Elections Deputy

County of Kittitas • Ellensburg, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Elections Deputy is the principal operational employee responsible for performing assigned election functions and actions, including voter registration, candidate filing, ballot and tabulation preparation, voter services, election-day operations, canvassing support, and required election records. The Elections Deputy works under the direction of the Chief Administrator and applies applicable local, state, and federal requirements and County policies. The Chief Administrator retains overall responsibility for the election process, management of all staff, and final decision-making authority. Must maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with administrative and other County personnel, public agencies, and the general public, and work under the guidance of Local/State/Federal regulations and County policies/procedures.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience working with computers, word-processing software, and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Washington State Election Administrator within two (2) years of hire and maintain certification.
• Valid and active driver’s license.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, the place and manner in which the position will be performed, and any verifiable information related to the candidate’s rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training will be taken into consideration.

Nice To Haves

• Obtain and maintain certification as a Washington State Election Administrator in accordance with applicable RCW and WAC requirements, including WAC 434-260-220.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned election functions and actions in accordance with current federal and state election and voter-registration laws, rules, procedures, and County policies.
• Implement election-office procedures and operational changes as directed by the Chief Administrator to maintain compliance with applicable laws and requirements.
• Research, evaluate, and assist with implementation of computer programming, ballot-tabulation equipment, and related election systems.
• Maintain and update the voter registration database using official government sources, databases, and election-management tools; verify data accuracy.
• Process voter-registration transactions; and prepare and distribute authorized voter lists and related election materials in accordance with applicable RCW, WAC, and County procedures.
• Process and document required voter communications and notices under RCW Title 29A, including verification notices, acknowledgment notices, automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice packages, and confirmation notices.
• Prepare Vote Centers, including the CWU Student HUB when used, with required supplies and materials for each election.
• Distribute the annual jurisdictional questionnaire to support candidate filing and election planning.
• Coordinate with municipalities and junior taxing districts to obtain measure and candidate information for each ballot, provide current officeholder information, and communicate election and resolution-submission deadlines.
• Accept and process candidate filings based on the candidate’s residence location and applicable filing requirements.
• Prepare and publish required public notices regarding deadlines, observation opportunities, ballot measures, issues, and candidates in a timely manner.
• Provide in-house ballots to eligible voters after the initial ballot extract is sent to the printer.
• Prepare ballot test decks and support required testing of ballot-tabulation equipment, including testing all issue and candidate positions and verifying accurate tabulation in accordance with applicable WAC requirements.
• Coordinate the work of Vote Center workers and provide procedural instruction regarding their legal and operational duties.
• Coordinate and support accessible Vote Centers that meet applicable ADA requirements and maintain adequate ballots, voter lists, marking tools, required notices, and other supplies.
• Respond to operational contingencies and support the execution of Election Day operations; promptly consult the Chief Administrator regarding significant operational, legal, policy, or management decisions.
• Support the County Canvassing Board by obtaining written designations or substitutions, coordinating proposed meeting schedules and public-meeting notices, preparing and issuing required notices for open public meetings, researching questioned ballots and presenting factual findings, preparing meeting minutes and supporting records, and assisting with applicable legal procedures for recounts.
• Tabulate election results and prepare preliminary results for publication in accordance with established procedures and the direction of the Chief Administrator.
• Process and publish any updated results as recommended.
• Prepare election reconciliation reports for presentation to the Canvassing Board for certification of each election.
• Provide certification results to the Office of the Secretary of State.
• Maintain the Canvassing Board Manual and related election reference materials in current condition.
• Calculate and apportion election costs among participating districts using the approved formula furnished by the Washington Secretary of State.
• Prepare annual cost-allocation calculations and supporting information for the Chief Administrator’s review and decision.
• Coordinate with political parties regarding election observers, observer training, and the election schedule.
• Utilizing the State Uniform Design for ballot envelopes, maintain current legal requirements.
• Ensure sufficient supplies are available for each election cycle.
• Provide districts with deadlines and intent-to-publish information for the Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
• Provide candidates with deadlines and requirements for inclusion in the Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
• Receive ballot-measure statements, statements for and against, and rebuttal statements for placement in the pamphlet.
• Receive candidate statements and verify administrative compliance with applicable rules and requirements.
• Compile submitted materials and required information for inclusion in the pamphlet in accordance with RCW 29A.32 and other applicable requirements.
• Coordinate with the printer regarding the distribution plan for the Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
• Participate in the recruitment process for temporary election staff as assigned.
• Provide operational orientation and procedural training to temporary election staff and volunteers regarding voter registration and ballot issuance and voter services.
• Provide procedural training on implementation of new election laws and approved procedures.
• Provide training on election technology procedures and troubleshoot operational issues; elevate significant system, policy, or staffing issues to the Chief Administrator.
• Attend conferences and educational seminars to maintain and expand election-administration knowledge and capabilities.
• Complete special projects and other department-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Kittitas County is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Kittitas County does not discriminate against any employee on the basis of protected class status. All employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated, and if appropriate, disciplined or terminated without regard to race, color, religion or creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age (over 40), marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation or gender identity, veteran status, use of a guide or service animal, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability (unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED