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Election News This Week

Proof of Citizenship: As more and more states are considering (or passing) proof-of-citizenship legislation, voters in New Hampshire headed to the polls this week for their first election under the state’s new citizenship law. The roll out of the new law was not smooth for all. According to New Hampshire Public Radio, it took Brooke Yonge of Derry three trips to her local polling place before she was able to cast a ballot Tuesday. On her first trip to the polls, Yonge didn’t bring proof of her U.S. citizenship, so she drove home to grab her birth certificate, and then tried to vote a second time. But there was another problem. “It doesn’t have my married name on it,” she said. Town voting officials then sent her away a second time, to get her marriage certificate. “It is what it is,” said Yonge, walking back to her car yet again. In Derry, where local officials described the turnout as low, there were at least two other would-be voters who were denied a ballot because they initially lacked proof of their citizenship. In one instance, an 18-year old was able to contact her mother, who texted her a picture of her birth certificate. In Hopkinton, 70-year-old Betsy Spencer did end up casting a ballot, but it took plenty of doing. Spencer has lived and voted in Hopkinton for decades, but briefly relocated to Maine where she cast a ballot in November’s election. She moved back to Hopkinton last month, and when she arrived at the polls to register Tuesday, she thought she was prepared. “I had my birth certificate, a change of address from the US Postal Service — everything but my blood type and the kitchen sink — and I was told I could not register to vote,” Spencer said. The issue, Spencer said, was that her surname on her birth certificate is different from how she was registering to vote. Spencer said after local election officials consulted with the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office, her expired passport was deemed sufficient proof of ID for her to register and vote. But she said casting her ballot ended up taking several hours. “I should be back working, but the truth was, I could not let this go,” Spencer said. “This is not ok.”

Bloody Sunday Anniversary: March 7 marked 60 years since “Bloody Sunday,” a violent clash between civil rights marchers and police that left many jailed, bloody and beaten, including the late Congressman John R. Lewis. The attack shocked the nation and galvanized support for the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965. The annual commemoration pays homage to those who fought to secure voting rights for Black Americans and brought calls to recommit to the fight for equality. Members of Congress joined with Bloody Sunday marchers to lead a march of several thousand people across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They stopped to pray at the site where marchers were beaten in 1965. Kirk Carrington was just 13 on Bloody Sunday and was chased through the city by a man on a horse wielding a stick. “When we started marching, we did not know the impact we would have in America,” he told The Associated Press. “We gather here on the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday when our country is in chaos,” said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama. Sewell, a Selma native, noted the number of voting restrictions introduced since the U.S. Supreme Court effectively abolished a key part of the Voting Rights Act that required jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination to clear new voting laws with the Justice Department. Other speakers noted the Trump administration’s push to end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and a rollback of equal opportunity executive orders that have been on the books since the 1960s.

Sticker News: The Barrington, New Hampshire Select Board recently recognized the winners of the 2025 “I Voted” sticker contest. Matt, Riley, Katie, and Ruby were presented with a proclamation and bundle of their stickers to share with family and friends. More than 100 sticker designs were submitted this year. “The quality of artwork was inspiring and we SO appreciate the time spent and the effort it took all 107 kids to make these designs,” said a statement from the city when announcing the winners. “Narrowing the designs down to four was difficult, the team had their work cut out for them!  They considered voting themes, Barrington pride, artwork/sticker quality, feedback from the community, and input from Town leaders.” 

Personnel News: After 20 years as director, Debbie Quivey is now the deputy director of the Athens County, Ohio board of elections. Tony Brooks is now the director of the Athens County, Ohio board of elections. And while there’s been a change at the top, Pumpkin remains the top cat at the Athens County BOE. Quinton Babcock has been sworn in for his first term on the Ottawa County, Ohio Board of Elections. Andrea Tacoronte was reappointed as director and Tisha Kratzer was reappointed as deputy director of the Clinton County, Ohio board of elections. Lorain County, Ohio Board of Elections Director Paul Adams and Deputy Director Jim Kramer were recently sworn in. Deborah Kaye is retiring after more than 25 years as the town clerk in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Brian Swartzwelder is the new director of elections for the Tuscarawas County, Ohio board of elections. Matt Finfgeld has been reappointed director of the Richland County, Ohio board of elections. Tracy Smith has been named as the next Greene County Board of Elections director, following a tiebreaking vote by the Ohio Secretary of State.

New Research and Reports

Generative AI: The Bipartisan Policy Center has a new issue brief Generative AI Is a Multi-tool, Not a Magic Wand for Election Administration. Stakeholders across the government, private, and nonprofit sectors spent much of 2024 preparing for AI-accelerated challenges to election administration. Their concerns were sparked by the rapid emergence of widely accessible generative artificial intelligence (generative AI, or GAI) tools, which can create text and synthetic images, audio, and video. Less understood is how GAI could improve election administration. Just 7% of election administrators reported using AI in their work, according to a May 2024 survey by the Brennan Center for Justice. Although other government workers and many commercial workplaces are exploring how to integrate GAI into their jobs, many election administrators are reluctant to do so because elections are high-stakes exercises. At a precarious time for public trust in election integrity, the margin for error is razor thin. Simultaneously, tight timelines, small staffs, and limited resources afford administrators little time to innovate and to experiment with new technologies. On August 29, 2024, the Bipartisan Policy Center held an exercise for election officials to more closely consider election-related uses of GAI. Building on previous suggestions—including those from The Elections Group and International IDEA—this event convened election officials, technologists, and researchers to identify cumbersome, challenging, or time-consuming tasks routinely completed by election offices. (As these tasks often keep officials from other work, we refer to them as “bottlenecks.”) Participants broke into small groups to discuss whether and how GAI might “unstop” these bottlenecks.

Proof of Citizenship: Recently, policy proposals requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration have emerged, threatening to disenfranchise millions of otherwise eligible voters. This brief, Democracy 101: Understanding Proof of Citizenship Requirements for Voter Registration from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) details the history of these policies and the current legislative proposals, while also explaining the harm of these requirements and why proof of citizenship policies are simply solutions in search of a problem.

Ballot Measures, Legislation & Rulemaking

Alaska Ballot Measure: Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom approved a ballot initiative application last week, which seeks to repeal Alaska’s current nonpartisan top-four primary and ranked-choice voting systems. The proposed initiative aims to reinstate partisan political primaries, adjust appointment procedures, reestablish special runoff elections, and amend rules for independent expenditure groups. Lieutenant Governor Dahlstrom stated that the approval confirms the sponsors of the initiative have met the necessary legal requirements for the process. With this approval, the initiative sponsors can now begin gathering the required signatures to place the measure on a future ballot. If enough signatures are collected, the initiative will be presented to voters for consideration. The current voting systems, which were introduced following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020, were narrowly rejected in a similar repeal attempt during the November 2024 election, with a margin of just 743 votes. “Our democratic process is strengthened when Alaskans engage directly in shaping our electoral system,” said Lieutenant Governor Dahlstrom. “In approving this ballot initiative application, we have confirmed that the initiative sponsors have met the necessary requirements under Alaska law.” Lieutenant Governor Dahlstrom encouraged Alaskans to stay informed and engaged as the debate over potential changes to the state’s voting systems continues.

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska: The Borough may be forced to change the way it counts votes after the Assembly last week failed to extend a service contract for voting machines. The contract was $219,489 for five years of licensing and ballot-programming services for the borough’s annual municipal elections. The scanning machines also count the ballots for the City of Fairbanks and the City of North Pole’s municipal elections. Borough code requires municipal ballots to be counted by machines, which are proven faster, more accurate and cheaper than hand-counting. “According to FNSB code, chapter 5.24, ballot counting procedures specifies ballots are counted by optical scan or other computer, red or electronic ballot precincts,” said Borough Clerk April Trickey. She reported that the borough already owns ballot scanning machines, having spent $359,956 in 2020 and an upgrade in 2022. The current five-year contract expires on April 17, 2025. “This contract does not purchase any additional software or equipment as the borough owns the software and the equipment that we currently have,” she explained. Without the contract renewal, the borough would not have the license to use the machines it already owns. Assembly member Brett Rotermund asked about changing the voting system. “If we were to vote this down tonight and get rid of our current machines and go back to a hand counting process, how will that affect the upcoming election?” Rotermund asked. Trickey explained, “This assembly would have to adopt an ordinance to go back to hand counting voting. ‘Cause right now I’m supposed to conduct our elections using computer-counted ballots.” Member Barbara Haney moved to postpone voting on the contract until the Assembly could check with the Cities of Fairbanks and North Pole. But that was voted down. The contract extension was voted down 4 to 4

