Elections Intern (Auditor's Office)

Johnson County • Iowa City, IA

1d • $17 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision and in accordance with Iowa law, this internship is responsible for routine functions supporting the elections staff. Applicants are required to submit a résumé and are encouraged to submit a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the internship. Technical skills, such as computer troubleshooting, are preferred. This part-time internship requires the availability and ability to work a minimum of 12 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from August 24, 2026, through December 4, 2026. In addition, applicants must be available to work specific mandatory hours during peak election periods, including Election Day. The required work schedule, including the mandatory dates and hours identified, is an essential function and condition of this internship. Applicants should apply only if they are able to commit to and maintain this availability throughout the internship. Following hire, the intern is expected to maintain the required availability for the duration of the internship. An intern who is unable to meet these scheduling requirements may no longer be eligible to continue the internship, consistent with applicable law and County policy.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent; currently enrolled in a college or university.
• Strong communication, organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner.
• Ability to read, interpret, explain and apply provisions of the election code to specific situations.
• Ability to process and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to perform technical and clerical tasks with a high degree of speed and accuracy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with appointed and elected officials, other employees and members of the public.
• Ability to interact effectively with persons from widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases.
• Ability to use a computer for the purpose of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, email and Internet.
• Ability to operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax and postage machines, photocopiers, personal computers, and multi-line telephones.
• Ability to handle low to high levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to organize and present factual information and ideas clearly and concisely, in both oral and written form.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication.
• Sufficient vision which permits production and review a wide variety of materials both in hardcopy and electronic form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to make mechanical repairs, handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard.
• Sufficient personal mobility to complete duties at various worksites.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, twist, and reach.
• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work flexible schedule and overtime as required during election cycles.

Nice To Haves

• Technical skills, such as computer troubleshooting, are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow election laws of Iowa.
• Register Johnson County residents to vote and update registration records by accurately completing appropriate forms according to Iowa law.
• Enter, update, delete or modify voter registration information in a computer system.
• Generate lists and reports from internal and statewide registration systems and produce printed or electronic copies of segments of the lists as requested.
• Produce, edit and revise correspondence including but not limited to e-mails, memos, reports, notices, forms, mailing labels, manuals, and special instructions.
• Scan and file documents and maintain voter records on statewide system.
• Process and distribute absentee ballots as requested by mail. Process in-person and satellite requests for absentee ballots, completing all supporting documentation and reports and entering all necessary information on absentee, voter registration and poll-worker software.
• Represent Johnson County and participates in training/education opportunities and work- related meetings as requested.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.
• Work Election Day in November.
• Any other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED