of the election process. Conduct post-election follow-ups with customers to gather feedback, address any concerns, and ensure the overall success of their election experience with Clear Ballot technology. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Senior Counsel, Voting Rights Program, The Brennan Center– The Brennan Center’s Voting Rights Program seeks a talented attorney to join our team working to build a robust, participatory, and inclusive democracy. Reporting to the Director of the Voting Rights Program, the attorney’s focus will be to combat voter suppression and advance pro-voter reforms at the state and federal levels. Our Voting Rights Program advocates for free, fair, and accessible elections, with special focus on the ways systemic barriers impede electoral participation by communities of color. The past ten years have seen a renewed brazen and widespread assault on the right to vote. Elected officials at the highest levels have deployed disinformation and misinformation to scapegoat communities trying to assert their rightful place in the electorate. And the Capitol attack made plain that some are even prepared to reject the use of elections as the arena to contest political differences. We meet these challenges, and others, head on. We do so with partners ranging from community-based organizations to election administrators to pro bono counsel. The Brennan Center’s methods include legal and empirical research and writing, litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, media and communications, and public education. Salary:  $145,100 – $185,800. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Senior Director, Election Law Program, William & Mary–The Election Law Program (ELP), a joint initiative of the William and Mary Law School and the National Center for State Courts, has a mission to provide resources for judges deciding election disputes. This vacancy is for an experienced attorney to serve in the role of Senior Director of the Election Law Program. The Senior Director will be an attorney with experience in election law. Reporting to the ELP Co-Directors, the portfolio of responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Developing resources for judges deciding election cases; Supporting projects that enhance understanding of federal and state election laws and the role of courts in resolving election disputes; Sharing research findings and legal resources through a variety of mechanisms such as publications and educational programs (e.g., webinars, presentations, and conferences); Overseeing ELP project implementation; Identifying and capturing trends in election litigation; Engaging in collaborative projects with trusted partners; Supervising student research; and Participating in fundraising efforts to support existing and future ELP initiatives as required. NOTE: If interested, an opportunity for appointment as an adjunct professor to teach a relevant course within the field of election law is available. Salary: $110,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Senior Policy Associate, Verified Voting– As we head into an election year, the SPA will play an integral role on Verified Voting’s programs team, helping the organization ramp up work in priority states and respond effectively to new developments as they arise. The SPA will lead our engagement in several priority states related to Verified Voting’s key issue areas, including robust tabulation audits, ballot accounting, chain-of-custody documentation, and other best practices that support public confidence in elections. (The states will be determined in coordination with other team members who serve as state leads.) The SPA will not lobby, but will advocate for improved policies in priority states, engaging with various stakeholders. They will also collaborate closely with election officials, providing procedural and technical assistance related to implementation of risk-limiting audits and other best practices. The SPA will also provide election officials with strategic messaging support to help them effectively communicate the impact of their work to voters. The SPA will work closely with team members on other policy work and may lead research and writing projects. In particular, the SPA will help develop new materials and resources to capitalize on the upcoming conclusions of a new messaging research project. We are a fully remote organization — the only requirements are that you are eligible to work in the US, that your location is in the US, and that you have a workspace that allows you to complete the demands of the position. Verified Voting’s official operating hours are 9am-5pm Eastern Time, but we work together to accommodate team members’ various time zones, circumstances, and work styles. Occasional in-person meetings and travel opportunities are possible. Salary: $85,000–$90,000. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Training and Education Coordinator, Pima County, Arizona— Researches, coordinates and develops materials for use in training staff and educating clients on procedures, rules, regulations, forms, requirements and equipment for area of assignment; Assists management in the identification of training needs for staff and education for clients; Collects, compiles, prepares, updates and assembles training and presentation materials and manuals; Designs new training and education materials and/or updates materials on a regular basis; Conducts initial training/orientation for newly hired staff to increase understanding of procedures and position responsibilities; Delivers training to classes and individuals through lectures, demonstrations, exercises and workshops; Conducts continuing education to comply with changes in federal, state and local regulations, policies and procedures, and to resolve specific performance deficiencies; Coordinates and investigates compliance with federal, state and/or local policies, laws and regulations and conducts quality control audits and reports on findings; Participates in the review of productivity levels for activities and staff, analyzes problem areas, identifies training needs and recommends solutions to management; Assesses implementation of policies and/or procedures and makes recommendations to management regarding changes and/or supplemental training; Provides additional training as needed, under management direction; Serves as the technical advisor for interpreting federal, state, and County policies, laws, rules and/or regulations governing are of assignment; Compiles statistical data and prepares reports for area of assignment for presentation to management and the Board of Supervisors. Develops and evaluates student surveys/assessments on training/education provided; Coordinates and maintains training/education materials, audio-visual equipment, laptops, tablets and supplies utilized for training and education; Maintains manual and computer based documentation on training and/or education conducted, competency checklists and assessment files. Salary: Hiring Range: $54,863 – $65,836. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Training Manager, Charleston County, South Carolina— Are you passionate about democracy and coaching people to their fullest potential? Join us as a Training Manager at the Board of Elections and play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and efficient elections! Welcome to the Board of Voter Registration and Elections, where we are not just an agency, but a dynamic force committed to excellence in democracy. As an award-winning organization, we pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit of improvement to better serve the voters in our community. A major way this is done is through the training of those who serve as poll managers. At the heart of our mission is an unyielding dedication to organizing elections with precision, fairness, and strict adherence to the law. Responsibilities include: Comprehensive training development, training coordination, community engagement, year-round training program, performance tracking, new hire training, continuous improvement, collaboration with precinct manager.  Salary: $64,209 – $84,146. 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 Support Desk (Operations & Policy Analyst 2), Oregon Secretary of State’s Office– In this position you will, with supervisory support, manage and operate the voting system certification program for the Elections Division. This program ensures that voting systems in Oregon are compliant with Federal and state requirements and meet the needs of county election administrators and the elections division. Although there is substantial variety in day-to-day work of election administration, examples of frequent activities include, but are not limited to, the review of technical documents, ensuring compliance with State and federal law with vendors and county election offices, providing guidance to county officials on the operation of voter registration systems, traveling to county election offices, writing administrative rules, and writing instructional documentation. Salary: $5,228 – $8,003. Deadline: April 17. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Marketplace

electionline provides no guarantees as to the quality of the items being sold and the accuracy of the information provided about the sale items in the Marketplace. Ads are provided directly by sellers and are not verified by electionline. If you have an ad for Marketplace, please email it to: mmoretti@electionline.org