Arizona: Republican legislators are again attempting to change voting laws after the Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) vetoed their recent attempt to make the state’s elections more like Florida’s. Two of the proposals, Senate Bill 1097 and Senate Bill 1098, were sponsored by Sen. Jake Hoffman, leader of the Arizona Freedom Caucus.  One bill, SB1097, would force every public school operated by a school district to close on each primary and general election day and requires schools that have gymnasiums to act as a polling location, at the county’s request.  The proposal would get rid of a provision in state law currently that allows school superintendents to refuse to serve as polling places because of safety concerns or lack of space.  It would also require all other government offices to serve as polling places, at the county’s request.  While Hoffman’s proposal would force schools to close to students on Election Day, it would bar teachers from taking time off that day. Senate Bill 1097 would also take a less extreme approach to requiring counties to use precinct-based voting than a bill sponsored by another Freedom Caucus member that already passed through the House and the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee.  A precinct-based voting model requires each voter to cast a ballot at their designated location, and if they vote at the wrong location, it won’t be counted. In contrast, any registered voter in the county can cast a ballot at any voting center in the county. Most Arizona counties use voting centers or a mix of precincts and voting centers. Senate Bill 1098 would require voters who drop off early ballots at a polling place to show identification and sign an affidavit promising that they’re legally allowed to drop off those ballots. In Arizona, voters can only return their own ballot, ballots from family members or housemates or from a person for whom they are a caregiver. Those who violate that law could face a felony charge and more than a year in prison.  Right now, voters can drop off their early ballots in drop boxes or at polling locations without having to provide identification, and the ballots are validated by election workers verifying the ballot envelope signatures.

Florida: Rep. Griff Griffits’ HB 7007 would let elections supervisors and clerks of courts appeal budgets to the state Administration Commission, which is made up of the Governor and the Cabinet. If the bill becomes law, they would be given the same latitude sheriffs have had for decades. The appellants would have to give their reasons for appeal in their filings with the Governor’s Office. From there, the local lawmakers would have five days to respond to the grievance. After the response, the Governor’s Office would set up a timely hearing of the Administration Commission. From there, the proposal would give 30 days to determine a resolution. That could include accepting one side’s proposed resolution or a combination of line items that could be a state-brokered compromise. This law would take effect in July, potentially leaving a tight window for local budgets that take effect October 1 and are often passed just before the beginning of the new fiscal year.

The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee introduced a comprehensive election bill  (SB 7016) that includes provisions that Republican lawmakers say are intended to reduce fraud and “safeguard the process” by which amendments are placed on the ballot. SB 7016 is the second such measure introduced in the Florida Senate to address criticisms leveled by Gov. DeSantis about the petition gathering process that he said in January required the Legislature to convene in a special session. While GOP leadership didn’t immediately respond back then, they are now moving quickly on fulfilling his request (the other Senate measure to deal with ballot petition fraud was earlier introduced by Hernando County Republican Blaise Ingoglia – SB 1414). SB 7016 also: Reduces the number of days a sponsor has to submit signed petition forms to the appropriate supervisor of elections to 10 from 30; Enhances the fines regarding late- or not-submitted signed petition forms to the supervisor of  elections to $50 per each day late, and raises the fines from $250 to $2,500 for each petition form if the sponsor or petition circulator acted willfully.  Increase fines for non-submitted petition forms from $500 to $5,000 if the sponsor or petition circulator “acted willfully;” and Prohibits all felons who have not had their right to vote restored and all noncitizens from collecting signatures. The initiative sponsor is liable for $50,000 fine for each person collecting petitions on its behalf in violation of the prohibition. The bill also requires applicants for petition circulator to complete training about these and other related legal requirements.

House Bill 1317: Elections Impacted by Emergencies; aims to give Floridians more opportunities to have their voices heard at the ballot box, especially after tragic natural disasters. State Representative Lindsay Cross of Pinellas County says her bill would enforce policies like expanding early voting, allowing for more flexibility with mail in voting, dropping off ballots at different polling locations, utilizing more mobile polling sites, etc. “This is not something that is red or blue or purple, people all over the state were impacted by this and so just making some of these things automatic will help people to have the confidence that they will be able to vote, that their vote will count, and really just helping to strengthen our democracy,” said Cross.

Georgia: A last-minute House election bill that advanced on Crossover Day last week would give new authority to the House speaker and Senate president to remove State Election Board members during the legislative offseason. If the Legislature approves the current version of House Bill 397, it would give the two chamber leaders powers to remove members from a board that was at the forefront of controversial election rulemaking in 2024. However, the architect behind the proposal for removing Georgia election board members, Atlanta Democratic Rep. Saira Draper, said she’s not optimistic that the updated clause will remain in the final election bill expected to be crafted before the session ends April 4. On Feb. 18, Draper filed House Bill 501, which clarified state law by giving the House and Senate chamber leaders the same post-session authority to remove State Election Board members as they have to fill vacancies on the board. On Thursday, the House voted 159-13 in favor of a substitute passed out of the House Rules Committee that no longer included a provision that would give municipal election officials the choice to opt-out of advance voting for municipal elections on Saturdays.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, late at night in the House last week, representatives pushed through a hastily rewritten elections bill with little notice, less debate and no hint of its significance. This short bill is called a “vehicle” — a piece of legislation that can be amended to include very different election proposals, some of which never received a hearing or committee vote. House Bill 397, which passed the House and awaits action in the Senate, creates a process to remove members of the State Election Board. But Republicans might alter it to include ideas that did not survive last week’s deadline for bills to clear at least one legislative chamber, such as prohibiting voters from turning in their absentee ballots in-person the weekend before Election Day, banning last-minute election rules and a plan to withdraw Georgia from a national voter registration accuracy organization. “Everybody is looking at it and probably looking to make some changes,” Senate Ethics Committee Chair Sam Watson (R-Moultrie) told the AJC. “It’s good to take time and take a breath. Let’s see what happens and go from there.”

Illinois: Lawmakers could pass a plan this session to expand the automatic voter registration process to help even more people have the opportunity to vote. The legislation would allow anyone to be registered to vote when they apply for a REAL ID or standard driver’s license as long as they show a document confirming US citizenship.  Leaders told the House Ethics & Elections Committee this week that Illinoisans would only be able to opt out of the automatic voter registration when they receive a postcard from their local election authority. Residents would have 23 days to return the postcard to election officials if they would like to be removed from the state database. The House Ethics & Elections Committee could vote on the proposal before the House Committee deadline on March 21.

Iowa: House Study Bill 294 would create protections and penalties relating to election materials produced with artificial intelligence, or “algorithmic discrimination” caused by AI. The House Economic Growth and Technology Committee advanced the bill, with its floor manager Rep. Ray Sorensen noting the bill was a “work in progress.”  Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, cautioned the committee on moving too quickly on the issue, noting a similar law had passed in Colorado and “is not going well.”  “We are on the cutting edge right now … We could perhaps use some time to learn from the mistakes of others and come out with something perfect – maybe it needs to be next year,” Baeth, who voted to advance the bill, said. 

Another bill on elections, House Study Bill 281, advanced through the House State Government Committee. The legislation would allow the Iowa Secretary of State’s office to work with federal and state agencies, as well as private companies, to confirm the citizenship status of voters registered in Iowa. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate proposed the bill after his office issued controversial guidance leading into the 2024 general election. Pate directed county auditors to challenge the ballots of more than 2,000 registered voters whose citizenship status was in question.

The Senate State Government committee also passed a measure with this provision Wednesday, but the House bill tackles several other subjects, including a ban on ranked choice voting. The legislation also includes increasing the threshold for political party recognition from 2% to 10% of the total votes cast for a candidate in the previous general election. The measure was passed 14-7 through the House committee with no debate.

Kansas: Lawmakers are getting close to repealing the three-day grace period for mail ballots, a law that was broadly popular when it was enacted eight years ago. The Republican-led Legislature has passed Senate Bill 4, sending it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s desk. While the bill faces a likely veto, the GOP supermajorities appear to have the votes for an override. Under Kansas election law, voters are allowed to advance vote by mail. As long as they are postmarked by Election Day, the ballots can be counted if they are delivered within three days. That three-day grace period would be repealed by SB 4, meaning all mail ballots would have to arrive by 7 p.m. Election Day in order to be counted. The proposed change would take effect in 2026. The Secretary of State’s Office remained neutral on SB 4, but provided lawmakers with a summary of arguments for and against. It also lobbied to keep ballot drop boxes as an option for voters. While the governor is expected to veto the bill, Republicans likely have the votes for an override. The Senate passed SB 4 on Thursday with a 30-10 vote, which is three above the supermajority needed for an override. One Republican sided with the Democrats. A week before, the House passed the bill 80-39. While the House was four votes shy of a veto-proof supermajority, there were four Republicans absent that day — all four of whom previously voted to repeal the three-day grace period in 2023. There were four Republicans who sided with Democrats.

