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STUDENT STORIES
Our CERA and CERV graduates approach election administration and voter registration from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Take a look as our students share their own story and experiences in our professional certification program.
CONFERENCE & EVENTS
NEWS
Special Workshop Virtual Event
The in person Special Workshop scheduled to be held in Pasadena, CA, February 25-26, 2021, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. This event will now be held virtually over the same dates February 25-26, 2021.
Conference Begins
Draft Agenda
Coming Soon!
Professional Education Program
The Election Center's Professional Education Program is a course of study designed to instill the highest level of professional knowledge and expert skill in election administration and voter registration management practices. Our professional educators and specialist have been paired with skilled, seasoned elections and registration practitioners so that the course work offered during our Professional Education Program conferences are related directly to your professional needs. Our continuing education program is designed and organized to have more substance and information directly related to your profession, than other groups and associations.
Remote CERA & CERV Classes
The in person CERA/CERV classes that were going to be held at the in person Special Workshop will now be offered remotely (see classes with dates and times below).
New Developments in State and Federal Election Law renewal class
This is a renewal class and is only available to current graduates.
19.
First Zoom Session
Thursday February 18, 2021
Eastern Time:
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Individual and Group Project Work
February 18 - March 3, 2021
Second Zoom Session
Thursday March 4, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
Mountain Time:
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Facilitating Voter Participation
7.
First Zoom Session
Friday February 19, 2021
Eastern Time:
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Individual and Group Project Work
February 19 - March 4, 2021
Second Zoom Session
Friday March 5, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
Mountain Time:
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Implementation of New Programs In Voter Registration & Election Administration
8.
First Zoom Session
Friday February 19, 2021
Eastern Time:
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Individual and Group Project Work
February 19 - March 4, 2021
Second Zoom Session
Thursday March 5, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
Mountain Time:
Pacific Time:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Note: some of the courses listed above can be applied toward your certification as a Certified Elections Registration Administrator, a Certified Elections Registration Vendor and some can be applied by our graduates toward your renewal certification of the same. Anyone participating in these courses is eligible to receive CEUs (continuing education units) from the Auburn University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program through the Department of Political Science.
Online CERA & CERV Session
Conference Begins
Registration deadline date, Monday, February 8, 2021
Remote CERA & CERV Class
We are offering remote courses beginning in February and each month thereafter through October 2021 separate from those remote courses being offered when we cancel an event.
History of Elections II: 1789-1965
12.
First Zoom Session
Thursday Feb 18, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
Mountain Time:
Pacific Time:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Individual and Group Project Work
February 18 - March 4 2021
Second Zoom Session
Thursday March 4, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
12. History of Elections II: 1789-1965
Course Description
This course covers the history of elections and voter registration from the constitution until the Civil Rights era. Understanding developments of the past which have led to the present can help elections and registration professionals interpret both the intent and the influence of laws and procedures on voter registration. By understanding the reasons for the decisions which impacted both voter registration and elections administration, we can more clearly understand why we administer the process the way we do in the present. It also provides a better basis for anticipating changes for the future and can help to predict the outcome of changes to the system as they are proposed.
Note: The course listed above can be applied toward your certification as a Certified Elections Registration Administrator, a Certified Elections Registration Vendor. Anyone participating in this course is eligible to receive CEUs (continuing education units) from the Auburn University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program through the Department of Political Science.
CERA Graduates in the News
Tulsa Mayor recognizes David Boddie
CERA certification
David T. Boddie, Elections Official for Tulsa County Election Board in Oklahoma received his Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA) from the Election Center this past summer and was recently recognized for that achievement by G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa Oklahoma, commemorating his completion of the certification program and achievement as a CERA graduate. Congratulations to David for this esteemed recognition.
In commemoration of David's accomplishment, the certificate presented from Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum
Election Workers Conflict Resolution Checklist helps election workers identify examples of typical problems and situations election workers encounter when helping voters. The checklist provides examples and strategies for a vast range of problems, from disruptive and agitated behavior to common question voters have. We thank Chris Moore, CERA graduate and Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Leon County FL for developing the checklist and making it available to the entire election community. Download your copy today!
Cyber Essentials Toolkit
Chapter 5 : Your Data, What The Business is Built On
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Cyber Essentials Toolkit Chapter 5 : Your Data, What The Business is Built On
Download this toolkit from our Election Security Infrastructure area. This chapter focuses on providing leaders with an understanding of what it takes to ensure their organization’s data is secure and recoverable. Topic areas include: learning what information resides on the organization’s network; learning what is happing on the network; domain name system protection; learning how the organization’s data is protected; leveraging malware protection capabilities; establishing regular automated backups and redundancies of key systems; and leveraging protections for backups. Members login for these valuable resources.
October 15, 2020
Assisting Sick, Exposed, Symptomatic, And Quarantined Voters
October 20, 2020
Download another Joint EIS COVID-19 Working Group Guidance Resources: CISA published the Assisting Sick, Exposed, Symptomatic, and Quarantined Voters guidance which provides measures for election officials to consider to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the November elections. This document complements previous voluntary guidance on in-person voting offered by the Election Infrastructure Subsector’s Government Coordinating Council (GCC) and Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) Joint COVID-19 Working Group. Members login for this valuable resources.
1. Assisting Sick, Exposed, Symptomatic, And Quarantined Voters
We would like to congratulate Hays County, CERA graduate Jennifer Anderson and the following CERA graduates for their distinction and recognition in serving voters with disabilities in Texas; Travis County CERA graduates, Dana DeBeauvoir, Dan Roman, Monica Johns, Amanda Katzer, Bruce Elfant, Tiffany Seward, Thomas Miller and LeeAnn Castillo. From Cameron County, CERA graduate Remi Garza and from McLennen County, CERA graduate Kathy VanWolfe.
Elections Website Ranks High On Disability Access Scale
Originally Published on Corridor News Website September 24, 2020
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County’s Elections Office was recently recognized for its website, both from the local League of Women Voters and Disability Rights Texas (DRTx).
The site ranked fifth out of all 254 Texas counties in terms of ensuring full participation in all aspects of the voting process for people with disabilities.
DRTx, under the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) Program, evaluated all Texas county websites between January 2019 and January 2020. Reviewers included persons with disabilities.
Anderson invited Molly Broadway, HAVA Training and Technical Support Specialist with Disability Rights Texas, to assess the county’s Vote Centers during the application process to ensure the polling locations met Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Their findings show that Hays County scored in the top five list of county websites based on the following criteria:
- If there is specific elections department information for each county,
- If that information was accessible (via screen reader), and
- If disability-specific information was provided.
Hays scored 87 percent on the assessment. The other counties in the top five were Cameron (92%), Travis (92%), Gray (89%) and McLennan (89%).
For the second consecutive year, the League of Women Voters recognized Hays County with an award for providing accurate, accessible, and useful voter information on a safe and secure election website.
The site received a rating of Outstanding for the 2020 Texas primary election website review.
“Our office is grateful to both the League of Women Voters and Disability Rights Texas for recognizing our website for being both inclusive and accurate,” Elections Administrator Jennifer Anderson said. “Every member of our staff is committed to ensuring all voters in Hays County have an equal opportunity to participate in the voting process.”
Online CERA & CERV Session
Conference Begins
Registration deadline date, Friday, February 26, 2021
Remote CERA & CERV Class
We are offering remote courses beginning in February and each month thereafter through October 2021 separate from those remote courses being offered when we cancel an event.
History of Elections III: 1965-present
9.
First Zoom Session
Friday March 12, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
Mountain Time:
Pacific Time:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
Individual and Group Project Work
March 12 - March 26, 2021
Second Zoom Session
Friday March 26, 2021
Eastern Time:
Central Time:
Mountain Time:
Pacific Time:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
11:00am - 1:00pm
10:00am - 12:00pm
9:00am - 11:00am
9. History of Elections III: 1965-present
Course Description
Beginning with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 we will explore modern federal election law including the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA), National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and the Military and Overseas Voting Empowerment Act (MOVE). This course will focus on how these federal laws impact your election processes and how they affect the voters and their ability to access and participate in the voting process.
Note: The course listed above can be applied toward your certification as a Certified Elections Registration Administrator, a Certified Elections Registration Vendor. Anyone participating in this course is eligible to receive CEUs (continuing education units) from the Auburn University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program through the Department of Political Science.
Election Center Special Workshop
April 21-25, 2021
Houston, TX
Hilton Houston Post Oak
by the Galleria
2001 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
CERA Classes
9.
Modern Federal Election Law & Regulations: 1965 To Present
10.
