As might be expected given the Constitutional mandate that the individual States conduct elections in our country, the administrative structure of election offices varies widely from State to State and region to region. The information below is intended to be used as a general reference guide for understanding the unique systems used to administer elections in the 50 States and the District of Columbia.  States are listed alphabetically and outline election administrative offices on a State, local, and precinct level, including their representative duties, terms of office, if elected, and appointing body or individual where appropriate.

(This information specifically excludes references to those bodies within each State which regulate campaign finance law/disclosure).

ALABAMA

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• Chief Election Officer, elected for four year term.
• provides voter registration forms.
• canvass county general election returns for federal office.
• provides training for local election officials.
• prescribes format for voter registration forms and petition forms.

JUDGE OF COUNTY PROBATE COURT-

• elected to 6 year term.
• compiles and publishes list of registered voters.
• provides ballots and supplies for all elections.

APPOINTING BOARD-

• Judge of Probate Court, Sheriff and Clerk of the Circuit Court.
• appoint precinct and polling place officers.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT-

• administers absentee voting.

SHERIFF-

• publishes election notices.
• transmits county returns to Secretary of State.

BOARD OF REGISTRARS-

• three persons appointed by Governor, Auditor, and Commissioner ofAgriculture to four year term in the majority of counties (One county has four Board members, and another county has one registrar serving in a county merit position).
• administers voter registration.

COUNTY COMMISSION-

• Judge of Probate Court & four elected Commissioners for four year terms in 25 counties. (In 42 counties, the Chair of the County Commission is either elected county wide, elected among the Commission itself, or serves as a result of a rotating system). *The number of County Commissioners in each county range from three to seven.
• canvass county vote for federal offices and prepare returns for transmittal to Secretary of State.

 

• Includes; one Inspector, three Clerks, and one Returning Officer, appointed for each election.

 

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-

• elected for four year term.
• responsible for the conduct of elections and administration of state election law.
• appoints Director of Elections.

DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS-

• delegated supervision of central and regional election offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Nome.
• trains election personnel.
• administers all state and various regional elections.
• supervises conduct of voter registration.
• prepares and distributes ballots.
• prescribes minimum requirements for voting systems.
• appoints Election Supervisors
• responsible for statewide voter registration rolls.
•  

ELECTION SUPERVISOR-

• assists in administration of elections.
• appoints precinct Election Boards.
• appoints Judges for each polling place for state conducted elections.
• manages voter registration rolls for jurisdictions.

BOROUGH ASSEMBLIES/CITY COUNCILS-

• elected for three to four year terms.
• prescribes rules for conducting municipal elections.
• appoints Judges for each polling place for locally conducted elections.
• state provides technical assistance and supplies VREMS data registers.

 

ELECTION BOARD-

• at least three Judges appointed by Election Supervisors for each precinct.

RECEIVING BOARD/CONTROL BOARD/DATA PROCESSING BOARD-

• appointed by Election Supervisor to monitor the computer counting centers.
• ensures security of ballot box and prepares ballots for the computer.

WATCHERS-

• appointed by the precinct/district party committee to observe the precinct counting centers.

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• prescribes, in consultation with counties, rules and regs. for voting and vote canvassing, publishes in official election manual.
• canvasses votes for statewide offices and questions.
• must approve electronic vote tabulation equipment before use.

 

COUNTY BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS-

• three or five members elected for four year term.
• appoints and train precinct election officials.
• provides election supplies.
• prints ballots.
• tabulates and canvasses all votes cast in county.

COUNTY RECORDER-

• elected for four year term.
• handles voter registration.
• handles all absentee voting, except vote tabulation.

 

ELECTION AND TALLY BOARDS-

• Board of Supervisors appoints one Inspector, One Marshal, two Judges and not less than two Clerks nominated by the major parties.
• Exception if 250 or less registered voters in precinct.

COUNTY PARTY COMMITTEES-

• May appoint challengers to be at the polls on election day.

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• elected for four year term.
• certifies list of all state candidates to County Board of Election Commissioners.
• certifies winners in general elections.
• canvasses vote in statewide elections.
• administers voter registration data base for the state.

STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• composed of Governor, Lt. Gov., Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, State Land Commissioner, State Chairs of majority and minority parties, 4 citizens not holding elected office.
• appoints 3rd member of each County Board of Election Commissioners.
• examines & approves electronic voting systems before use.

 

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• composed of county chairs of majority and minority party, and one person appointed by State Board of Election Commissioners.
• appoints local election officials.
• administers early voting in counties with over 150,000 registered voters.
• prints and distributes ballots.
• canvasses votes on county level.
• prepares absentee ballots to deliver to County Clerk.

COUNTY CLERK-

• elected for two year term.
• administers registration of voters.
• administers absentee and early voting.

ELECTION OFFICIALS-

• 2 Clerks, 1 Election Judge, 1 Election Sheriff.

 

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected to four year term.
• generally administers elections and enforces provisions of state election code, including voter registration & ballot and initiative preparation.
• supervisory power over local election officials.

VOTING SYSTEMS PANEL-

• Secretary of State establishes specifications for, and approves all voting machines and vote counting systems used in California elections.

COUNTY CLERK or REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

• chief election officer at local level, County Clerk elected for four year term, Registrar of Voters appointed, confirmed by county Board of Supervisors for an indefinite term.
• administers absentee voting
• administers voter registration at the county level.
• subject to election code, County Clerk/Registrar of Voters has authority to establish, change, or abolish election precincts.
• appoints Inspectors, Clerks & Judges of Elections.

PRECINCT BOARDS-

• Includes a minimum of one Inspector, two Clerks.
• appointed by County Clerk/Registrar of Voters.

POLL WATCHERS-

• appointed by political parties or candidates.
• oversee election process at polls.

 

 

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• supervises conduct of primary, general, congressional vacancy and statewide ballot issues and may issue rules and regulations to ensure proper administration and enforcement of state election law.
• may prescribe forms required for elections.
• supervises and inspects local election officials in the conduct of elections and voter registration.
• canvass primary returns for federal and state legislative offices.
• coordinates the responsibilities under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

 

COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER-

• elected to four year term.
• responsible for voter registration.
• prepares all ballots.
• selects election judges.
• chief designated election official for all coordinated elections.

COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• County Clerk and one member chosen by the county chairperson of each of the two major parties.
• canvasses and prepare abstracts of election returns for national, state and district offices of state concern for transmittal to Secretary of State.

 

ELECTION JUDGES-

• recommended for each precinct by the county chairperson of each major political party.
• includes three Receiving Judges and three Counting Judges.

POLL WATCHERS-

• political parties, candidates and issue committees may appoint one person to be at polls.

 

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

Chief Elections Official-

• Secretary of the State acts as, elected for four year term.
• trains and advises local officials in proper methods of conducting elections.
• distributes to electors information relating to proposed laws and amendments.
• certifies and distributes official ballots.
• provides absentee voting forms.
• must approve voting machines/systems before use.

STATE ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION-

• five members appointed to five year terms by the Governor, Speaker of the House, President Pro-tempore of the Senate and the minority leaders of the House and Senate.
• investigatory and enforcement entity.
• must investigate all election law violations and may refer to either the Attorney General or Chief States Attorney.

 

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

REGISTRARS OF VOTERS-

• Two elected in each municipality for two or four year terms, one from each of the two major parties.
• responsible for voter registration and election administration.
• appoints vote Checkers, a Head Moderator and a Moderator for each polling place.

TOWN CLERK-

• elected for two or four year term.
• conducts absentee voting.
• receives ballots from Secretary of theState, inspects them for accuracy, then delivers to polling place.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

HEAD MODERATOR-

• appointed by registrars to tabulate town precincts

MODERATORS-

• appointed by registrars to manage polling place.

ASSISTANT REGISTRARS OF VOTERS-

• appointed by Registrars to regulate admission of electors.

CHECKERS-

• appointed by registrars to check lists of electors as they enter the polling place.

VOTING MACHINE TENDERS-

• appointed by registrars in each town or district for each voting machine.

CHALLENGERS-

• appointed by registrars to challenge apparently ineligible voters.

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONER-

• appointed by Governor for four year term.
• supervises conduct of all voter registration and elections.
• promulgates rules and regulations for the conduct of elections.
• provides training and instruction to state and local election officials.
• prescribes voter registration forms.

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD-

• Kent and Sussex Counties = six member Boards.
• New Castle County = ten member Board.
• State Election Commissioner ex-officio member of each Board.
• conducts voter registration.
• administers primary and general elections.
• provides instruction to local election officials.
• furnishes election supplies to each precinct.

BOARD OF CANVASS-

• composed of Superior Court Judges.
• counts all votes cast in each county and verifies the results.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

INSPECTORS, JUDGES AND CLERKS-

• appointed by County Boards of Election for each election.

CHALLENGERS-

• appointed to be at the polls to oversee the election process.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

OFFICES:

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND ETHICS-

• three members appointed by Mayor with the advice and consent of the D.C. Council for three year staggered terms.
• conducts all voter registration.
• conducts absentee registration and voting.
• prescribes regulations necessary for carrying out elections and voter registration within the District.
• operates polling places.
• provides all Ward election materials (Bilingual when necessary).
• counts and records all votes cast within the District.
• certifies the results of each election.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

• Precinct Captains, Assistant Precinct Captains, Ballot Clerk, Special Ballot Clerks, Ballot Box Clerks, Master Index Clerks and Voting Booth Demonstration Clerks..

WATCHERS-

• candidates and political parties select individuals to observe the elections.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• provides guidance to Supervisors of Elections.
• provides technical assistance to Supervisors of Elections.
• prescribes voter registration forms and procedure.
• prescribes rules concerning electronic voting systems.

ELECTION CANVASSING COMMISSION-

• Governor, Secretary of State and Director of Elections (appointed by Secretary of State).
• canvasses all county returns and prepare election abstract.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS-

• chief election official at the county level, elected for four year terms.
• appoints other local election officials.
• administers voter registration.
• administers absentee voting.
• conducts poll worker training.
• distributes election materials to each precinct.

COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD-

• includes Supervisor of Elections, County Court Judge and Chairman of the County Board of Commissioners.
• tabulates county vote and prepares abstracts for transmittal to the Secretary of State

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION BOARD-

• two Boards per precinct composed of Inspectors and Clerks appointed by Supervisor of Elections.

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election official, elected for a four year term.
• furnishes forms and election supplies to local officials.
• canvasses all votes cast in the state for federal and non-constitutional state offices.
• must approve all vote recorders, voting machines and voting systems.

STATE ELECTION BOARD-

• includes the Secretary of State, one individual nominated from each of the two major political parties, one individual chosen by a majority vote of the state Senate and one individual chosen by majority vote in the state House. Except for the Secretary of State, all serve two year terms.
• investigates election irregularities.
• hears complaints pertaining to elections and voter registration and investigates election irregularities.

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ELECTION BOARD-

• composed of the Speaker of the House, Clerk of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of the Senate, and the chairmen of each standing committee in the General Assembly.
• canvasses votes, certifies election returns and publishes the election results.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

JUDGE OF THE PROBATE COURT-

• chief election official at county level, elected for four year term (in counties with election Boards, they assume duties of the Probate Judge).
• canvasses returns of primary and general elections.
• appoints poll officers and other election officials.
• issues rules and instructions for the guidance of local election officials.

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD-

• five members (may vary county to county).
• performs same function as Judge of Probate Court in counties where the Probate Judge is election superintendent (Any county regardless of size/population can, by legislative Act create an Elections Board).

COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRARS-

• three to five members.
• administers voter registration.
• administers absentee registration and voting.

COUNTY BOARDS OF ELECTION& REGISTRATION-

• perform all duties pertaining to elections and voter registration.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

POLL MANAGERS-

• Chief Manager and two Assistant Managers per precinct.

CLERKS-

• "sufficient" numbers to assist managers in each election.

CUSTODIANS-

• care for the voting machines and vote recorders.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER-

• appointed by the elections appointment panel for four year term.
• responsible for the maximization and equalization of registration of eligible voters throughout the state.
• maintains data concerning registered voters, elections, apportionment and redistricting.
• procures voting systems.
• responsible for public education with respect to voting materials, including the dissemination of such materials in the language of non-english proficient minority groups.
• promulgates rules and regulations governing elections.
• certifies election results.

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• City and County of Honolulu, the Island of O’ahu- Clerk of the Council, conducts all elections held within the city and performs voter registration functions. Appointed by City Council and serves at the pleasure of the Council.
• County of Kauai, Islands of Kauai and Niihau- Clerk of the Council , conducts all elections in accordance with state law and performs voter registration functions. Appointed by the City Council and serves at the pleasure of the Council.
• County of Maui, Islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe- Clerk of the Council, conducts all elections in accordance with state law and performs voter registration functions. Appointed by the County Council and serves at the pleasure of the Council.
• County of Hawaii, Island of Hawaii- Clerk of the Council, conducts all elections within the county, performs voter registration functions and appoints the Deputy County Clerk and Legislative Auditor with the approval of the Council. Appointed by the County Council and serves at the pleasure of the Council.

BOARDS OF REGISTRATION-

• One Board each for the City and County of Honolulu- Island of O’ahu, County of Kauai- Islands of Kauai and Niihau, County of Maui- Islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe, County of Hawaii, Island of Hawaii.
• Primary function of these Boards is to hear appeals from voters in each county who have been denied the right to register or have had their registration challenged at the polls.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT OFFICIALS-

• assigned by the Chief Election Officer or his designee from lists submitted by all qualified political parties.
• no less than three Precinct Officials per precinct.
• duties vary with the voting system in use in the precinct.

POLL WATCHERS-

• each qualified party may appoint one Watcher per precinct to observe the conduct of the election in that precinct.
• observe operations at the absentee polling place.
• point out to precinct chairperson any violations of election law.

OFFICIAL OBSERVERS-

• at least two people, who are not of the same political party, are responsible for observing the handling of ballots.
• responsible for observing the process within the counting center and report any deviations from the rules or procedures.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• supervises all elections and voter registration.
• prescribes voter registration forms.
• certifies winners of federal, state, and district elections.
• must examine and approve all voting machines and vote tally systems.

STATE BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• composed of Secretary of State, State Controller and State Treasurer.
• abstracts votes cast for all offices and announces the results.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• chief election official at local level, elected for four year term.
• supervises and administers election laws under the instruction of the Secretary of State.
• conducts training classes for local officials.
• chief voter registration official for the county.

COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• composed of the County Commissioners.
• canvasses election returns for all county precincts.
• certifies the results of the election and forwards the results to the County Clerk who transfers these results to the Secretary of State.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION JUDGES-

• Two or more judges are selected by the County Clerk for each election.

REGISTRARS-

• County Clerk may appoint registrars to assist in voter registration throughout the county.

 

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• eight bipartisan members, four from Cook County and four from the remainder of the state, appointed by the Governor in each odd numbered year for four year terms.
• supervises the administration of registration and election laws in the state.
• provides a uniform manual of instructions for election judges.
• prepares and certifies ballots for proposed amendments to the state constitution or any referenda.
• prescribes forms, notices and other supplies used in for registrations and elections.
• filing office for nominating petitions.
• certifies ballot for all federal, state, and multi-county offices.
• serves as the electoral board for objections to petitions for federal, state, and multi-county offices and statewide referenda.
• canvassing board for federal, state, and multi-county offices and statewide propositions, including amendments to the state constitution.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• elected for four year term.
• responsible for the conduct of all primary, general and special elections for federal, state, and county offices and referenda in any county, or portion thereof, not having a Board of Election Commissioners.
• responsible for the conduct of elections for all units of government located within the county.
• filing office for nominating petitions for county offices and referenda.
• chairman of the electoral board hearing objections to petitions for county offices and certain other units of government within the county.
• administers voter registration.
• administers absentee registration and voting.

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• three members appointed by the county circuit court for three year terms; presently created in eight municipalities and in one county.
• for these municipalities and county, essentially assumes the registration and election responsibilities of the County Clerk.

TOWNSHIP/MUNICIPAL CLERK-

• may administer in-person absentee voting for all elections.
• filing office for nominating petitions for that unit of government.
• certifies ballot for that unit of government to County Clerk or Board of Election Commissioners.
• serves on local canvassing board.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

JUDGES OF ELECTIONS-

• five members are appointed in May of even-numbered years either by a County Board or a City Board of Election Commissioners to preside over each polling place during the hours of election.

POLL WATCHERS-

• appointed by candidates, political parties, qualified civic organizations, and proponents of ballot propositions (number in polling places vary according to appointing authority and type of election).
• credentials provided by County Clerk or Board of Election Commissioners.
• observes the election to ensure proper administration.

INDIANA

STATE OFFICES:

INDIANA ELECTION DIVISION

• principle election supervisory body, made up of two Co-Directors, one member of each major party nominated by the state party chairs and appointed by the Governor for four year terms.
• prepares paper ballots for statewide elections.
• prepares voter registration material.
• trains and supervises local election officials.
• canvasses county returns in general elections.
• must approve voting machines/systems before use.
• canvasses election returns in primary and general elections.

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY ELECTION BOARDS-

• composed of Clerk of Circuit Court and one member of each major political party nominated by the county party chairs and appointed by the Clerk.
• conducts all city and county elections.
• appoints precinct level election officials nominated by the parties.
• prepares ballots for city and county elections.
• canvasses county vote.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT-

• acts ex-officio as county registration officer in counties without a Board of Registration.

BOARD OF REGISTRATION-

• administers voter registration in counties with populations of 125,000 or more (optional in counties with populations less than 125,000).

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT ELECTION OFFICERS-

• Includes one Inspector, two Judges, two Clerks and two Sheriffs.
• Challenger, Poll Book Holder and Poll Watcher may be at each polling place.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS-

• Secretary of State, elected for four year term.
• establishes uniform election practices used throughout the state.
• prescribes necessary forms required to conduct elections.
• exercises general supervisory powers over County Commissioners of Elections.

STATE VOTER REGISTRATION COMMISSION-

• composed of the Secretary of State , the State Chairperson of each of the two major parties, and a person appointed by the President of the County Auditors Association.
• makes and reviews policy regarding voter registration.
• prescribes forms required for voter registration.

STATE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS-

• regulates preparation, preservation and maintenance of voter registration records.

STATE BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, state Auditor, state Treasurer, and Secretary of Agriculture.
• canvasses abstracts of votes cast for all state and federal offices except Governor and Lt. Governor.

BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR VOTING MACHINES AND ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS-

• three members appointed by the State Commissioner of Elections for six year terms.
• must approve all voting machines/systems before use.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS-

• County Auditor, elected for a four year term.
• conducts county voter registration.
• appoints Precinct Election Boards.
• furnishes election supplies to precincts.
• prints ballots.
• trains local election officials.
• administers absentee voting.

COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS-

• conducts vote canvassing at the local level.
• sets precinct boundaries.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION BOARDS-

• five person Board appointed in each precinct to serve a two year term.

POLL WATCHERS-

• political parties appoint individuals to observe activities at polls election day.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• supervisory power over voter registration and conduct of elections.
• prescribes forms for all ballots.
• must certify voting machines before use.

STATE ELECTION BOARD-

• composed of the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General.
• formulates rules and regulations to determine apportionment of election expenses among the subdivisions of government.

STATE BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• composed of the Governor, Secretary of State and the Attorney General.
• conducts the final canvass of all primary and general elections for state and federal offices.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSIONER/COUNTY CLERK-

• Commissioner in counties with a population over 130,000, all others have Clerks.
• prints ballots
• appoints Precinct Election Boards, Judges and Clerks.
• prints and distributes advance ballots and administers advance voting.
• administers voter registration.

COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• Board of County Commissioners servers as.
• conducts final canvass of county, township, city or school offices.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

JUDGES-

• appointed by Commissioner or Clerk for each election.

RECEIVING/COUNTING BOARDS-

• appointed for each election.

AUTHORIZED POLL AGENTS-

• present to observe the complete election process.

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• six members, three from each of the two major political parties appointed for four year terms by the Governor. (Secretary of State is Chairman of the Board and therefore the chief election official in the state. Secretary of State elected for four year term).
• Board supervises voter registration, purgation of voters and the administration of election laws.
• supervise the County Boards of Election.
• prescribes voter registration forms.
• responsible for canvassing the vote for all state elections, and for all elections in districts larger than a single county.
• furnishes County Clerks with master lists of registered voters before each election.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• composed of County Clerk, Sheriff and a member from each political party appointed by State Board of Elections for four year terms.
• administers elections and voter registration on the county level.
• establishes polling places.
• appoints precinct election officials.
• checks voting machines and instructs precinct officials in their use no less than five days before an election.
• certifies election results.

COUNTY CLERK-

• chairman of County Board of Elections.
• handles absentee voting.
• has custody of all voting machines.
• prints and distributes all ballots.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT ELECTION OFFICERS-

• includes two Judges, one Clerk and one Sheriff, appointed by County Board of Elections for a four year term.
• performs canvass of precinct votes.

CHALLENGERS-

• appointed by County Chairmen of each party to witness the election.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• responsible for printing and certification of official ballots.
• canvasses election returns.
• publishes election results and declares winners.

STATE COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS-

• elected for four year term.
• regulates and administers state voter registration.
• directs and assists local registrars of voters.

• administers payment of all local election expenses.

STATE BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS-

• composed of the Secretary of State, State Commissioner of Elections, Attorney General, one Clerk of District Court, one Registrar of Voters, and one member appointed by the Governor.
• serves as a clearinghouse for all election legislation.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT-

• chief election officer of the parish, elected for four year term.
• instructs local election officials on their duties and on the use of voting machines.
• conducts absentee vote counting.
• certifies voting machines on the parish level.
• receives parish election returns on election night.

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS-

• appointed by parish governing authority.
• conducts voter registration in each parish.
• administers and enforces rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Elections.
• administers absentee voting.
• conducts absentee vote counting.

PARISH BOARD OF SUPERVISORS-

• composed of the Registrar of Voters, Clerk of the District Court, Chairmen of Parish Executive Committee of each party and one person appointed by the Governor.
• appoints polling place election officials.
• publishes location of polling places.
• supervises preparation and conduct of all parish elections.
• conducts absentee vote counting.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

COMMISSIONERS-IN-CHARGE-

• selected in a drawing conducted by Parish Board of Election Supervisors for a one year term.

COMMISSIONERS-

• selected in a drawing conducted by Parish Board of Election Supervisors for each election.

WATCHERS-

• qualified voters appointed by candidates to observe election activity from registered areas.

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, chosen by a joint meeting of the House and Senate, for a two year term.
• provides local officials with ballots and election supplies.
• conducts official state canvass of votes.
• provides instruction and training to local election officials.
• in cooperation with the Attorney General, approves all voting machines.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

TOWN CLERK/CITY CLERK(in cities)-

• chief election official at local level, term of office determined by local charter.
• conducts absentee voting, may count absentee ballots in central location.
• accepts applications for voter registration when Registrar of Voters is not available.

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS-

• appointed by the elected Municipal Officer for a two year term, by January 1st of each odd-numbered year.
• conducts voter registration in all municipalities.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

WARDENS/WARD CLERKS-

• selection, term of office and duties vary, governed by each city/town charter and state law. Wardens in charge of polling places on election day from opening of polls until ballots have been counted, repackaged and delivered to the Municipal Clerk.

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• five member Board, appointed by Governor with advice and consent of the state Senate for four year term.
• supervises the conduct of all elections in the state.
• holds instructional meetings and assists local officials in conducting elections.
• administers voter registration by mail program.
• prescribes forms of ballots.
• approves all electronic voting machines/systems.

STATE ADMINISTRATOR OF ELECTIONS-

• appointed by Governor for a six year term.
• duties assigned by law or by State Administrative Board of Elections.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed of State Administrator of Election Laws, Secretary of State, State Comptroller, State Treasurer, Clerk of the Court of Appeals and the Attorney General.
• tabulates votes cast throughout state for all federal and state offices from abstracts of local canvassing boards.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS-

• three or five members, appointed by Governor for two year terms.
• conducts elections at the local level.
• administers county voter registration.
• appoints election judges for precincts.
• prints and provides ballots.

COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• adjunct duty of County Board of Supervisors of Elections.
• canvasses all votes cast in county and prepares abstract to send to Board of State Canvassers.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

JUDGES of ELECTION-

• appointed biennially to supervise elections at precinct level.

CHALLENGERS/WATCHERS-

• candidates may designate a Challenger/Watcher at each place of registration and polling place.

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE SECRETARY-

• chief election official, elected for four year term.
• prepares and prints absentee ballots.
• prepares and provides ballots for state primary and general elections.
• develops rules and regulations on the use of electronic voting machines/systems.
• approves all electronic voting machines/systems before use.
• receives certified records of local canvass of state- wide elections and transmits records to the Governor and his council for final tabulation and certification.
• certifies nomination papers, petitions, and polling place accessibility.
• has power to order local officials to comply with the election law if there are apparent patterns of conduct, or standard practices or procedures in violation of that law.

STATE BALLOT LAW COMMISSION-

• five members appointed by Governor.
• holds hearings and renders decisions on any objections concerning state office nominations/ballot question petitions.

LOCAL OFFICES:

CITY/TOWN CLERKS- *

• City Clerk elected or appointed for a three year term.
• Town Clerk is elected or appointed for "one or more years."
• prepares ballots for city/town primary and general elections.
• administers absentee voting.
• responsible for supervising all local election officials.
• canvasses all votes cast in their jurisdiction and transmits the results to State Secretary.

BOARD OF REGISTRARS OF VOTERS- *

• four members appointed by the mayor or selectmen to terms ranging from three to four years.
• administers registration of voters.
• conducts recounts of votes when necessary.

* or Election Commission in lieu of Board of Registrars and City/Town Clerk.

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT OFFICERS-

• Warden, Deputy Warden, Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Inspectors and Deputy Inspectors, appointed annually by mayor in cities/selectmen in towns from lists supplied by the party committees.

 

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• supervises the administration of all elections.
• publishes and furnishes instruction manuals to election officials and Precinct Boards.
• prescribes uniform notices, forms, supplies and ballots.
• reports violations of election law to the Attorney General.

DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS-

• serves as Director of the Bureau of Elections within the office of the Secretary of State.
• performs supervisory and administrative duties of the Secretary of State under his supervision.
• required to conduct training for local officials prior to the November general elections, and may conduct other training classes at his discretion.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• four members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate for four year terms.
• canvasses returns and determines the results of federal, state and district elections.
• approves in advance all voting systems.
• conducts recounts.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

BOARD OF COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• composed of the Chief Judge of the Probate Court, County Clerk and the County Treasurer.
• prints and distributes ballots for all elections.

BOARD OF COUNTY CANVASSERS-

• four members appointed by County Board of Commissioners for four year terms.
• canvasses votes cast in elections in the county and certifies the results.
• declares results of county and local elections.
• conducts recounts.

City/Township/Village CLERKS-

• administers all voter registration.
• processes local nominating petitions.

LOCAL ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• hire precinct workers.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

BOARD OF INSPECTORS-

• appointed to monitor poll activity on election day.

CHALLENGERS-

• political parties, and interest groups are permitted to appoint individuals to be present at polling place.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election official, elected for four year term.
• prescribes ballot forms.
• provides copies of state election law and guides to county auditors.
• approves all voting machines before use.

STATE CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the Secretary of State, two Justices of the State Supreme Court and two Judges of the District Court.
• conducts primary and general election canvass for all state and federal offices voted on in more than one county.
• declares results of the canvass.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY AUDITOR-

• chief election official at local level, usually elected for four year term, but may be appointed.
• instructs and supplies local election officials.
• receives applications for and mails absentee ballots.
• chief register of voters in county.

COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of County Auditor, District Court Administrator, the mayor or chair of the town Board of the County’s most populous city, and two members of the county Board of Commissioners.
• canvasses all votes cast in county for county, state and federal offices and certifies the results to the Secretary of State.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION JUDGES-

• appointed by municipal clerks for each election.

CHALLENGERS-

• appointed by political parties, as needed, one per polling place per political party.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• tabulates county returns after each general election and submits results to state legislature.
• power to issue supplementary instructions and procedures for the use of electronic voting systems.

STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• composed of Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General.
• canvasses returns received from counties for state and district offices.
• tabulates and declares the results of these elections.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• five members, elected for four year term.
• appoints election managers.
• prints ballots for all general elections except those purely municipal in nature.
• canvasses the county vote.
• may adopt electronic voting systems subject to the requirements of state code.

COUNTY REGISTRAR-

• adjunct duty of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
• administers voter registration.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

• three Election Managers per precinct appointed by Commissioners to run polls. One Manager designated as Bailiff charged with keeping order at the polls.

POLL WATCHERS-

• each political party appoints one per polling place.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election official, elected for a four year term.
• general oversight and administration of elections at the state level.
• certifies electronic tabulation equipment.
• accepts filings for federal and state offices.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed of the Secretary of State and two disinterested judges appointed by the Secretary.
• canvasses election returns for federal offices, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Attorney General.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• chief election official at the local level, elected for four year term.
• designates polling places.
• prints and distributes ballots.
• administers absentee voting.
• administers voter registration.
• accepts filings for local offices and issues.
• certifies election returns.
• canvasses vote.

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• appointed by Governor.
• chief election officials in St.Louis, Jackson and Clay and Platte Counties.
• administers absentee voting.
• certifies election returns.
• administers voter registration.
• prints and distributes ballots.
• designates polling places.
• accepts filings for local offices and issues.
• canvasses vote.

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• appointed by Governor.
• for cities of St.Louis and Kansas City.
• selects precinct judges and clerks.
• canvasses vote.
• certifies election returns.
• prints and distributes ballots.
• accepts filings for local offices and issues.
• designates polling places.
• administers voter registration.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION JUDGES-

• appointed by the Election Commissioners/County Clerks to work at polls.

CHALLENGERS-

• designated by political parties to be present at the polls.

WATCHERS-

• designated by political parties to be present at polls.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• furnishes copies of state election law to county registrars.
• prescribes absentee ballot forms.
• canvasses primary vote for federal and state offices.
• must approve voting machines before use.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed of the State Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Attorney General.
• canvasses state vote after special and general elections for federal and state offices.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY ELECTION ADMINISTRATORS-

• adjunct duty of County Clerks, elected or appointed for four year terms.
• provides ballots for all elections.
• receives applications for absentee ballots.
• instructs Election Judges in the proper use of voting machines.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS-

• usually three members elected for six year terms.
• appoints precinct Election Judges.
• furnishes election supplies to the precincts.
• ex-officio Board of County Canvassers

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION JUDGES/CLERKS-

• minimum of three judges appointed by county election administrator to run the polls each year.

POLL WATCHERS-

• one appointed by each political party.

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• reviews the practices of local election officials.
• prescribes form for all ballots.
• charged with deciding disputed points of election laws. Decisions have force of law until overturned by courts.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of Public Accounts, State Treasurer and Attorney General.
• canvass votes cast for all state and federal offices except state legislative offices and Public Service Commission.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

ELECTION COMMISSIONER-

• appointed by Governor for four year term in three counties; appointed by County Board in four other counties.
• appoints local election officials.
• supervises voter registration.
• provides supplies for elections and voter registration.

COUNTY CLERK-

• in counties without an Election Commissioner, Clerk assumes Election Commissioner responsibilities.
• prints and distributes ballots.
• canvasses the county vote.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

JUDGES AND CLERKS OF ELECTION-

• three Judges and two Clerks are appointed by the Election Commission/County Clerk for a two year term.

COUNTING BOARDS-

• two Judges and two Clerks appointed in the same manner as Judges/Clerks of Election.

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• prescribes rules and regulations for the conduct of elections and voter registration.
• along with justices of the State Supreme Court, tabulates returns received from County Clerks for all offices voted on in state-wide elections.
• must approve all voting machines before use.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• chief election officer at local level, elected for four year term.
• appoints other local election officials.
• administers absentee voting.
• ex-officio County Registrar.

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS-

• administers voter registration in Clark and Washoe Counties.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION BOARD-

• Three member board appointed by County Clerk for each precinct.
• conducts elections at the polling place.

ABSENTEE BALLOT COUNTING BOARD-

• appointed by County Clerk for each election.
• responsible for tally lists, rejected ballots, and preliminary election returns.

 

STATE OFFICE:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected by joint ballot of state senators and representatives for a two year term.
• adopts rules for the composition and style of the Check Lists.
• administers recounts for general elections, Presidential and state primary elections.
• prepares official ballots, absentee ballots and application forms for all state elections.

BALLOT LAW COMMISSION-

• composed of an attorney in good standing appointed by the New Hampshire Supreme Court and two persons appointed by the Governor and Executive Council for four year terms.
• hears appeals for recounts of primary and general elections.
• must approve all voting machines before use.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

MODERATOR-

• elected for two year term.
• presides over central polling place, receives ballots from other polling places, counts ballots and announces winners.
• serves on town Board of Recount.
• checks validity of absentee and unofficial ballots.

TOWN/CITY CLERK-

• elected for one year term, with voter approval, up to three years.
• administers absentee voting.
• serves on town Board of Recount.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

MODERATORS-

• appointed by Supervisors of the Checklist to oversee vote counting.

INSPECTOR OF ELECTION-

• two appointed by each party to be present at polling place. If number of voters in precinct is over 2000, each party may appoint one additional Inspector per 1500 voters.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election official, appointed by Governor and confirmed by the Senate for a four year term.
• provides voter registration forms to state agencies, counties and citizens’ groups.
• monitors county voter registration systems, compliance and results.
• accepts petitions of nomination for federal and state offices.
• canvasses primary election returns to determine candidates for state and federal office.
• canvasses general election results and issues certificates of election for federal and state offices.
• must approve all voting machines before use.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed of the Governor and at least four state legislators (no more than two of the same political party).
• canvasses and certifies vote for state and federal offices.

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• elected for five year term.
• prints and distributes the official ballots, absentee ballots, and sample ballots mailed to every registered voter.
• acts as secretary of the Board of County Canvassers to certify election results to the Secretary of State.

SUPERINTENDENT OF ELECTIONS-

• appointed by Governor with advice and consent of the Senate for five year term. Required in counties with populations over 600,000, optional in other counties.
• administers voter registration.
• investigates charges of fraudulent registration.
• has custody of voting machines.

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• four members appointed by Governor for two year terms two from each of the recognized political parties.
• appoints and supervises District Boards of Election.
• conducts voter registration in counties not having a Superintendent of Elections.
• conducts all recounts.
• receives and counts absentee ballots.
• certifies polling places.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

DISTRICT BOARD OF ELECTION-

• appointed by County Board of Elections for one year term.
• four members, two affiliated with each of the recognized political parties (unaffiliated voters may serve in vacant seats).
• conducts all elections within their district.
• tallies district vote, announces the results and bring results to a municipal clerk or the county Board of Elections for election night tallies.

CHALLENGERS-

• appointed by political parties and candidates to be present at the polls on election day.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• supervises all elections.
• prepares instructions for the conduct of elections and voter registration.
• prescribes methods for tallying absentee ballots.
• provides voter registration forms.
• reports possible election code violations to District Attorneys or Attorney General.
• must approve all voting machines before use.

STATE CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the Governor, Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court and the Secretary of State.
• canvasses returns received from county boards for all state and legislative offices.
• declares results of these elections and certifies the winners.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS-

• counties with with populations over 100,000 elect five member boards, others a three member board, for four year terms.
• designates polling places.
• serves ex-officio , as the County Canvassing Board. (canvasses county election returns, declares results, and issues certificates of election).

COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRATION-

• appointed by County Commissioners for two year terms.
• cancels affidavits of registration of voters who fail to vote in a 4 year period.

COUNTY CLERK-

• responsible for elections at the local level.
• elected for four year term.
• prepares and prints ballots.
• appoints and trains precinct officials.
• receives voter registration affidavits.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT BOARDS_

• appointed by County Clerk, in charge of elections at the precinct level.

ELECTION TRANSLATORS-

• appointed by County Clerk in charge of translation at the polling place (usually American Indian).

CHALLENGERS/WATCHERS-

• appointed by local party chairman to oversee the elections.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• four commissioners appointed by Governor to serve two year term.
• issues rules, regulations and instructions regarding election procedures.
• prescribes voter registration forms.
• can investigate suspected election code violations, direct county election boards to investigate, or appoint special investigators.
• canvasses returns received from counties after primary elections.
• canvasses certified county returns after special and general elections.
• must approve all voting machines before use.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY BOARDS OF ELECTION-

• chief election office at local level, two members, if population is over 120,000 may be increased to four members.
• New York City board has ten members, two from each of New York's five counties.
• administers absentee voting.
• publishes a list of registered voters, and maintains same..
• trains local election officials.
• provides ballots and all other supplies needed for registration and election activities.
• serves as County Canvassing Boards for primary, general and special elections. (canvasses returns for all offices and certifies the results to the State Board of Elections.)

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION INSPECTORS AND POLL CLERKS-

• four Election Inspectors and two clerks appointed for each election to work the polls.

WATCHERS FOR ELECTION AND REGISTRATION-

• nominated candidates for office appoint no more than two watchers to be present at the polling place.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• Principal election supervisory body, five members appointed by Governor for four year term.
• supervises all election practices.
• issues and enforces rules and regulations binding on local officials.
• has power to remove local officials for fraud, neglect or incompetence.
• prescribes form and content of ballots and other forms used in elections.
• prints and distributes ballots for state questions.
• investigates possible election irregularities.
• appoints members to County Boards.
• approves all voting machines before use.
• tabulates election returns, certifies the results and sends results to Secretary of State.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION-

• three members appointed for two year term, responsible for elections at the local level.
• appoints chief judges and other local election officers.
• establishes voter registration systems.
• provides election supplies for each precinct.
• canvasses precinct returns for all elections
• determines and declares results and prepares county abstracts.

MUNICIPAL BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• in municipalities not wishing County Board to conduct elections, three members appointed by city council for two year term.
• identical duties as County Board of Election.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT ELECTION OFFICIALS-

• one Chief Judge and two Judges are appointed for each election by County/ Municipal Board to run precinct polling places on election day.

BALLOT COUNTERS-

• County/Municipal Board appoints to assist Chief Judges and Judges at the polling place.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• provides voter abstract return forms to counties.
• accepts and determines sufficiency of initiative, referendum and nominating petitions.
• places names of primary winners on general election ballot.
• prepares and distributes instructional election material to County Auditors.
• certifies the names of state, district and county officials to be nominated or elected at primary, general or special elections.
• provides certificates of nomination and certificates of election.
• files campaign

STATE BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• composed of the State Treasurer, Clerk of the State Supreme Court, Secretary of State and the state committee chairmen of the two major parties.
• canvasses returns from primary, general, and special elections for state and district offices and sends the results to the Secretary of State.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY AUDITOR-

• chief election official at the local level, elected for four year term.
• prints and distributes ballots for all but purely local elections.
• delivers election supplies to the precincts.
• issues nomination and election certificates for county offices.
• transmits certified vote abstracts for federal and state offices to the Secretary of State.

COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, County Auditor, Clerk of the District Court and one member from each of the local committees of the two major parties.
• canvasses precinct returns and prepares statement of results for the County Auditor.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• two Judges of Election and one Inspector are appointed to run the polls on election day.

CHALLENGERS/POLL CHECKERS-

• appointed by the political parties to be at the polls to oversee the election process.

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• prescribes all rules, regulations and instructions necessary to conduct elections.
• appoints County Board of Election members.
• prescribes ballots, voter registration materials and all the election forms required by law.
• investigates election fraud and irregularities.
• ex-officio Chairman of the Ohio Ballot Board.
• appoints Board of Examiners to approve all voting machines.

OHIO BALLOT BOARD-

• composed of the Secretary of State and four members appointed by the leaders of the state Senate and House.
• prescribes explanations and ballot language for all proposed state constitutional amendments.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• chief election office at local level, four members appointed by Secretary of State for four year term.
• establishes election precincts.
• appoints precinct officials.
• administers voter registration.
• provides all registration forms, ballots and other equipment needed for elections.
• canvasses precinct returns, declares the results, prepares and transmits certified abstracts for all elected offices to the Secretary of State.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

ELECTION JUDGES-

• four Judges appointed by County Board of Election

CHALLENGERS/WITNESS-

• certified individuals appointed by candidates and political parties to observe activity at polls.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• composed of three persons appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate.
• appoints members of County Election Boards.
• supervises all County Election Boards.
• trains County Election Board members.
• supplies ballots for all state elections.
• canvasses vote returns and certifies the results for all state and district elected offices.
• hears challenges to district, state and federal candidates.
• must approve all voting devices before use.

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD-

• two members appointed by State Election Board from names submitted by county central committees of the two major parties and a secretary appointed by the State Board of Elections.
• establishes voter precincts.
• appoints Precinct Election Board members.
• supervises all Precinct Election Boards.
• furnishes local ballots and other election supplies to the precincts.
• administers voter registration.
• hears challenges to county, city and school district candidates.
• canvasses precinct returns, tabulates and certifies the results for county offices, transmits certified county returns for state and local offices to the State Election Board.

 

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT ELECTION BOARD-

• one Clerk and one Judge are appointed from each of the major parties for four year terms.
• one Inspector appointed for an indefinite term.

WATCHERS-

• appointed by candidates and political parties.

 

 

STATE OFFICES:

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• promulgates rules and regulations regarding election law administration.
• prepares and distributes instructional material.
• prescribes voter registration forms.
• canvasses returns for state and district offices.
• must approve all voting machines before use.

 

LOCAL OFFICES:

COUNTY CLERK-

• chief election officer at the local level.
• appoints Precinct Election Boards, Voter Registrars and other local election officials.
• advises, directs and trains local election officials.
• canvasses county precinct returns and transmits abstracts of returns to the Secretary of State.
• administers absentee voting.
• administers voter registration.

 

ELECTION DAY OFFICERS:

PRECINCT ELECTION BOARD-

• three or more members appointed by the County Clerk for two year terms.
• issues ballots.

COUNTING BOARDS-

• four or more members appointed by the County Clerk for two year terms.
• counts ballots.

CHALLENGERS/WATCHERS-

• appointed by candidates and political parties to observe at the polls on election day.

 

 

SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH-

• chief election officer, appointed by Governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate.
• prescribes forms for nominating petitions, voter registration materials and all other necessary forms and records.
• must approve all electronic voting systems before use.
• provides for the effective administration of the state's mail registration law.
• canvasses returns from County Election Boards for state and federal offices, tabulates and certifies the results and issues certificates of election.

 

COUNTY ELECTION BOARDS-

• composed of County Commissioners serving in an ex-officio capacity.
• Board has jurisdiction over county level elections.
• appoints, trains and supervises local election officials.
• investigates possible election code violations.
• provides ballots and all other supplies required for elections.
• canvasses local returns after each election, tabulates the vote, announces the results of local elections and transmits certified copies of the results to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

COUNTY REGISTRATION COMMISSION-

• same powers and responsibilities as the Voter Registration Commission in all other jurisdictions.

 

DISTRICT ELECTION BOARD-

• elected for four year terms.
• composed of one Judge of Election, one majority party Inspector of Election, and one minority party Inspector of Election.

CLERKS OF ELECTION/MACHINE INSPECTORS-

• Inspectors of the District Election Board appoint one each per precinct for each election.

CONSTABLE-

• maintains order at the polling place.

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• elected for two year term.
• prescribes form of and provides ballots for all elections.
• provides election law manuals for candidates and election officials.
• maintains central registration of voters.
• prescribes absentee ballot forms.

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• seven members appointed by Governor (two Democrats and two Republicans) to serve staggered 14 year terms.
• exercises general supervision of the administration of election law by the local boards.
• provides training for election officials.
• provides voter registration forms.
• tabulates votes cast after each election.
• must approve voting machines before use.

LOCAL CANVASSING BOARDS-

• three members appointed by the legislative body of each city or town for a six year term.
• administers local voter registration.
• administers local redistricting.
• appoints Wardens and Clerks for each polling place.
• canvasses municipal mail ballots and transmits abstract to the State Board of Elections.

