Elections Investigator

State of North Carolina

About The Position

The N.C. State Board of Elections is the statewide agency that supervises elections administration, enforces campaign finance requirements, and conducts associated investigations. The State Board ensures uniform implementation of state and federal election laws and appoints local officials serving on county boards of elections. The board is composed of 5 individuals appointed by the State Auditor from list of nominees submitted by the chairs of the two political parties having the highest number of registered affiliates. Agency staff are civil servants subject to the State Personnel Act. Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit The Elections and Security and Investigations Division safeguards the integrity of elections across North Carolina. The Division investigates allegations of election fraud, voter fraud, and campaign finance fraud to ensure elections are conducted in compliance with state and federal law. The Division also coordinates with other agency divisions to conduct audits and reviews of election processes and systems. It plays a critical role in protecting public trust in elections by detecting, deterring, and responding to improper or illegal activity. The Division works closely with county boards of elections, the agency ‘s legal staff, and external law enforcement partners to carry out its mission Primary Purpose of the Position The Elections Investigator I performs professional work investigating criminal violations and irregularities relating to the election laws of North Carolina. Elections Investigators conduct investigations of potential violations of North Carolina elections and campaign finance laws. Elections investigators review specialized election records, financial/audit reports, have a working knowledge of elections systems, policies, and procedures on both the state and county levels. Elections Investigators will conduct interviews, analyze elections and financial records, research public and private records, prepare subpoenas and investigative reports. Investigators are expected to conduct logical investigations, present case findings to supervisors and local, state, and federal prosecutorial authorities. Investigators are expected to testify in grand jury proceedings, court proceedings and board hearings. Elections Investigators liaison with state and county boards personnel, sworn law enforcement, prosecutors, candidates for public office, elected officials, election organizations, and the general public. Elections Investigator I primarily work independently under the general supervision of an Elections Investigator II.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of law enforcement experience, preferably focusing on white collar crime; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Performs independent, technical investigative work, including coordination and conducting fieldwork and investigative work, to ensure proper interpretation of and compliance with state and federal election and campaign finance laws, policies and procedures.
Employees in this position work with local state and federal law enforcement agencies. Fieldwork may involve considerable travel.
Conduct investigative audits and county board operation compliance audits. These audits include, but are not limited to, election data integrity audits and campaign finance investigative audits.
Assess business needs in election technology that can minimis noncompliance risks.
Works requires developing corrective action plans and teaching laws, policies and procedures to county elections boards members and staff, as well as to individuals and other entities which are subjects of audits.
Gather and analyze evidence and prepare investigative reports.
Prepare evidence for hearings and court proceedings.
Coordinate with Lead Investigator, Director of Elections Security and Enforcement, Executive Director, State Board, attorneys and prosecutors to prepare and provide expert testimony in hearings and court proceedings.
Conduct short and long-range planning to ensure that alleged violations are investigated in a timely manner, that investigative records are maintained thoroughly and accurately, and that violations are referred within the relevant statutes of limitations for remedial action.
Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with election personnel, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and the general public.
Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.