Constitutions, Courts, And Cases To 1965
34.
Risk Management Policy and Practice renewal class
This is a renewal class and is only available to current graduates.
PEP Special Session
May 10-15, 2021
Auburn, AL
THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY
AND DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER
241 South College Street
Auburn, Alabama 36830
CERA Classes
5.
Ethics in Election and Voter Registration Administration
6.
Communications In Election & Voter Registration Administration
11.
History I – Ancients to 1781
12.
History II – 1781 to Modern Era
PEP Summer Session
July 10-17, 2021
Denver, CO
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver Tech Center
7801 East Orchard Rd
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
CERA Classes
1.
Introduction to Election and Voter Registration Systems Administration
2.
Management and Leadership Concepts in Election and Voter Registration Administration
3.
Planning & Budgeting for Elections & Voter Registration
4.
Election Information Access & Security
5.
Ethics in Election and Voter Registration Administration
Election Center 36th Annual National Conference
August 21-25, 2021
Scottsdale, AZ
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
CERA Classes August 21-22, 2021
11.
History I – Ancients to 1781
12.
History II – 1781 to Modern Era
35.
Strategies for Intergovernmental Collaboration and Cooperation renewal class
This is a renewal class and is only available to current graduates.
36.
Public Procurement Policy and Practice renewal class
This is a renewal class and is only available to current graduates.
Election Risk Profile Tool
Original release date: August 31, 2020
Last revised: September 02, 2020
The Election Risk Profile Tool, developed through CISA’s National Risk Management Center (NRMC) and released in partnership with the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), can be accessed with the link below.
The Election Risk Profile Tool:
- Is a user-friendly assessment tool for state and local election officials to develop a high-level risk profile across a jurisdiction’s specific infrastructure components;
- Provides election officials a method to gain insights into their cybersecurity risk and prioritize mitigations;
- Accepts inputs of a jurisdiction’s specific election infrastructure configuration; and
- Outputs a tailored risk profile for jurisdictions, which identifies specific areas of highest risk and recommends associated mitigation measures that the jurisdiction could implement to address the risk areas.
2020 Mail Ballot Preparedness: Impacts of Global Pandemic
Webinar Presentations
August 27, 2020
Download the latest presentation from Dan Bentley, Principal Product Management Specialist, USPS; Tammy Patrick, Senior Advisor, Democracy Fund and David Beirne, Director, FVAP where they discuss the impacts of the global pandemic on domestic and overseas voters' mail ballots - what to expect and how to prepare. Members login for these valuable resources.
Cyber Security & Response Solutions to COVID-19
For Election Officials in 2020
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Cyber Incident Detection and Notification Planning Guide for Election Security
Guide to Vulnerability Reporting for America’s Election Administrators
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Innovative Practices
and New Solutions Guide
Download theses guides and resources from our Election Security Infrastructure area. They provide election officials with effective ways to identify and respond to potential cyber threats as well as a step-by-step guide to developing a successful vulnerability disclosure program. The Innovative Practices and New Solutions Guide provides crucial guidance for election officials to help ensure a safe and secure election in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Members login for these valuable resources.
How to Administer and Secure Election Infrastructure in Light of the COVID-19 Epidemic
June 4, 2020
Download the latest Joint EIS COVID-19 Working Group Guidance Resources: These guidance resources were created through the Election Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Council to help election officials and private sector vendors navigate the unique election administration and security challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Members login for these valuable resources.
1. Considerations for Modifying the Scale of In-Person Voting
2. Finding Voting Locations and Poll Workers
3. Health and Safety at the Polling Place
4. Safeguarding Staff and Work Environment from COVID-19
Joint EIS COVID-19 Working Group Guidance Resources
April 9, 2020
Download the Joint EIS COVID-19 Working Group Guidance Resources: Please find below the Joint EIS COVID-19 working group documents listed below. These resources are meant to be used by Election Infrastructure Subsector stakeholders as they navigate the COVID-19 challenge in relation to conducting elections. We greatly appreciate the efforts by so many who have worked tirelessly to develop these products. Members login for these valuable resources.
1. Outbound Mail Ballots
2. Ballot Applications
3. Inbound Mail Ballot Process
4. Signature Verification & Cure
5. Electronic Ballot Delivery
6. Ballot Drop Box
ELECTION CENTER COMMITTEES
Attention Active Election Center Members!