 

 

SUPERVISORS OF ELECTION-

• composed of Inspectors, Supervisors, Wardens and Clerks appointed by Local Canvassing Board from election to election.

WATCHERS/RUNNERS/CHECKERS-

• certified individuals appointed by Local Canvassing Board.

 

 

 

 

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION-

• five members appointed by Governor for four year terms.
• prints and distributes all forms for absentee registration and voting.
• prints ballots for certain elections, approves all others.
• furnishes counties with all forms necessary for voter registration.

STATE BOARD OF VOTING MACHINE COMMISSIONERS-

• composed ex-officio of the State Election Commission.
• examines and approves all voting machines before use.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed ex-officio of the State Election Commission.
• canvasses all votes cast in the state.
• certifies the results of all elections.
• announces the winners of all elections.
• hears appeals from decisions of County Boards of Canvassers in protests of elections for county and sub-county offices.
• hears protests of elections for federal, state, and multi-county offices.

 

 

COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRATION-

• between three and five members appointed every even numbered year by the Governor.
• administers voter registration.

COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION-

• three to five members appointed by the Governor to
• supervise elections at the local level.
• prints and distributes ballots for county, local and circuit elections.
• administers absentee voting.
• appoints managers for each polling place.

COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS-

• composed ex-officio of the Commissioners of Elections.
• canvass all votes cast in the county, declare the results and transmit results to the State Board of Canvassers.

POLL MANAGERS-

• appointed by the County Commission for each election

CLERKS-

• Commissioners appoint Clerks from among Poll Managers to assist with election day duties.

POLL WATCHERS-

• political parties and candidates appoint individuals to observe at the polls on election day.

 

 

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• composed of the Secretary of State (elected for a four year term), and six other members appointed by Democratic leaders of the House and Senate and Republican leaders of the House and Senate.
• promulgates rules and regulations relating to ballot counting and canvassing.
• prescribes forms of ballots and voter registration records.
• approves all voting machines before use.

STATE CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the Governor, Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Attorney General and the Secretary of State.
• Secretary of State performs all administrative functions.
• canvasses returns for federal, state, judicial, and legislative offices.

COUNTY AUDITOR-

• chief local election official, elected for four year term.
• appoints precinct election officials.
• provides all supplies and forms for county voter registration.
• provides ballots for countywide elections.
• supervises County Commissioner canvass of county vote for transmittal to the Secretary of State.

 

PRECINCT ELECTION BOARD-

• composed of a Superintendent of Elections, one/two Judges of Election and one/two Election Clerks appointed by the County Auditor.

POLL WATCHERS-

• appointed by political parties and candidates to observe elections at polls.

 

COORDINATOR OF ELECTIONS-

• chief election official, appointed by the Secretary of State.
• entrusted with the general supervision of elections and voter registration.
• interprets election code for state and local election officials.
• trains local election officials.
• provides County Election Commissions with voter registration forms.
• adopts uniform standards for voting machines.

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION-

• five members elected by joint resolution of the General Assembly, three from the majority party in the legislature and two from the minority party for four year terms.
• appoints County Election Commissioners.
• certifies names of candidates for statewide elections.
• must approve all voting machines/systems before use.

 

COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION-

• five members, three from majority party in the legislature and two from the minority party, appointed by State Election Commission for two year terms.
• administers voter registration.
• appoints and instructs local election officials.
• provides ballots for primary and general elections.

 

POLLING PLACE OFFICIALS-

• includes one Officer of Election and three Judges appointed by the County Election Commission.

WATCHERS-

• appointed by political parties and candidates to observe elections.

 

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, appointed by Governor with the consent of state Senate for four year term.
• prepares and distributes written directives to election officials.
• provides educational training and materials for election officials.
• prescribes and furnishes election forms.
• appoints inspectors upon request for any election to observe all election procedures.
• canvasses votes reported from the counties for general elections.
• tabulates election returns from the counties.
• maintains Texas Voter Registration System (TVRS), a registration service program to assist registrars in maintaining accurate lists of registered voters.
• conducts examinations and approves all voting systems in Texas.
• administers funds for primary election financing and voter registration programs.
• administers Project V.O.T.E. voter education program for schools.

ATTORNEY GENERAL-

• investigates allegations of criminal conduct regarding elections.

 

COMMISSIONERS COURT-

• composed of County Judge and four Commissioners, elected for four year term.
• orders general elections.
• canvasses votes cast in county races.
• creates precincts within its county.
• designates polling places within each precinct.
• canvasses votes cast in county races.
• conducts all recounts for which they are canvassing authority.

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD-

• chaired by County Clerk.
• consists of County Clerk, County Judge, Voter Registrar, Sheriff and County Chair of each political party.
• established for any election ordered by a county authority or held at county expense.
• responsible for procurement, allocation and distribution of election supplies for elections ordered by the governing county authority.

COUNTY CLERK-

• elected for four year term.
• serves as chief election officer of the county.
• administers all early voting.
• prepares all ballots.
• prepares returns for all votes cast in county.
• may serve as voter registrar, administering county voter registration program.

COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR-

• elected for four year term.
• serves as voter registrar, administering county voter registration program.

ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR-

• position created by order of the Commissioners Court.
• appointed by county election commissioner for no specific length of term.
• upon creation of the office, assumes election duties of the County Clerk and the registration duties of the County Tax Assessor/Collector.

COUNTY CHAIRS-

• elected for two year term at the party primary election.
• responsible for the overall conduct of the primary election.
• procures and allocates election supplies for the primary election.

EARLY VOTING CLERK-

• appointed by authority ordering the election.
• conducts early voting (by mail and in-person) for the election.
• basically same duties and authority with respect to early voting as Election Judge has with polling place voting.

EARLY VOTING BALLOT BOARD-

• consists of Presiding Judge and at least two Clerks.
• Presiding Judge is appointed by the governing body.
• Clerks are appointed by the Presiding Judge.
• convenes for the purpose of counting early voted ballots.

ELECTION JUDGE-

• appointed by the governing body for each election for a one year term.
• responsible for the conduct of an election at the polling place.
• administers oaths.
• designates duties of the Clerks.
• has the power of a District Court Judge, including the power to issue arrest warrants for improper activities at a polling place.

POLL WATCHERS-

• serves on behalf of a candidate, political party or political action committee.
• may observe all election day activities.

 

 

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term running on same ticket as the Governor.
• certifies proposed state constitutional amendments.
• receives initiative and referendum petitions and submits the issue before the voters of the state.
• certifies election results.

BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS-

• composed of the State Auditor, State Treasurer and the Attorney General, and Lt. Governor as Secretary of Board.
• canvasses vote cast for all offices and ballot questions.

 

COUNTY CLERK-

• elected for four year term.
• administers voter registration in the county.
• provides official ballots for all elections.
• checks validity of signatures on initiative and referendum petitions.
• conducts absentee registration and voting.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS-

• administers redistricting within the county.
• appoints Judges of Election.
• appoints voter registration agents.
• serves as Board of County Canvassers to count all votes cast in county and declares the election results.
• adopts voting systems in line with state requirements.

 

 

RECEIVING JUDGES AND COUNTING JUDGES-

• three Judges appointed by the County Clerk to work the polls on election day.

 

 

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for two year term.
• prints and furnishes ballots for all elections.
• establishes regulations for the use of voting machines.
• tabulates certified votes received from Town Clerks after general elections for state, county and congressional offices.
• in conjunction with the Speaker of the House and Lt. Governor, canvasses certificates of votes for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and President.