Kentucky: Separate pieces of legislation that would examine Kentucky’s process for restoring voting rights to individuals with felony convictions by establishing a Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force were approved by House and Senate committees on Thursday. In the Senate Judiciary Committee members approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon. “Kentucky has long debated how to balance accountability with second chances,” Higdon testified before the panel. “This task force will allow us to take a thorough, thoughtful approach to ensure any changes to the voting rights restoration process are fair, secure, transparent, and not always sweeping and unilateral as it currently stands.” The proposed task force would be composed of House and Senate members and additional stakeholders as needed. It would meet regularly during the 2025 Interim to study existing laws, hear from impacted individuals and experts, and develop recommendations. A final report would be submitted to the General Assembly by December 1, for potential legislative action in the 2026 Regular Session. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs gave their nod to House Concurrent Resolution 67, sponsored by Rep. Emily Callaway, R-Louisville. It would create a similar task force with the same reporting date, but the make-up of the task force has minor differences than the Senate version. Both measures received committee approval and now go to the floor of the respective chambers.

Maine: The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted down several proposals to alter election laws, including measures that eliminate ongoing absentee voter status, and reestablish a component of ranked choice voting tabulations that was done away with last session. According to Maine Morning Star, the committee does however appear poised to sign off on requiring automatic recounts when there are apparent ties in elections, as currently there are no automatic recounts even in this case, though the final recommendation will be determined once absent members cast their votes in the coming days.  These mark the first few committee recommendations for how the state should, or shouldn’t, alter its elections laws this session. The bills will now head to the House of Representatives and Senate for floor votes.

Michigan: In a meeting that lasted less than two minutes, the House Election Integrity Committee voted 6-3 to send a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters to the full House. According to Votebeat, it was a critical step for House Joint Resolution B, which seeks to amend the Michigan Constitution to require voters to prove their citizenship before registering and to require election officials to check the citizenship status of those already registered. The proposal has a long way to go before it becomes law, though. Potential constitutional amendments must win approval of two-thirds of both chambers of the Legislature before they appear before voters for final approval. Should the measure fail in the Legislature, Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a Republican from Rockford and the proposal’s author, has confirmed that a signature-gathering initiative run by Prove It Michigan would aim to get the proposal before voters in 2026. That group is run by the Committee to Protect Voters’ Rights, which has advocated against previous ballot measures that made it easier to vote.

Nebraska: Nebraska does not require state officials to inform individuals when they regain their voting rights, nor does it automatically register them. LB586, introduced by Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha, would address this gap by ensuring that voters in these circumstances receive the assistance they need to participate in elections. The bill proposes a revision to Statute 32-944, which states that county election commissioners may train registered voters to act on behalf of the election commissioner or county clerk in administering a ballot to people who reside in nursing homes or hospitals. Current voter ID requirements would stay in place.  “LB586 would revise the statute to expand this opportunity to include other restricted facilities including rehabilitation centers, detention centerS and county jails to allow eligible voters in these circumstances to still be able to access their ballots,” Spivey said at a hearing before the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee March 5.

Nevada: Bipartisan legislation, that also has the support of the secretary of state, has been introduced that would require sample ballots be mailed in advance of regular ballots. Under AB148, all mail ballots must be distributed to voters living in Nevada between the fourth and fifth Monday before an election. Existing law requires that mail ballots be distributed to in-state residents no later than 20 days before an election, but in practice, county election officials send mail ballots out over a wider time range before an election. The bill would also set an earlier deadline for local election officials to send out sample ballots. Nevada law requires that sample ballots be sent before the start of early voting, which is the third Saturday before a general election. But under AB148, sample ballots must be sent out by the last day that mail ballots can be sent, which would be five days earlier than the current sample ballot requirement. The bill sponsors said they will also look into changing the timeline to send ballots to out-of-state voters.

New Jersey: Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D-Jersey City) said she plans to introduce legislation adjusting the schedule of nonpartisan local elections to address logistical challenges posed by a short runoff period.Recent legislative adjustments to the electoral calendar mean mayoral and city council candidates in Jersey City and Hoboken this year could compete in a Dec. 2 if no candidate receives a majority of votes. Election officials told the New Jersey Globe the short runoff period—with another election just 13 days after the certification—makes it impossible for officials to follow the letter of the law while administering the runoff. “The timeline established by current laws, particularly around certification, mail-in ballots, and early voting, makes it virtually impossible to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law,” McCann Stamato said in a release. “These laws were not designed for the current landscape, and it’s time to update them for the reality of modern elections.” The deadline to contest the November election is Dec. 6, creating a potential legal challenge, since the deadline comes after the scheduled Dec. 2 runoff. McCann Stamato said the specifics of her proposal will be released in the coming weeks. She said she plans to work with municipal officials and elections administrators while crafting the bill. “As an elected official committed to ensuring fair elections, I cannot stand by while our municipal elections are mired in confusion and legal contradictions,” the assemblywoman said.

Oklahoma: The House of Representatives made a decisive push towards election reform, passing a bill that would change the way tied elections are handled in the state. Authored by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, House Bill 1678 requires a second election to resolve a voting tie, whether it appears in primary, runoff, or general elections. The move comes as a direct response to a tied result in Carter County last year, where the outcome of a sheriff’s race was determined by nothing more than a random drawing. Currently, Oklahoma law allows for a tied vote to be settled in such a hit-or-miss fashion, but Rep. Townley believes in a different path. “This bill ensures elections are decided by voters, not by chance,” Townley said. “I was surprised to learn that races could be settled by a random drawing. With the technology we have, there’s no reason a tied election can’t go to a runoff. This bill takes that step to make our elections fair and transparent.” Under the new legislation, if a tie occurs after a second vote, the election board will hold a public drawing to decide the outcome. HB1678 challenges the idea that the democratic process should be decided by chance, arguing that it should be in the hands of the voters.

Pennsylvania: A new bill has been proposed that would ban firearms at polling places in Pennsylvania. According to the bill’s memo circulated by Rep. Tim Brennan (D-29) and Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-148), the bill aims to join 11 states in prohibiting all firearms at polling places. The lawmaker’s memo says the legislation aims to quell concerns voiced by voters and election workers about safety at polling places, as people have been “threatened, harassed, or intimidated.” Voting districts have also struggled to find or retain volunteers to work at such locations due to safety concerns, per the memo. The memo adds that prohibition would not apply to law enforcement officers and military personnel on duty at the locations, and it would also allow those licensed to carry a firearm to keep the firearm in their vehicle while voting. The prohibition would only apply to the building in which votes are cast. The bill has not been submitted for introduction yet.

Texas: With unanimous Republican support, the Senate appears poised to pass a priority bill requiring Texans to prove their citizenship before they could vote in state, local, and presidential elections. Senate Bill 16 would apply to new registrants as well as existing registered voters who did not provide proof of citizenship when they registered. That would include voters who registered through a voter registration drive or by mail, rather than while obtaining a Texas drivers license or state ID through the Department of Public Safety. Voters who don’t provide proof of citizenship would be placed on a separate voter roll and could cast ballots only in U.S. House and Senate races. Voters on that list wouldn’t be allowed to vote for president under the bill, which experts say could invite a legal challenge. The bill would create a new barrier to voting for some of Texas’ more than 18 million registered voters, and could diminish the rights of eligible voters who are not able to provide documents proving their U.S. citizenship. It would subject election officials to potential criminal penalties, making it a felony punishable by jail time to knowingly register an applicant without first verifying that they are citizens. It would also require election officials to provide the state attorney general’s office a list of voters who have not provided proof of citizenship, and calls for the attorney general to prosecute any offenses if local officials do not.

Brown County, Texas: Another county has joined the call in opposing legislation that would bring to an end the countywide voting program. In a March 10 meeting, the Brown County Commissioners Court, approval was given to a resolution in support of countywide voting. Brown County Elections Administrator Brenda Arp presented to the commissioners a resolution opposed to the proposed legislation and in favor of the current countywide voting system.  She said that the countywide voting has worked well, has been popular with the voters, and has increased voter participation in Brown County elections. The Commissioners approved the resolution by a vote of 4-0.  