Please join one or more of the following Election Center Committees and get involved with shaping programs and policies. To join a Committee please call 281-396-4309 or e-mail services@electioncenter.org and tell us what committee(s) you would like to serve.
Program Planning Committee
The Program Planning Committee serves to provide the Election Center Executive Director and Program Director with the theme, agenda and prospective speakers during the development of each Special Workshop and National Conference. The Committee convenes via telephone and e-mail as needed.
Postal Task Force
The Postal Task Force serves as the Election Center's liaison with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide open and ongoing communications among the organizations and to help ensure a strong partnership that services the needs of the nation's voters in exercising their democratic rights. We meet twice per year at JEOLC in January and the National Conference in August and via e-mail with significant announcements.
Election Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee serves as the Election Center's liaison with the United States Congressional staffers to provide open and ongoing communications to Election Center members regarding new and pending federal legislation related to elections administration and voter registration. The Committee serves at the pleasure of the Election Center Executive Director and the two Committee Co-Chairs are Travis Weipert, CERA, Johnson County Auditor, Iowa and David H. Stafford, CERA, Supervisor of Elections, Escambia County, Florida. We meet once per year at the National Conference in August and during the year via e-mail and conference calls with significant federal legislation.
CERA FALCULTY PUBLICATIONS
The Future of Election Administration
Mitchell Brown
Kathleen Hale
Bridgett A. King
Once again, the Election Center is pleased to announce the Palgrave Macmillan publication of The Future of Election Administration written by three of our esteemed CERA faculty at Auburn University; Mitchell Brown, Kathleen Hale & Bridgett A. King.
About this Book
Stakeholders in the operation of American elections are keenly focused on policy reform, resource allocation, administrative professionalism, voter access and accessibility, equipment security, and system integrity.
The Future of Election Administration is an edited volume that gathers the perspectives of today’s most forward-thinking practitioners and experts of policy, advocacy, and research about the importance of particular election practices, the professional and operational challenges that election administrators and voter registrars face, and emerging issues in the field. Through its combination of multiple perspectives to describe, analyze, and anticipate key dynamics and dilemmas as well as its emphasis on the practical aspects of administration, this book makes a unique contribution to the election administration literature.
About the authors
Mitchell Brown is Professor of Political Science at Auburn University, USA. Her scholarship focuses on empowerment processes for marginalized groups, including electoral strategies and program evaluation for public and nonprofit organizations. She contributes regularly to the CERA program.
Kathleen Hale is Professor of Political Science and director of the graduate program in election administration at Auburn University, USA. She serves on the Election Center’s Board of Directors and the MIT Data and Election Sciences Lab advisory board, and directs Auburn University faculty in CERA, the national professional certification program for election officials established in partnership with the Election Center.
Bridgett A. King is Assistant Professor of Political Science and director of the MPA Program at Auburn University, USA. Her research focuses on political participation, voter disenfranchisement, and citizen perceptions of the electoral system. Formerly a voting rights researcher in the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, she contributes regularly to the CERA program.
Reviews
“This volume has assembled state-of-the-art work by some of the very best election administration scholars. With extant theory as its foundation, this work exhibits the highest of thought and evidence on many challenging topics related to voting, including federalism, resources, professionalism, technology, and even the quality of democracy itself. In doing so, this work succeeds in both contextualizing election administration in the American political climate and illuminating a path forward for future research.” (Kyle L. Saunders, Professor, Political Science, Colorado State University, USA)
“Both The Future of Election Administration and its open access companion, The Future of Election Administration: Cases and Conversations provide a much-needed framework for organizing the multiple stakeholders in the field of election science. Combined, they highlight the pressing questions in the field, the progress that has been made, the experiences on the ground that make a difference, and the future challenges we face.” (Lonna Atkeson, Professor, Political Science, University of New Mexico, USA)
The Future of Election Administration
Cases and Conversations
Edited by
Mitchell Brown
Kathleen Hale
Bridgett A. King
- Highlights practical problems, questions, and challenges for understanding, studying, and taking part in election administration
- Provides guidance from practitioners across the country on tackling the various issues faced in election administration
- Presents a series of case studies at the national, state, and local level to underscore issues and suggestions
About this book
As the American election administration landscape changes as a result of major court cases, national and state legislation, changes in professionalism, and the evolution of equipment and security, so must the work of on-the-ground practitioners change. This Open Access title presents a series of case studies designed to highlight practical responses to these changes from the national, state, and local levels. This book is designed to be a companion piece to The Future of Election Administration, which surveys these critical dimensions of elections from the perspectives of the most forward-thinking practitioner, policy, advocacy, and research experts and leaders in these areas today. Drawing upon principles of professionalism and the practical work that is required to administer elections as part of the complex systems, this book lifts up the voices and experiences of practitioners from around the country to describe, analyze, and anticipate the key areas of election administration systems on which students, researchers, advocates, policy makers, and practitioners should focus. Together, these books add to the emerging body of literature that is part of the election sciences community with an emphasis on the practical aspects of administration.
