ELECTIONS SPECIALIST

Position Summary

POSITION SUMMARY:
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. The Elections Specialist is knowledgeable in all aspects of the Elections Administration office, but may specialize in one of the following: Voting Equipment, Voter Registration, or Ballot by Mail.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in the administration and enforcement of state and federal election/voter registration laws and provides election/voting technical assistance
• Responsible for ballot by mail (BBM) processes. Prints paper BBM ballots, scans paper BBM ballots. Creates and maintains a filing system of returned mail-in ballots to be reviewed by the Early Voting Ballot Board
• Collects, stores, and submits Secretary of State required reports, backups, and audit logs for each election
• Fulfills open records requests pertaining to election records
• Assists in processing voter registration applications and answers voter questions pertaining to voter registration and general election information as needed
• Assists in 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
• Trains and leads election workers in all aspects of the Elections Administration office. May be responsible for submitting accurate election worker timesheets, ensuring compliance with County policy
• Assists with maintaining voting equipment inventory and ePollbook laptops as needed. Conducts back up and reset of electronic voting equipment
• 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 the County’s voter registration database
• Assists Elections Administrator in both routine and special department projects (i.e., statistical and financial analysis, research, data compilation and report presentation)
• Operates delivery truck as needed; driving to deliver and pickup Early Voting and Election Day equipment
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

Minimum Requirements

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

• 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

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

Supplemental Information

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.