Harker Heights, Texas: The Harker Heights City Council approved an ordinance setting electioneering guidelines outside the city-owned polling site, but not before a spirited discussion on the measure’s limit on election signs. The ordinance was drawn up in response to last fall’s election process, in which voters were reportedly harassed by aggressive candidates and campaign workers as they stood in line to cast their ballots. During a workshop meeting last month, City Manager David Mitchell noted that the city’s polling site for last fall’s election, the Harker Heights Recreation Center, was the only one that voters complained about, according to the county elections office. Mayor Pro Tem Tony Canterino said, “We got a ton of complaints last year. We need to make it more comfortable for people to vote. Too many signs make it difficult for people to get to the (candidates’) tents.” After about 20 minutes of discussion, the council approved the new ordinance in a 4-1 vote. The ordinance will take effect immediately, with early voting beginning for the May 3 city and school board elections on April 22 at the Harker Heights Recreation Center.

Stephens County, Texas: The Stephens County Commissioners Court voted unanimously  this week to abolish the county elections administrator position following the resignation of Elections Administrator Jared McLane who is resigning effective March 14 to pursue other opportunities. According to the Breckenridge Texan, the decision at this week’s meeting will abolish the position that the commissioners created last April. The voter registration duties will return to the tax assessor-collector’s office, and election functions will now be handled by the county clerk’s office, in accordance with Section 31.048 of the Texas Local Government Code. During this week’s meeting, Roach asked McLane to address the commissioners in the public session, explaining what he had told them last week. McLane said that, based on his experience, the position doesn’t require full-time work, outside of election periods. “During the election time, it can get hectic once you get settled in,” McLane said. “After the elections… it’s not a full time job.” McLane estimated that he spent minimal time on administrative duties between elections. “I’d say at most, 10 to 12 hours a week into the elections itself. And that’s at most,” McLane said. “… if a taxpayer would come ask, I think it’d be hard to justify this salary, from my aspect.” Rather than replacing McLane with another elections administrator, the county plans to restructure its approach to managing elections. “I think what we’re going to do is cut that (elections administrator) position, reduce that expense totally, $55,000, $50,000 something like that,” Roach said in a phone call Friday afternoon. “We’re going to move somebody out of the tax assessor-collector’s office across the hall to the county clerk’s office, and reduce the staff in the tax office, because they’re not going to be handling elections anymore.”

West Virginia: The House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 490, which would codify in the West Virginia Code that ranked choice voting is prohibited, and that efforts to adopt the process on the state or local level are void. The bill had already passed the West Virginia Senate earlier last week, where it was originally proposed by Sen. Jack Woodrum, R-Summers. Ranked choice voting is already not practiced in the state. Proponents of the bill, like Del. J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, describe it as a “proactive” effort to uphold the integrity of elections in West Virginia. “We often pass legislation in this body proactively,” Akers said on the House floor Friday. “If we see a problem somewhere else, we try to address it before it’s in West Virginia.” But opponents of the bill say banning a practice not in place has little effect. Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, argued that the bill would prohibit a practice that “promotes civility in politics,” and is already used to select committee chairs in the state legislature itself. “If you’re running against somebody [and] you think that y’all are pretty close there, you want [to be] their voters’ second choice,” Pushkin said on the House floor. “So you’re not going to attack them, because you want their folks to give you their second choice.” Despite the pushback from Democratic lawmakers, Senate Bill 490 passed the House by a vote of 87-9 on Friday. It now returns to the state’s Senate for a final review, before heading to the governor’s office for approval to become law.

Wisconsin: The Assembly Campaigns and Elections Committee voted 5-2 along party lines to recommend killing proposed standards for election observers over GOP concerns they lacked penalties for local officials who fail to follow the rules. Representatives of the state Elections Commission, which proposed the administrative rules, testified last month they don’t have the authority to propose penalties for local elections officials as part of the package and that would have to be done through legislation. State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) told the committee last week that he is working on legislation that includes the changes the commission proposed in its rules package. But his bill will add the penalties Republicans want to ensure local officials have “skin in the game” when it comes to following rules for election observers. The proposed rules, which have been in the works for more than two years, include standards such as when events at a polling site can be recorded or what observers can do when ballots are cast in a care facility.

Legal Updates

Arizona: The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled that Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) violated state law by giving the public only 15 days to comment on a draft of his elections rulebook in 2023, rather than the required 30 days. The three-judge panel’s unanimous ruling on Thursday in favor of the state GOP reversed the Maricopa County Superior Court’s dismissal of the case, and sent the case back to the county court for further proceedings. According to Votebeat, the ruling casts some doubt on which set of instructions will apply to this year’s all-mail local elections, one of which is taking place in Tucson this month, while others are in May and November. The manual contains detailed instructions for how counties must run elections, with sections on voter eligibility, polling place setup, and certifying and auditing results. Fontes’ office, which is developing a manual for next year’s elections, believes the 2023 manual is still in effect for now, and will appeal the court’s ruling, spokesperson Aaron Thacker said. The Republican Party of Arizona, which brought the lawsuit along with the Republican National Committee and the Yavapai County Republican Party, believes that the ruling invalidates the 2023 manual, and that counties must revert to the 2019 manual for this year’s local elections, state GOP Chair Gina Swoboda told Votebeat.

District of Columbia: The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral argument this week on the constitutionality of the District’s law allowing noncitizen voting in local elections. It will also determine whether a group of Washington, D.C. voters have the right to challenge the law. The law allows noncitizens who reside in D.C. for at least 30 days before the election and are at least 18 years old to vote for local offices and ballot initiatives. This gives noncitizens a voice in choosing the District’s mayor, school board members, attorney general, and more.  After efforts to overturn the law stalled in Congress, the legal arm of the anti-immigration advocacy organization Federation for American Immigration Reform filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of D.C. residents, arguing the law unconstitutionally dilutes the votes of U.S. citizens. One of the plaintiffs, Stacia Hall, was the Republican candidate for mayor in 2022.  The plaintiffs alleged that by allowing noncitizens to vote, the D.C. Board of Elections (DCBOE) “unlawfully discriminates against U.S. citizens living in D.C.” in violation of the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection clauses. They also claimed the law violates the “constitutional right of citizens to govern, and be governed by, themselves.” The DCBOE defended the law, asserting that noncitizen voting has a long history reaching back to the earliest days of the country. “Courts—including the Supreme Court—have either endorsed non-citizen voting or at least never questioned its constitutionality,” they wrote. They also argued that the plaintiffs didn’t have standing. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson dismissed the lawsuit for lack of standing because the plaintiffs failed to show how they were injured by the law.  In her opinion, Berman Jackson wrote that the plaintiffs “may object as a matter of policy to the fact that immigrants get to vote at all, but their votes will not receive less weight or be treated differently than noncitizens’ votes; they are not losing representation in any legislative body.”

Connecticut: Five Bridgeport Democratic officials made their first appearance in court on March 6 after being accused of abusing Connecticut’s absentee ballot system and other election-related crimes during the city’s 2023 mayoral primary. Campaign worker Margaret Joyce, city council members Alfredo Castillo, Maria Pereira and Jazmarie Melendez, and Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee Vice Chairwoman Wanda Geter-Pataky appeared inside a packed courtroom. Superior Court Judge Scott Jones quickly advised the five defendants of the terms of their release, including a ban on them talking to potential witnesses, and transferred the felony cases to Bridgeport Superior Court. The more than 150 charges filed against the five defendants are the result of one of the largest criminal investigations into ballot fraud and other election-related crimes in Connecticut history. State prosecutors with the Chief State’s Attorney’s office alleged in arrest warrants that Joyce, Castillo, Pereira and Geter-Pataky committed a raft of election-related crimes, including illegally taking possession of voters’ absentee ballots ahead of the September 2023 primary between Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and his Democratic challenger John Gomes.

Georgia: U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee has dismissed a lawsuit that claimed Georgia’s deadline to request an absentee ballot 11 days before Election Day broke civil rights law. The lawsuit alleged that the deadline imposed by Georgia’s 2021 election law violated a provision of the Voting Rights Act allowing voters to cast absentee ballots if they apply at least seven days ahead of time. Boulee ruled that the plaintiffs, a labor union of TV and theater workers, could not sue because voting is not part of the group’s purpose. While the ruling tossed the lawsuit, Boulee did not address whether Georgia’s election law defied federal law. “In short, plaintiff is a labor union and not a voting organization,” Boulee wrote in a 19-page decision. “It represents the interests of its members as laborers in a particular industry and not as voters in the state of Georgia.”

