Elections Specialist

Under supervision of the Elections Administrator, the Elections Specialist performs duties related to all activities in the election and voter registration process in compliance with the Texas Election Code and Federal regulations. The duties include assisting in the training and guidance of election workers and poll election workers, assisting in responding to inquiries from other departments and the public regarding elections and voter registration records and procedures. Elections Specialists are knowledgeable in all aspects of the Elections Administration office, but this specific position specializes in Voter Registration duties.

• Assists in the administration and enforcement of state and federal election/voter registration laws and provides election/voting technical assistance
• Processes voter registration applications and answers voter questions pertaining to voter registration and general election information
• Coordinates office and field operations relating to voter registration, early voting ballots, poll election worker recruitment and training, elections mapping, election systems, ballot preparation and tabulation, elections services and elections logistics
• Assists the Elections Administrator in submitting accurate election worker timesheets, ensuring compliance with County policy
• Assists the Elections Administrator in deputizing Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDR) and maintains the office database list of VDRs in McLennan County
• Assists the Elections Administrator in conducting training for VDRs
• Assists the Elections Administrator in processing Limited Ballot voters during the Early Voting period
• May be responsible for ballot by mail (BBM) process. Prints paper BBM ballots, scans paper BBM ballots. Creates and maintains a filing system of returned mail-in ballots to be reviewed by the Signature Verification Committee
• Collects, stores, and submits Secretary of State required reports, backups, and audit logs for each election
• Assists in preparing election supply kits as needed
• Fulfills open records requests pertaining to election records
• Answer voters’ general inquiries in person, through telephone, and email
• Attends training and conferences to improve and maintain up to knowledge of election equipment and election related legislation
• Partners with cities and school districts to ensure boundary updates are reflected in voter registration database
• Maintains and updates Elections website and social media accounts as needed
• Maintains polling location information, standard list of voters, and petition verification in VEMACS
• Assists the Elections Administrator in both routine and special department projects (i.e., statistical and financial analysis, research, data compilation and report presentation)
• Assists with delivering equipment as needed; assists with delivery and pickup of Election Day equipment
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Must be a registered voter of the State of Texas. May not be a candidate for public office, hold a public office, or hold an office or position in a political party. Other restrictions apply. (See sec 31.035 of the Election Code.)

EDUCATION:

Required:   

• Associate’s degree in political science, business administration, public administration or a related field, in lieu of degree, minimum 2 years’ experience in a related role plus the required years of experience listed below

 SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• 1 year experience in office administration, logistical support, or related field
• Proficient skill in planning, assigning and coordinating activities
• Must have experience in computer skills and office software
• Current and valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record
• Ability to conduct detailed research and accurately analyze complex issues
• Ability to interpret legal documents
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Work with public in person and by telephone
• Must be able to manage time and work with minimal supervision
• Must be a registered voter of the State of Texas
• Must also be personally bondable
• Possess excellent communication skills
• Requires some skill in working with numbers in calculating fees/ percentages

Preferred:

• Knowledgeable in current Texas Election Code and Federal regulations related to elections
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

DISCLAIMER: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment.   A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered individually.

All Employees 

o Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community

o Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large

o Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Individual works mostly indoors in a well-lighted air-conditioned office with occasional outdoor errands and/or deliveries.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent sitting, standing, bending and walking
• Includes a small amount of light-lifting (40-50 lbs.) and carrying light loads for distances up to 120 ft.
• Continuous reading and communicating both on the telephone and in person
• Continuous use of the computer and keyboard

McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment.   A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered individually.