About the authors
Mitchell Brown is Professor of Political Science at Auburn University, USA.
Kathleen Hale is Professor of Political Science and director of the graduate program in election administration at Auburn University, USA.
Bridgett A. King is Assistant Professor of Political Science and director of the MPA Program at Auburn University, USA.
Reviews
“Both The Future of Election Administration: Cases and Conversations and its companion, The Future of Election Administration provide a much-needed framework for organizing the multiple stakeholders in the field of election science. Combined, they highlight the pressing questions in the field, the progress that has been made, the experiences on the ground that make a difference, and the future challenges we face.” (Lonna Rae Atkeson, Professor, Political Science, University of New Mexico, USA)
Auburn University Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate in Election Administration
The Graduate Certificate in Election Administration is a 15 credit hour program within the Auburn University Master of Public Administration Program. The certificate requirements include 3 required courses and 2 electives, which are available online.
The curriculum is designed to provide graduate level students and practicing professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to function effectively in election administration. The certificate can be earned while pursing an MPA or independently. Courses cover institutional arrangements, law and policy, and critical contemporary issues facing the election administration community. Students are also required to complete an ePortfolio.
CURRICULUM
Required Courses
POLI 6270 Seminar in Election Administration
POLI 6280 Election Regulation and Reform
POLI 7920 Internship**
Electives
POLI 6150 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
POLI 6290 Public Sector Information, Security, and Risk Management POLI 6470 Comparative Election Administration
POLI 7520 Program Evaluation
**Practitioners can use the Election Center Certified
Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) program certification to fulfill the internship requirement.
EPORTFOLIO
To complete the certificate, students create an ePortfolio, a professional website that demonstrates mastery and showcases knowledge and skills.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT
Kathleen Hale, JD, PhD
Professor, Department of Political Science
Director, Graduate Program in Election Administration
Vote by Mail Project Timeline
March 31, 2020
Download the Vote by Mail Project Timeline: This timeline was a joint effort by CISA and subject matter experts who worked with some of our colleagues in the states and local level as well as private sector to develop as part of the Elections COVID-19 Working Group. Members login to download.
This timeline is meant to answer many of the questions CISA is getting from state and local officials about what steps need to happen and when, when regarding vote by mail processes. This is not meant to assume an ALL-mail election, but instead the steps needed to be taken, even if you are expanding VBM significantly in your state. Stay well and be safe!
March 20, 2020
COVID-19 CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS UPDATE
Customer Signature Service
COVID-19 Response and Prevention
A number of cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have recently been confirmed across the country.
The safety and well-being of our employees & customers is our highest priority. Members login to continue reading.
2020 Election Outreach
Toolkit
For Election Offices Serving UOCAVA Voters
Are you ready for 2020 elections? To support your voting assistance efforts, we created toolkits with new outreach materials for Service members and U.S. citizens residing overseas. We’re here to help you help them vote absentee from anywhere in the world.
Inside you'll find:
- Social media posts and graphics for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
- Blog, message board and LinkedIn posts
- Blurbs for emails and websites
- Infographics
Get more materials to help you help absentee voters
The Election Center has partnered with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in their #TrustedInfo2020 education effort! #TrustedInfo2020 will help get voters the information they need to effectively participate in our democracy by highlighting election officials as the trusted sources for credible election information. Download the toolkit.
Also available to you for this campaign is a #TrustedInfo2020 toolkit which provides you with:
· Website & Social Media Accounts
· Timeline
· Sample press release
· Sample social media posts and graphics
· Sample email
You can learn more about this effort by checking out NASS's #TrustedInfo2020 webpage.