Maryland: U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox has ruled that a Maryland State Board of Elections regulation violated federal election law, giving a win to “election integrity” activists suing the state for unrestricted access to voter rolls and voting histories. Plaintiffs Katherine Strauch Sullivan and David Morsberger sued a handful of board members and the elections administrator because the state had rejected their request for voter lists. Sullivan runs a group called Secure the Vote Maryland that meets weekly to comb through voter files for deceased individuals, noncitizens and duplicate registrations. With the voter lists her team has obtained, they canvass neighborhoods to verify the names and addresses of registered voters. The state allows Maryland voters to access and pay for voter registration lists, but only for use in the electoral process, such as running for elective office. State agency regulations specifically say the electoral process does not include investigations into “an illegal or suspected illegal infraction or violation involving the voter’s behavior. But Maddox ruled that federal law allows voter records to be checked for their accuracy, too, and found it “impracticable to disaggregate” a search for accuracy versus inaccuracy based on federal voting laws. State election administrator Jared DeMarinis said the board restricted access to protect voters from undue harassment and intimidation.

Michigan:  All charges against a St. Clair Shores election employee and a resident related to a case of double voting were dismissed by District Court. Judge Mark Fratarcangeli. Fratarcangeli threw out the charges against temporary election worker Molly Brasure, 31, and voter Geneva Oday, 42 following a preliminary examination in 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores. Several people in the courtroom gallery, including city Clerk Abby Barrett, applauded, and Brasure and Oday smiled and embraced. as Oday wept. Oday said afterward she was “very happy.” Brasure and Oday are the third and fourth of seven defendants – four voters and three election workers – to have charges dismissed in the case brought by the state on allegations of double voting or aiding and abetting double. Three defendants, all voters, still face charges at Macomb County Circuit Court, and the state Attorney General’s Office is appealing the dismissal of the cases in two other cases by the other St. Clair Shores district judge, Joseph Oster. Fratarcangeli stated the claims against Brasure, one of three employees who worked in the Election Day call center at the August 2024 primary, may have been the result of a “mistake” that is probably made “hundreds of times” statewide in each election. “You were a victim of a situation,” the judge told Brasure. “Everyone at the call center did exactly the same thing you did. There’s no evidence you were in cahoots with anyone. “It has to be a uniform application of the law.” Barrett, who was the one who discovered the mistake, testified there were “a few errors” during the election and that “everything doesn’t go right” on an Election Day.

Montana: Pro-voting groups reached an agreement with the secretary of state and attorney general to permanently block portions of a law that criminalizes voters who are inadvertently registered to vote elsewhere.  The agreement, which was approved by a district court judge on March 10, comes after more than a year of litigation challenging provisions of House Bill 892, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) in May 2023. The bill’s backers said it was intended to block voters who register to vote in Montana from deliberately remaining registered to vote in another jurisdiction.  But the law imposed criminal penalties and fines even on people who violated the provision inadvertently. The pro-voting groups who sued to block the law — the Montana Public Interest Research Group and the Montana Federation of Public Employees — alleged that it’s overly vague in its language, which could be used to unjustly punish voters for making a mistake. The lawsuit also challenged a provision of HB 892 that requires a person who was previously registered to vote in another county or state to provide their previous registration information when they’re registering to vote. The plaintiffs alleged that this requirement could lead to voters being criminalized for simply forgetting to fill out a portion of their voter registration. Specifically, the plaintiffs argued that these parts of H.B. 892 violate the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of due process and burden the right to vote under the First and 14th Amendments. In April 2024, the law was temporarily blocked when the district court judge granted the plaintiffs a preliminary injunction. “The public maintains a strong interest in ‘exercising the fundamental political right to vote,’ the judge wrote in the order. “The ability of Montana voters to register to vote without fear of felony criminal penalties appears to substantially implicate the public’s interest in protecting the franchise.” The order was appealed by the Republican intervenors in the case — the Republican National Committee and the Montana Republican Party — to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, who upheld the district court’s ruling.  With both parties reaching an agreement, Montana won’t enforce the challenged provision of HB 892. And under the district court’s order, the state is permanently prohibited from imposing criminal penalties on anyone who forgets to cancel their registration in other counties or a different state or fails to provide their previous registration information while registering to vote. 

Pennsylvania: Lancaster County’s Board of Elections obtained a court order to approve one last polling place change for the March 25 special election in the 36th Senate District. The three board members met to finalize the swap; however, they agreed to delay a vote because the board had inadequately notified the public that individuals could publicly comment on the proposal at the hearing. Hours later, county Solicitor Jacquelyn Pfursich sought a court order from the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas to approve moving Manheim Township Seventh District’s poll from the Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster at 1450 Harrisburg Pike to Michael’s Motor Cars at 922 North Queen Street. According to Pfursich’s request, the Board of Elections could not reconvene for a vote on the new polling location in time to meet the required 20 days of notice for voters before the election date. This shift is one of ten changes county officials made to accommodate the special election. Nine others were finalized two weeks ago. Pfursich’s request also states there were no members of the public present for the hearing to oppose the change, and only one individual was present to support it.

Washington: The state Supreme Court has ruled that Washington’s ballot signature verification system is constitutional despite a challenge arguing the process has disenfranchised tens of thousands of voters in the past decade. In a unanimous ruling, the justices determined steps taken in recent years have improved the system to help voters fix, or “cure,” signature problems on their ballots. Signature verification is a central piece of Washington’s vote-by-mail elections. “All too many ballots are not counted because election workers cannot verify the voter’s signatures and the voter does not or cannot cure their ballot in time,” Justice Steven Gonzalez acknowledged in the opinion.  “But signature verification is only a part of the election system established by our legislature,” Gonzalez continued.  He notes, for example, direction to local election workers to go further in trying to reach voters whose ballots may not be counted and an expansion of the ways voters can cure their ballots.  In the opinion, the justices still leave the door open to challenges in specific instances where election workers rejected ballots. “We are pleased with the court’s ruling, which affirms our commitment to secure, accessible, and transparent elections in Washington,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “Signature verification has been a fundamental part of our state’s vote-by-mail system for decades, helping to protect against fraud while ensuring that every eligible voter’s ballot is counted.” A trio of civic-minded organizations  — Vet Voice Foundation, The Washington Bus and El Centro de la Raza — and four individual plaintiffs filed the lawsuit against Hobbs and King County election staff in 2022 over the signature verification process. They alleged the system disenfranchised voters while doing little to further secure elections. After a King County judge denied summary judgment motions from both sides, the Supreme Court took up the case.

Wisconsin: The progressive voting rights-focused firm Law Forward filed a class action lawsuit against the city of Madison and Dane County over the 193 absentee ballots that city election workers lost and didn’t count during the 2024 election.  The ballots were found in sealed courier bags after the Nov. 5 election and not counted even though the bags were discovered for the ballots to be added to the final vote tally. Law Forward staff said the lawsuit was filed because voters were denied their constitutional right to vote.  “The goal of this lawsuit is to reinforce and strengthen the right to vote in Wisconsin law, the right to vote is absolutely fundamental in our democracy, the cornerstone of our entire system of governance,” Jeff Mandell, Law Forward’s general counsel, said at a news conference Thursday. “Law Forward exists to defend and advance democracy in Wisconsin, standing up for the right to vote, whenever and wherever it may be violated, is a key part of Law Forward’s mission. This lawsuit is not an attack on any individual municipality or election official. It is instead a necessary and important defense of the right to vote in Wisconsin.” Law Forward is representing four of the voters whose ballots went uncounted, but Mandell said the remaining 189 voters would have the ability to join the lawsuit if a judge allows the class action to move forward. The suit requests that damages totalling $175,000 be paid to each affected voter — which exceeds the $50,000 limit under state law for claims against municipalities.  If all 193 voters participate and receive the full requested amount of damages, the city would be forced to pay more than $33.7 million for the error.