STATE CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the Secretary of State, Superior Judge and the Chairmen of the state committees of each of the two major parties.
• canvasses primary returns for state and congressional offices.

 

TOWN CLERK-

• receives applications for absentee ballots.
• certifies the vote for state and congressional offices to the Secretary of State.
• administers voter registration, verifies and updates checklist.
• responsible for posting checklist in two or more public places in the town/village 30 days before any election.

BOARD OF CIVIL AUTHORITY-

• composed of the Town Selectmen, Town Justices and Town Clerk.
• canvasses town vote for all offices.

 

PRESIDING OFFICER-

• one appointed for each polling place by the Board of Civil Authority to prepare polling place and voting equipment, closing the polls, counting the votes and certifying the results of the count.

ASSISTANT ELECTION OFFICERS-

• appointed in "sufficient number" by the Board of Civil Authority to assist the Presiding Officer.

 

 

STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS-

• three members appointed by the Governor for four year terms, political party of the Governor has two members, opposition party has one member.
• supervises and coordinates work of County and City Electoral Boards and General Registrars.
• prescribes form of ballots for all elections, voter registration cards and absentee voting material.
• approves all voting machines/systems before use.
• canvasses Electoral Board returns,verifies against precinct results, certifies results of statewide referenda, prepares certified statement of results an issues certificates of election for federal and state offices, members of the General Assembly, and local offices shared by more than one county or city administers statewide automated voter registration system from which election rosters for use at all polling places in all elections are produced.

 

COUNTY/CITY ELECTORAL BOARDS-

• three members, one appointed each year by a majority of county/city circuit court judges for three year term, two represent political party of Governor, one the opposing party.
• appoints local election officers and general registrar.
• provides ballots for all elections.
• after primary, municipal, and special elections, determines local results and transmits abstract to State Board.
• after general elections, determines city or county results for all offices, and transmits certified abstracts to State Board, and for federal, state, General Assembly and local offices shared by more than one city or county, sends copies of precinct results to the State Board.
• issues certificates of election for all local offices not shared with another jurisdiction.

COUNTY/CITY REGISTRARS-

• appointed by local Electoral Boards for four year terms.
• administers voter registration.
• appoints assistant registrars.

 

OFFICERS OF ELECTION-

• not less than three individuals per precinct appointed by Electoral Board for one year term.
• administers and supervises elections at the polling place, canvass and certify results of the precinct vote.

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• prescribes content of all necessary election forms, including voter registration forms.
• prepares and distributes informational pamphlets on state measures to the voters.
• promulgates rules and regulations regarding the electronic voter registration system.
• canvasses general election returns.

 

 

COUNTY AUDITOR-

• elected for four year term.
• designates polling places, provides ballots and voting machines for each polling place.
• appoints precinct election officers.
• administers absentee voting.
• administers voter registration as Chief Registrar of Voters.
• prepares county vote abstracts for transmittal to Secretary of State.

COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the County Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney and the Chairman of the County Commissioners.
• tabulates county vote and certifies the canvass with the County Auditor.

 

PRECINCT ELECTION OFFICERS-

• County Auditor appoints one Judge from each of the two major parties and one Inspector to staff the polling place on election day.

PARTY OBSERVERS-

• designated representatives of each party witness the counting of ballots.

 

 

 

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election officer, elected for four year term.
• develops all procedures and forms for voter registration and absentee voting.
• investigatory power for election administration irregularities.
• sets rules on implementation of election laws.
• receives candidate filings in multi-county races and certifies candidates.

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION-

• composed of the Secretary of State and four persons appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate.
• approves all voting machines before use.
• advises Secretary of State in his rulemaking function.
• sets rules on political activity by corporations.

 

COUNTY COMMISSION-

• three members elected for six year terms.
• appoints local election officials.
• also serve as Board of Canvassers.
• declares and certifies election results.

CLERK OF COUNTY COMMISSION-

• elected for six year term.
• serves as registrar of voters.
• prepares and administers elections on precinct level.

BOARD OF BALLOT COMMISSIONERS-

• composed of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and one person appointed by the Clerk from each of the two major parties.
• provides ballots for all elections.
• Clerk of Circuit Court also administers absentee voting and receives candidate filings for county races.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT-

• elected for six year term.
• receives candidate filings.
• administers absentee voting with Ballot Commissioners.
• provides ballots for all elections with Ballot Commissioners.

 

ELECTION COMMISSIONERS AND POLL CLERKS-

• three Election Commissioners and two Clerks are appointed by the County Commission for each election to run the individual polling places.
• for paper ballot systems, second board of three Election Commissioners and two Clerks are appointed to count ballots in large precincts (over 300 voters).
• two extra Clerks are appointed in precincts with over 700 registered voters for duty during Presidential elections. In precincts with between 500-700 registered voters, the County Commission may appoint two additional Clerks for Presidential elections.

 

STATE ELECTIONS BOARD-

• Board members appointed by Governor for two year terms.
• trains County and Municipal Clerks and other election officials.
• prepares and distributes information on voter registration and election laws to election officials and the general public.
• administers state election law.
• must approve voting machines before use.
• tabulates state votes.
• Chairperson of State Elections Board conducts the canvass and certifies the state election returns.

 

COUNTY CLERKS-

• prints ballots for federal, state, and county elections.
• supplies election materials for federal, state, and county elections to the municipalities.
• tabulates and certifies the county vote by serving on the County Board of Canvassers.

MUNICIPAL CLERKS-

• prints ballots for municipal elections.
• provides ballots and other election supplies to the wards.
• administers voter registration.
• handles requests for absentee ballots.

BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS-

• for cities and counties with populations greater than 500,000 (Milwaukee).
• three members selected by mayor or county executive.
• performs all duties otherwise performed by County and Municipal Clerks and County Canvassing Boards

INSPECTORS-

• three to seven Inspectors appointed by Governing Body or Board of Election Commissioners to operate each polling place for two year terms. Unless inspectors are appointed without regard to party affiliation, four are from the majority party and three from the minority party as determined by the vote in the last general election.

OBSERVERS-

• political parties may appoint two party observers and two alternates per polling place to observe conduct of election.
• any member of the public, except candidate on ballot.
• anyone may be present at the tabulation after close of polls.

 

 

SECRETARY OF STATE-

• chief election official, elected for four year term.
• receives and provides forms for nomination applications and petitions for state and national offices.
• receives initiative and referendum applications and certifies or denies applications.
• makes copies of state election code available to County Clerks and local election officials.
• issues certification of nomination to winners in statewide primaries.

STATE CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor and State Treasurer.
• reviews abstracts prepared by Secretary of State and certifies them as the official state canvass.

 

COUNTY CLERK-

• elected for four year term.
• furnishes voter registration forms to registry agents.
• administers absentee registration and voting.
• provides all election supplies to local officials.
• prints all ballots.
• provides instruction cards on ballot preparation for elections.
• appoints Judges of Election and Counting Boards for each polling place.

COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD-

• composed of the County Clerk and one member of each major party appointed by County Commissioners.
• reviews and certifies abstracts of county vote.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS-

• adopts all voting machines/systems meeting state statutory specifications.

 

JUDGES OF ELECTION-

• at least three Judges per precinct appointed by the County Clerk for two year term.

COUNTING BOARDS-

• three or more members appointed by County Clerk from lists submitted by the county Chairpersons from the two major political parties for two year term.