NASS Launches #TrustedInfo2020: A Public Election Education Initiative
Special Workshop Presentations
Greenville, South Carolina
The Election Center Special Workshop, Voting Options In Preparation for Elections 2020 was held in Greenville, South Carolina February 12-16, 2020. We heard from your colleagues and stakeholders in election administration on the myriad of alternative voting options and methods for our voters as well as how those options are changing and working across the country. In addition new voting methods and the security issues encompassing those methods were presented for discussion. Please see below the names of the speakers, their agencies and the various topics addressed. Please log in as a member to access their power point presentations.
Welcome to South Carolina
Marci Andino, State Election Director South Carolina
Voting Options In Preparation for Elections 2020
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Christy McCormick, Chairwoman
Benjamin Hovland, Vice Chair
Donald Palmer, Commissioner
Thomas Hicks, Commissioner
Understanding and the Use of Electronic Ballots
Whitney Quesenbery, Co-Director Center for Civic Design
Alternative Election Systems in the U.S.
Robert Montjoy, Auburn University
USPS Mail Support Initiatives for 2020
Dan Bentley, Principal Product Management, USPS Specialist, U.S. Postal Service
Gary Bartlett, Fair Vote
Delivering Democracy Challenges and Solutions with Voting by Mail in 2020
Tammy Patrick, Senior Advisor, Democracy Fund
FVAP Federal Voting Assistance Program
Meghan Kelly, State Legislative Affairs Specialist
2020 Census and the Redistricting Data Program
James Whitehorne, Chief, Census & Voting Rights Data Office
The State of Redistricting An Overview
Wendy Underhill, Director – Elections & Redistricting Program, NCSL
CISA Support Initiatives for 2020
Matt Masterson, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor
Expanded Access Through Mobile Voting
Amelia Powers Gardner, Utah County Clerk/Auditor
Vote By Mail Michigan No Excuse Absentee
Ginny Vander Roest, Training and Communications Manager, Michigan Bureau of Elections
Logical Election Policy Recommendations of BPC's Task Force on Elections
Matt Weil, Director, Elections Project | Bipartisan Policy Center
Automatic Voter Registration Same Day Registration
Joe Gloria, Registrar, Clark County Board of Elections, NV
Programs to Recruit Student Poll Workers (Video)
DC Board of Elections Staff
How Election Polls Are Conducted And Used
Paul Gronke, Professor, Early Voting Information Center, Reed College
Voting Rights For People With Disabilities And The ADA
Elizabeth Johnson Senior Trial Attorney, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice
Noah Praetz, Consultant, Department of Homeland Security
Joint Election Officials Liaison Conference 2020
Washington, DC
Topics and Presentations
The Joint Election Officials Liaison Conference (JEOLC) was held in Washington DC January 9-10 2020. Please see below the names of the speakers, their agencies and a brief description of each of their topics. Please log in as a member to access their power point presentations. If you were at JEOLC or not able to join us, we hope this brief summary and presentations will provide additional information to assist in the conducting of election administration in your jurisdiction. If you have any questions about the topics or presentations at JEOLC, please contact the Election Center at services@electioncenter.org or call 281-396-4309. Thank you to all of our speakers for a dynamic and substantive JEOLC program. The Election Center Special Workshop in Greenville, SC, February 12-16, 2020 is our next event. Please register today!
Delivering Democracy: Challenges and Solutions with Voting by Mail in 2020
Tammy Patrick, Senior Advisor; Democracy Fund
Information on anticipated 2020 Vote by Mail trends, current partnerships with USPS, and available resources for election officials
Access to the Vote: People with Disabilities
Michelle Bishop, Voting Rights Specialist; National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
An introduction to National Disability Rights Network and an overview of current issues with poll site accessibility.
Elections Infrastructure ISAC: Preparing for 2020
Ben Spear, Director; Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC)
An introduction to who the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center is and a description of their offerings for elections-focused cyber defense tools.
ESI #Protect 2020 The Last Mile
Matt Crane, Elections Subject Matter Expert; Lafayette Group
An overview of CISA’s ‘Last Mile’ initiative to engage local jurisdictions, vendors, and campaigns to strengthen relationships and provide effective information sharing on current election security threats.