The 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled this week that disabled people are not allowed to receive absentee ballots by email, overturning a lower court’s ruling less than three weeks before the April 1 election. The initial ruling made in 2024 by a Dane County Circuit Court judge allowing for the ballots to be emailed was appealed by the Republican-controlled state Legislature. The appeals court in August put the ruling on hold and no ballots were emailed ahead of the November presidential election. The ruling means disabled voters will not be able to receive absentee ballots by email for the April 1 election, either. Voters are choosing a new Wisconsin Supreme Court justice who will determine majority control of the court, and voters are electing the state’s top education official. Early voting begins next week. Disability Rights Wisconsin, the League of Women Voters and four disabled voters brought the lawsuit a year ago. They argued that not having the email absentee voting option violated their right to independence and privacy while voting. Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell ruled in June that disabled people should be allowed to have absentee ballots emailed to them. But the appeals court overturned that ruling, saying Wednesday that the lower court was wrong to issue a temporary injunction that would have changed and “significantly disrupted the status quo.” The status quo in Wisconsin allows for absentee ballots to be emailed only to military and overseas voters, “no one else,” appeals court judges Mark Gundrum, Shelley Grogan and Maria Lazar wrote.

Opinions This Week

National Opinions: Voting Rights Act | Bloody Sunday | Artificial Intelligence | SAVE Act, II | Voter confidence | Post-election challenges | Voting rights, II | Democracy

Arizona: SAVE Act | Election results 

Connecticut: Ranked choice voting | Voter participation   

New York: Voting equipment 

Pennsylvania: Election reform 

Texas: Countywide voting

Utah: SAVE Act 

Upcoming Events

Combating False Election Information Lessons from 2024 and a Look to the Future: 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. This session will feature speakers: Alice Marwick, Director of Research, Data & Society, UNC Chapel Hill, Kate Starbird, University of Washington, and Joshua Tucker, NYU and moderator Richard L. Hasen, (Director, Safeguarding Democracy Project, UCLA). When: March 31 3:15pm Eastern. Where: Online.

Partisan Primaries, Polarization, and the Risks of Extremism: 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. This session will feature speakers: Julia Azari, Marquette University, Ned Foley, The University of Ohio, Moritz College of Law, Seth Masket, Denver University, and Rick Pildes, NYU Law School and moderator Richard L. Hasen, (Director, Safeguarding Democracy Project, UCLA). When: April 10, 3:15pm Eastern. Where: Online

Election Center April Special Workshop: The Election Center April Special Workshop will be held in Pittsburgh. The conference will run April 23-25 and CERA courses will be offered April 26 and 27. The CERA courses offered will be: Course 9 (History III, 1965 to present); Course 10 (Constitutional Law of Elections); and Renewal Course 38 (Leadership in Election Administration). When: April 23-27. Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Election Center Annual Conference: The Election Center Annual Conference will be held in Salt Lake City. The conference will run August 20-22 and CERA courses will be offered August 23 and 24. The CERA courses offered will be: Course 5 (Ethics); Course 6 (Communications & Public Relations); and Two renewal courses to be announced. When: August 20 to 24. Where: Salt Lake City.

Job Postings This Week

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

Administrative Law Specialist, Michigan Dept. of State– This position serves as a Litigation and Enforcement Specialist in the Regulatory Litigation & Enforcement Section conducting preliminary investigations of enforcement and compliance actions brought by the Bureau of Elections under the Michigan Election Law, Michigan Campaign Finance Act, Michigan Lobby Registration Act, Michigan Law on Notarial Acts, and other issues involving the Bureau of Elections. The incumbent will be responsible for reviewing cases to determine validity of potential compliance and enforcement actions and conducting investigations, where appropriate. This position will also coordinate with the Department of Attorney General to provide assistance with litigation matters brought against the Bureau of Elections, Director of Elections, Board of State Canvassers, or other legal matters involving the Bureau of Elections. Salary: $2,604.00 – $4,900.80 Biweekly. Deadline: March 20. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Candidate Services Coordinator, Seminole County, Florida – The Candidate Services Coordinator is a key member of the Supervisor of Elections Office, responsible for ensuring smooth administrative operations with a focus on candidate services and assists with accounting functions and payroll processing. This position requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively handle multiple responsibilities while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This position is responsible for managing the candidate qualifying process, serving as primary point of contact for candidates, maintaining accurate records related to candidate filings, financial disclosures, and other required documentation, and coordinating candidate workshops and providing training on election procedures and campaign finance rules. Salary: $36,000 – $46,000 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

County Clerk, Lane County, Oregon– Lane County is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as County Clerk and Election & Recording Principal Manager, overseeing critical functions that uphold the integrity of our democratic processes and public records. This pivotal role leads a dedicated team committed to excellence, accuracy, and service to our community. As County Clerk, you will: Plan, organize, and conduct all federal, state, and local elections; Oversee voter registration, property tax appeals, and permanent real property records; Manage marriage licensing, domestic partnership registrations, and archived records; Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws governing elections and records; Lead a team of 14 full-time employees, ensuring exceptional service and operational efficiency; and Prepare and analyze data, manage budgets, and oversee technology solutions that support Clerk operations. This is a fast-paced, high-impact role where you’ll serve as Lane County’s Clerk and Election & Recording Principal Manager, working under the direction of the Director of Operations to deliver services that affect all residents. Why Lane County? Lane County, the fourth most populous county in Oregon, offers a rich and diverse landscape stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains. Our county seat, Eugene, is a vibrant community with ample opportunities for living, working, and recreation. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package and the chance to make a meaningful impact in public service. Salary: $90,625.60 – $133,286.40 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Customer Support Consultant, Hart InterCivic– A Customer Support Center Consultant Level 1 (CSC 1) responds to requests for assistance from Hart InterCivic customers for all Hart InterCivic products. The CSC I’s primary responsibilities are to: Answer, resolve and route customer queries; Maintain professionalism and “customer first” approach in stressful situations; Acquire, demonstrate, and maintain depth of knowledge with all Hart products and product documentation to best support Hart customers; Acquire and maintain functional support-level knowledge of unique customer requirements and their implementation in Hart products; Provide data tracking, reporting, and analytics for CSC projects; Manage and maintain the security of Hart’s assets and customer information; and Serve as a backup/overflow resource Technical Services Workstation deployment and RMA management. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Deputy Director (Democrat), Jackson County, Ohio– To serve as Deputy Director of the Jackson County Board of Elections, in the administration of fair, honest, and accurate elections. The Deputy Director works directly with the Director and is responsible for supervising, directing, and conducting all elections held throughout Jackson County: oversees all operations involved in the election process in accordance with Title 35 of the Ohio Revised Code; and shall be responsible for the following as outlined in Secretary of State Directive 2022-06. Salary: $48,000-$51,000. Deadline: March 28. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Deputy Elections Administrator, Collin County, Texas– Collin County is seeking candidates for the position of Deputy Elections Administrator. This position manages and supervises the department by handling the election process and election personnel, assisting with administrative and clerical support, preparing contracts and cost records, assisting in hiring and firing decisions and requisition approval. Related duties include submitting actual cost records for payment, tabulating and reporting votes, supervising early voting coordinators, voter registration coordinators, and other clerical personnel, and acting as the state funds management liaison. Performs related duties as required. Work is performed under the direction of the Elections Administrator. Candidates must possess a broad knowledge, normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree. At least two years of related experience are required. Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License and have the ability to read election codes and documents. Starting Salary: $86,701. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Director of Election Administration, Philadelphia– The Director of Election Administration is responsible for managing, directing, and supervising, through subordinate managers and/or supervisors, the activities of administrative staff (excluding the Commissioners and their individual offices’ staffs) to meet deadlines, procure goods and services, communicate with the public, equitably manage the Office of the City Commissioners’ workforce development, and hold elections in accordance with federal and state election laws. The Director of Election Administration proactively communicates pertinent information, decision points, and any potential issues with the Deputy Commissioners and the Director of Election Operations, making all decisions in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. The position of Director of Election Administration is in the Administration Program in the Operations Management Responsibility Center, and oversees several departments: Budget, Communications, Human Resources, Information Technology, Safety and Security, and Voter Access and Engagement. The Director of Election Administration reports to and is supervised by the City Commissioners. Salary Range: $150,000-$165,000. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Election Specialist, Candidate Services, Palm Beach County, Florida– This position is responsible for the management and execution of services provided to candidates, political committees, electioneering communication organizations, political parties, community development districts, and special taxing districts. This includes establishing and maintaining an organized system for managing the required forms and records associated with filing and qualifying for office, candidate petitions, campaign finance reporting, financial disclosures, initiative petitions, and other related activities. Candidate Services staff must be organized and personable with a great attitude, be able to work well in a team environment, and meet deadlines under pressure. Excellent work ethic, including consistent performance, integrity, reliability, and attendance, is a must. Must be detail-oriented, be able to handle simultaneous projects, and be a self-starter. Salary: $21.63 – $24.04. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Elections GIS Analyst, Arapahoe County, Colorado–The Election GIS Analyst performs highly technical professional level work carrying out a comprehensive public facing service operation. This position specifically supports the Community Services team in performing computer applications and/or database design, development, service implementation for Division users utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, ArcGIS and overall maintenance of the entire SCORE address library. Salary: $74,877.40 – $119,610.14 Annually. Deadline: March 21. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Elections Specialist, Pinal County, Arizona– Perform a variety of paraprofessional and technical functions in the administration and support of the elections functions for Pinal County under general supervision. Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description. Salary: $42,000 – $59,117 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Harris Regional Services Technician, Hart InterCivic – A Harris Regional Services Technician responds to all customer requests ranging from training requests to phone support requests, to onsite repair of voting equipment requests. This individual is one of the local customer support routes. The position requires residency in Harris County, Texas. The Regional Service Technician handles all Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests for external customers for all Hart InterCivic Verity products within his/her region and provides on-site customer support and troubleshooting on an as-needed basis. This position will adhere to the Proprietary Information and Intellectual Property Agreement as it defines and communicates this position’s responsibilities to protect the Company’s information and information security. This responsibility extends outside the organization’s premises and outside normal working hours, e.g., in the case of work-from-home. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Information Technology Manager, Sarasota County, Florida– The Information Technology (IT) manager plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing the technological infrastructure essential for conducting secure, efficient and accurate elections. The IT manager is responsible for the general management of the IT department staff and engages in technical, administrative and supervisory work, including interaction with directors, other managers and departments, vendors and county and state agencies. The manager must maintain knowledge of all IT and technical systems used to support the operations of the elections office. Salary Range: $67,912 – $115,460. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

IT Assistant Manager, Palm Beach County, Florida– The Assistant IT Manager plays a supportive role in the smooth operation of the IT department, ensuring that both the technical infrastructure and the team are aligned with the organization’s goals. This position involves collaborating closely with the Election Technology Director to oversee the implementation of technology solutions that meet the needs of the organization. The Assistant IT Manager helps maintain an efficient and effective IT environment. Oversee daily operations of the IT department, including help desk operations and performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring efficient workflow. Hold department meetings and provide weekly performance summary. Manage IT projects under the direction of the Election Technology Director, ensuring timely completion, budget requirements, and organizational needs. Enforce IT policies and procedures to ensure data security, network access, and system availability. Assist in the management of IT staff by developing skills, coaching, and communicating job expectations. Coordinate vendor renewals, assist with IT budget development, and manage grant applications. Evaluate and assist in maintaining the organization’s disaster recovery and business continuity plans for IT. Assist with IT Public Records requests research and fulfillment. Assist the Election Technology Director in all facets of IT operations. Lead projects and mentor team members. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Language Access & Outreach Coordinator, King County, Washington–This is an amazing opportunity to be engaged in the election process!  The Department of Elections is searching for energetic and resourceful professionals who like to “get stuff done”. The Language Access and Outreach Coordinator position in the Elections Department combines an exciting, fast paced environment with the opportunity to cultivate talents and apply a variety of skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, innovative, and fast-paced environment and will not hesitate to roll up both sleeves, work hard, have fun, and get the job done. The Language Services and Community Engagement Team at King County Elections provides language access work for the whole Elections Department, translating election materials into six languages (Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese). In addition, the Team works collaboratively across Department and with community to identify and remove barriers to voting. These communities include those who are disabled, experiencing houselessness, immigrants, youth, and those with limited mobility. This team is recruiting a Language Access and Outreach Coordinator who will support the program for the Chinese language. This position provides bilingual assistance, translation, and community outreach support. This individual must be able to read, write, understand, and speak Chinese at the language proficiency testing level used by the Department. In addition, as part of the community engagement program, this individual will participate in voter registration and voter education activities with community partners and provide support to our Voter Education Fund partners. This position will provide language access assistance to our communications team and administrative support to other election work groups as needed. Salary: $38.37 – $48.64 Hourly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Manager, Professional Services, HartIntercivic– Project Managers at Hart InterCivic are highly motivated “self-starters” who are enthusiastic about providing exceptional customer service.  Working with other members of the Professional Services and Operations teams, the Project Manager directs activity, solves problems, and develops lasting and strong relationships with our customers.  Hart InterCivic’s unique and industry-known culture of innovation, transparency, and customer-centric focus creates an environment where team members will continually grow and be challenged to develop their careers. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Online Voting System Product Owner, Free Democracy Foundation – The Free Democracy Foundation seeks to increase trust in democracy by supporting new, innovative ways to help all eligible voters access a ballot safely and know their vote counts. Free Democracy is furthering this mission by: Supporting technology solutions to make voting more convenient, accessible and verifiable, including by supporting the development of an open source cryptographic protocol to facilitate end-to-end verifiable mobile voting; Making the technology solutions available, including by providing the enabling technology to third-party vendors to develop, market, and implement for use in public elections; and Educating democratic stakeholders to be informed users of end-to-end verifiable internet voting technology. About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and innovative Online Voting System Product Owner to work with independent vendors to design and develop accessible, usable, and scalable online voting solutions using the open source cryptographic protocol we are currently developing. As the Product Owner under contract, you will play a pivotal role in bringing systems to market to facilitate secure, end-to-end verifiable mobile voting that makes voting more accessible, transparent, and verifiable. As a key public-facing technical leader, you will work alongside the CEO and Board to champion our technology through clear communication, technical expertise, and thoughtful engagement with the election technology community. Your role combines product and technical leadership with public advocacy, helping to drive adoption and acceptance of secure mobile voting solutions through both technical excellence and effective stakeholder engagement. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Physical Security Specialist, Palm Beach County, Florida– This position is responsible for administration of the physical security programs in a manner consistent with Supervisor of Elections Office policies, procedures, quality standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. These programs include conducting facility security risk assessments, assisting with access control, monitoring alarms and CCTV systems, and providing security related training. Must be organized and personable with a great attitude, be able to work well in a team environment, and meet deadlines under pressure. Excellent work ethic, including consistent performance, integrity, reliability, and attendance, is a must. Candidate must be detail-oriented and understand the importance of security and safety for all. Must be available 24/7 365, be able to handle simultaneous projects, and be a self-starter. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here.

Precinct Logistics Technician, Bartow County, Georgia– This position performs technical, clerical, and logistical duties relating to voter registration, the selection and preparation of various polling places, as well as the deployment and return of the equipment and supplies to those polling places. Completes and maintains electrical power and ADA compliance diagrams for all current polling places; assesses and diagrams all potential new polling places for the same criteria. Alerts polling places to upcoming elections and otherwise schedules facilities as required. Coordinates voting system deployment and instructs temporary employees on correct deployment procedures. Oversees and maintains supplies for all polling places; instructs temporary employees on correct procedures. Organizes the return and storage of ballots and supplies from polling places on election night; instructs temporary employees on correct procedures. Assists with the coordination of all election audits as required by Georgia law. Registers voters and updates current voter information. Processes and certifies absentee ballots. Scans, indexes, and files registration cards, campaign reports, voter applications and related documents. Sorts and processes mail. Assists the general public, candidates, board members, poll workers, vendors and the media with questions and concerns. Performs related duties as assigned. Salary: $36,608-$39,624 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Regional Sales Representative II, Soch– Soch is a pioneer in solving the public sector’s most critical business challenges by digitizing and automating complex processes. We offer a suite of products that address election management, FOIA management, candidate filing, campaign finance and other critical business challenges in the government sector. We are looking for an election sales professional with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the election domain. Someone who is passionate about democracy and has a desire to help local election administrators run successful elections. Your primary focus will be on developing customer relations, and completing sales of Soch’s products. This includes but is not limited to election management solution for poll workers, inventory, election security, incident report, chain of custody, public records and other important aspects of election management to conduct fair, safe and secure elections. You will be responsible for managing opportunities and relationships with customers in a specified assigned territory/state(s). Leveraging your established connections and local election knowledge will contribute significantly to your growth in this position. Email, cold calling, outreach via LinkedIn and other networking channels to expand customer base. Strong communication skills needed to promote/demonstrate products and services offered by Soch. Travel to conferences and local/state election offices as needed for the facilitation of sales. You must be a quick learner to learn the products and services offered by Soch. You will be responsible for meeting sales targets and generating revenue, contributing to the overall goals and plans developed by the management team. Maintain a deep understanding of customer needs and monitor their preferences to ensure relevant sales strategies. Salary: $114,000 – $121,800 per year plus commission. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Regional Sales Representative III, Soch– Soch is a pioneer in solving the public sector’s most critical business challenges by digitizing and automating complex processes. We offer a suite of products that address election management, FOIA management, system provisioning and other critical business challenges in the government sector. We are looking for an election sales professional with a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in the election domain. Someone who is passionate about democracy and has a desire to help local election administrators run successful elections. Your primary focus will be on developing customer relations, and completing sales of Soch’s products. This includes but is not limited to election management solution for poll workers, inventory, election security, incident report, chain of custody, public records and other important aspects of election management to conduct fair, safe and secure elections. You will be responsible for managing opportunities and relationships with customers in a specified assigned territory/state(s). Leveraging your established connections and local election knowledge will contribute significantly to your growth in this position. Email, cold calling, outreach via LinkedIn and other networking channels to expand customer base. Strong communication skills needed to promote/demonstrate products and services offered by Soch. Travel to conferences and local/state election offices as needed for the facilitation of sales. You must be a quick learner to learn the products and services offered by Soch. You will be responsible for meeting sales targets and generating revenue, contributing to the overall goals and plans developed by the management team. Maintain a deep understanding of customer needs and monitor their preferences to ensure relevant sales strategies. Salary: $67,000 – $72,500 per year plus commission. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Registrar of Voters, Marin County, California– The County of Marin, California is seeking an experienced Registrar of Voters (Registrar) to lead the Elections Department and administer local, statewide, and national elections within the County. The Registrar will uphold federal and state laws to protect voting rights and maintain election integrity and smooth operations. This strategic professional will have the opportunity to lead a cohesive and high-performing team of 11 and oversee voter registration and outreach, candidate services, vote centers, and ballot creation and distribution. They will also manage the Department’s roughly $4 million budget, anticipate and plan for the Department’s future needs, build highly collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and maintain transparent communication with the public through frequent media engagement. Priorities include succession planning, continuous improvement of election technologies and cybersecurity, and cross-departmental collaboration. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth understanding of California’s election laws, experience managing departmental budgets and grant funding, and a consultative leadership style that emphasizes trust and empowerment in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The successful candidate will enjoy the scenic beauty of Marin County while benefiting from a supportive, inclusive work environment and an engaged constituency. Empower voters, and uphold election integrity and transparency; apply today! Salary: $182,873 — $201,593. Deadline: April 2. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Registration Technician, Bartow County, Georgia– This position performs technical and clerical duties relating to the research, processing, and auditing of voter registration records, and related geographic data. Registers voters and updates current voter’s information. Assists with and otherwise troubleshoots issues with applications for voter registration and related documents. Utilizes GIS software to assist with maintenance of district lines, precinct lines, and polling place locations. Maintains and updates addresses in the statewide voter registration system’s address library. Processes and certifies absentee ballots. Assists the general public, candidates, board members, poll workers, vendors, and the media with questions and concerns. Answers telephone and greets visitors; provides information and assistance; refers to appropriate personnel. Scans, indexes, and files registration cards, campaign reports, voter applications, and related documents. Assists and coordinates audits of voter registration and credit for voting in the statewide voter registration system. Sorts and processes mail. Performs related duties as assigned. Salary: $36,608-$39,624 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Risk & Compliance Manager, Illinois State Board of Elections– Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) the Risk & Compliance Manager is responsible for: Assessing organizational risks, ensuring the agency’s alignment to information security standards, collaborating with agency stakeholders to develop a risk management framework, performing gap analysis and recommending compensating technical and/or administrative controls, leading and managing information security compliance initiatives, maintaining policies, standards, procedures, and controls documentation, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, managing third-party risk, and overseeing the agency’s security awareness initiatives. Salary: $7,500-$10,000 per month. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Sales & Marketing Specialist, Soch– Soch is a pioneer in solving the public sector’s most critical business challenges by digitizing and automating complex processes. We offer a suite of products that address election management, FOIA management, system provisioning and other critical business challenges in the government sector. We are looking for a sales and marketing professional with a minimum of 3 years of experience. Someone who is passionate about democracy and has a desire to help local election administrators run successful elections. Sales: Your primary focus will be on developing customer relations, and completing sales of Soch’s products. This includes but is not limited to election management solution for poll workers, inventory, election security, incident report, chain of custody, public records and other important aspects of election management to conduct fair, safe and secure elections.vYou will be responsible for managing opportunities and relationships with customers in a specified assigned territory/state(s).vEmail, cold calling, outreach via LinkedIn and other networking channels to expand customer base.vStrong communication skills needed to promote/demonstrate products and services offered by Soch.vTravel to conferences and local/state election offices as needed for the facilitation of sales. Marketing: You will be primarily responsible for graphic design, social media, email campaigns, conferences and creating content as needed for the outreach. Create and post content on social media via content scheduler Expert in implementing marketing strategies and techniques to increase sales activity and revenue. Salary: $45,200 – $51,400 Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Senior Elections Supervisor, Placer County, California– The Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office has a current vacancy for a Senior Elections Supervisor. The Office is looking for someone with experience in the development, supervision, and administration of elections programs. The ideal candidate will have supervised in an elections office or similar agency that emphasizes cooperation, accountability and transparency and has the ability to communicate effectively with management, staff, other county departments, jurisdictions and the voters of Placer County. To learn more about the Elections Division of the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office please click here. In addition to the minimum education and experience, the ideal candidate will possess experience and vision in the following areas: State and federal election laws; Voting systems; General operating policies and functions of the California Secretary of State’s Office; Best practices and current trends in successful election administration, community education and outreach programs; Principles and techniques of effective employee supervision and development, training, management practices and public administration. Salary: $69,056.00 – $86,195.20/year. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Senior Programs Officer, Elections, Election Trust Initiative– The senior program officer is part of a small project team that works to advance evidence-based and nonpartisan solutions that improve the accessibility, integrity, and trustworthiness of the U.S. election administration system. This position will work with the team and our partners to develop and oversee strategies to strengthen the field of election administration, identify and vet grantees, provide business planning and capacity building support to key organizations in the field, develop metrics to assess and monitor the portfolio’s progress in attaining its objectives, and coordinate strategies with allied philanthropic partners also investing in the elections sector. This work will involve building relationships with elections officials, researchers, policymakers, non-profit organizations, donors, and other key stakeholders. The position is based in Washington, D.C. and will participate in core office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will have flexibility to work from home for the remainder of each week. The position has a fixed time frame that may be extended based on the success of the program, funding sources and board and decisions on continued support. The position will report to the executive director of the Election Trust Initiative. Salary: $156K-$174K. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Voter Services Clerk, Seminole County, Florida – The Voter Services Clerk serves as the primary customer service representative for the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office. This position is responsible for the accurate maintenance and entry of voter registration information, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of voter data, and providing essential assistance to voters, including answering inquiries and processing voter-related documents. The Clerk will also be involved in various clerical and administrative tasks associated with voter services, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal election laws. Responsibilities include processing new voter registrations, updates or changes to existing registrations, vote-by-mail ballot requests, and returns, as well as petition verifications and other voter record-related tasks, providing accurate voter registration and election information to the public in person, by phone, or via mail, in accordance with Florida state laws, regulations, and procedures, conducting research to resolve issues related to voter registration records, utilizing sources both within the voter database and external government websites or online resources, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of voter registration records by verifying information, validating signatures on candidate and initiative petitions, maintaining and update street maintenance files to ensure an up-to-date and accurate residential address database for Seminole County. Salary: $17 – $22 Hourly. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Voter Services Supervisor, King County, Washington– The Department of Elections is searching for energetic and resourceful professionals who like to “get stuff done”. The Voter Services Supervisor position in the Elections Department combines an exciting, fast paced environment with the opportunity to cultivate talents and apply a variety of skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in an innovative and fast-paced environment and will not hesitate to roll up both sleeves, work hard, have fun, and get the job done. This position reports to the Voter Services Manager and provides support for the Voter Services program. The person who fills this role will oversee the check-in process for building visitors, processing incoming mail, in-person customer service, signature verification for petitions, voting centers, and voter registration maintenance and support for paper registrations, online voter registrations, and registrations received through the Department of Licensing. Salary: $40.24 – $51.00 Hourly. Deadline: March 20. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

Voting Systems Technician, Bernalillo County, New Mexico– Under general supervision, is responsible for certifying, calibrating, and maintaining the County voting machines (ICE) and (ICC) scanners; maintains the Bureau of Elections (BOE) warehouse, including exterior of building, all equipment and supplies; and assists BOE staff during all election cycles. Salary: $34,715.20 – $39,936.00 Annually. Application: For the complete job listing and to apply, click here. 

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