CISA Election Security Initiatives
Geoff Hale, Director, Election Security Initiative; Department of Homeland Security
An overview of the current election security services offered by DHS for jurisdictions to effectively detect and mitigate security vulnerabilities on their networks.
Investing in Elections
Kathleen Hale, Professor and Election Administration Program Director; Auburn University
Mitchell Brown, Professor; Auburn University
A presentation of the current findings from their ongoing research project of the overall costs to elections.
Commissioners: Christy McCormick, Chairwoman; Benjamin W. Hovland, Vice Chair; Donald L. Palmer; Thomas Hicks
A report on the current changes to staffing and financing in the EAC and the highlights of the 2018 EAVS survey.
#TRUSTEDINOF2020 Election Officials are your trusted sources for election information
Maria Benson, Director of Communication, National Association of Secretaries of States (NASS)
An overview of the current social media campaign partnership to fight misinformation and disinformation about elections for the upcoming 2020 elections.
2020 Trends in State Voter Registration and Elections Legislation
Wendy Underhill, Director of Elections & Redistricting Program; National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
A summarized review of 2019 legislative news across all 50 states.
Federal Voting Assistance Program 2020 Update
David Beirne, CERA, Director, Federal Voting Assistance Program
An overview of the FVAP 2020 initiatives for training and education of UOCAVA voters.
Geo-Enabled Elections Geographic Information Systems in Election Administration
Jamie Chesser, Geospatial Program Manager; National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC)
An introduction to NSGIC and updates on the current state pilot programs using GIS systems in elections.
U.S. Government Accountability Office Work on Election Administration Issues
Rebecca Gamble, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues; US Government Accountability Office
An overview of the current reports issued by the GAO in regards to election administration and efforts on select issues taken by the DOJ.
A Framework for Election Vendor Oversight
Lawrence Norden, Director, Election Reform Program; Brennan Center for Justice
A Presentation on the federal certification program for election system vendors and resources.
CERA Graduates in The News
Board of Elections Employees Receive Certifications
Originally Published with the Union County Government and in The Enquirer Journal - Monroe, North Carolina October 8, 2019
Board of Elections Employees Receive Certifications Board of Elections Chairman Harry B. Crow, Jr., Juanita Reyes, Kristin Jacumin and County Commission Chairman Richard Helms at the Board of County Commission meeting on October 7, 2019
Three employees with Union County’s Board of Elections are being recognized for their achievements in earning professional certifications.
Kristin Jacumin, Director of Elections for Union County, recently earned the designation of Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA), the highest professional achievement, in a ceremony conducted by The National Association of Election Officials in Orlando, Florida.
Lafourche election official to receive national certification
Originally Published in the Daily Comet Larfourche Parish, Louisiana Aug 19, 2019
Lafourche Registrar of Voters Mike Boudreaux
Lafourche Registrar of Voters Mike Boudreaux has been chosen to participate in a national accreditation program in Florida this week.
Boudreaux is traveling to Orlando to receive his certification as an elections and registration administrator, a designation earned through a multi-year course through the Election Center’s Professional Education Program, Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
Caldwell County's Elections Administrator receives CERA certification and special recognition from State Representative
Pamela Ohlendorf, a Caldwell County Elections Administrator has been participating in the Election Center's Professional Education Program over the course of several years where she has received continuing education credit from Auburn University in election administration and voter registration. Read More...
Pamela Ohlendorf holding the certificate and Texas state flag flown at the capitol in commemoration of her CERA graduation August 20, 2019
Elections director earns CERA title
Originally published in the Wapak Daily News - Wapakoneta, Ohio
Michelle L. Wilcox, Director for the Auglaize County Board of Elections will be designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) the highest professional achievement, in a ceremony conducted by the Election Center at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
CERA designation is achieved only through a multi-year course of study taught by the Auburn University MPA faculty, Auburn, Alabama and conducted by the Election Center’s Professional Education Program.
Michelle Wilcox
Arldt Earns Highest Mark
Originally published in the Lexington Leader - Lee County, Texas July 31, 2019
Carla R. Arldt, Elections Administrator for Lee County, Texas will be designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) the highest professional achievement, in a ceremony conducted by the Election Center at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
Carla Arldt, seen above, Elections Administrator for Lee County, earned her CERA.
“Lee County is indeed fortunate to have Carla as one of the top designated professionals in America. Obtaining and maintaining CERA status means that she has committed to a career long process of continuing education... Read More...
