Welcome to Election Center! As a new member to the National Association of Election Officials, here at the top-line offerings you want to be aware of:

Election Center offers a variety of event experiences

• January (Open to Nonmembers): Each year we convene in Washington, D.C. for our Joint Election Official Liaison Committee (JEOLC) meeting to be briefed by our federal partners and discuss potential legislative and policy activity for the year.
• February (Members Only): Our first workshop of the year highlights professional practices chosen by members the previous year as People’s Choice Award recipients. Workshops provide for a more interactive environment with attendees having plenty of time to connect, share and learn from each other as well as learn from highlighted speakers.
• April (Members Only): The second workshop focuses on state associations and localized networks, bringing together local leaders and interested members to share what is working “back home” and gain insights on how to take organizations, conferences, and their state efforts to the next level.
• August (Open to Nonmembers): The Annual Conference is a time to celebrate our Professional Practice Award winners, Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame winners, and the year’s CERA Graduates. Plenary sessions, numerous tracks of breakout sessions, and an exhibit hall provide content relevant to election professionals no matter where you are on your career path.
• October (In Odd-numbered Years): The Symposium is held on the beautiful Auburn campus and provides an opportunity to hear about the most recent academic work on election administration and practitioner-academic partnerships.

All members are welcome to join our Member Committees.  There are currently 5 standing committees—this can change as membership determines that they would like to create additional committees or working groups (a less formal effort).

Committees meet in person at JEOLC and at the Annual Conference.

• Communication & Outreach Committee: Members of this committee receive emails of press inquiries, invitations to participate in press briefings, and network to share resources and strategies.
• Legislative Committee: Members have liaison leaders to policy makers and staff at the state and federal levels. The committee does not lobby, but it does educate on draft legislation, legislative impacts, and real-world implications.
• Postal Committee: Members provide leadership to the United States Postal Service’s Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) and work closely with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
• Program Development & Awards Committee: Members help to inform event content and serve as the judges for the Professional Practice Papers, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Award programs.
• Security Committee: Members inform content and represent the organization on a number of national efforts, including on the Government Coordinating Council (GCC).

Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA) Individual Certification

Any Election Center member can take courses and become CERA certified. The CERA certification offers thorough training in election administration, covering legal, managerial, and technical aspects, and demonstrates a deep commitment to electoral integrity and efficiency.

Journal of Election Administration, Research & Practice

The Journal of Election Administration Research & Practice is a biannual e-journal developed in partnership between Election Center and the Auburn University Election Administration Initiative. It is designed to address the concerns of the practice, policy, research, vendor, and advocacy communities involved in the administration of elections in the US and abroad.  

electionline.org

electionline is the nation’s only nonpartisan, non-advocacy clearinghouse for election reform news and information. Every weekday you will find curated news about election administration.  On Thursdays, electionlineWeekly is published with additional content: blog posts, legislation and litigation updates, opinion pieces, and the always popular Job Postings.

Professional Practice Papers

Each year members are asked to submit programs and initiatives to the award program.  The Program Development and Awards Committee reviews submissions and select winners in eight categories:

• Democracy Award: Best Practice of the year
• Freedom Award: innovation in election administration
• Stars and Stripes Award: recognizing outstanding partnerships
• Eagles Award: exemplary use of technology
• Beacon Award: embodies our Principles & Standards of Conduct
• Stewardship Award: time and cost savings
• Independence Award: outstanding service and accessibility
• Guardian Award: innovation for election security

Get your CERA certification

The CERA certification offers thorough training in election administration, covering legal, managerial, and technical aspects, and demonstrates a deep commitment to electoral integrity and efficiency. Although courses can be taken in any order, one path to consider is laid out below.

Introduction to Election Systems and Procedures (CERA Courses 1)

This first course in the CERA program focuses on analyzing and charting the major subsystems that make up the electoral process in order to identify relationships, clarify responsibilities, and promote control.

Foundation of Election Administration (CERA Courses 5, 9-10)

Courses on Ethics in Election Administration and the History of Elections lay the foundation for modern-day professionals. Course 5 is not offered as an online option and must be taken in person.

Effective Election Management and Leadership (CERA Courses 2-4, 6-8)

Management, contingency planning, communications and public relations are some of the basic tenets of the profession. The remaining core courses provide not only the theory and academic study in these areas, but also time to work with colleagues from across the country to hear what challenges they have faced and how they overcame them.

Registered Election Official (REO) State-based Certification

The REO program is a partnership between a state organization and Election Center.  State associations and chief election officials can engage Election Center to provide a state-based program tailored to the state’s needs.

electionline.org

electionline is the nation’s only nonpartisan, non-advocacy clearinghouse for election reform news and information. Every weekday you will find curated news about election administration. On Thursdays, electionlineWeekly is published with addtional content: blog posts, legislation and litigation updates, opinion pieces, and the always popular Job Postings.

You have your CERA certification, now what?

In addition to keeping your certification current via the renewal process, consider some of the additional areas of engagement with your National Association of Election Officials

Committees

Consider taking on a leadership role in an Election Center committee.

REO Program

Interested in teaching in the REO program? Reach out to staff about opportunities!

Journal of Election Administration, Research & Practice (JEARP)

Contribute to JEARP! Book reviews and case studies are staples in the Journal. Visit the Journal page for more information.

electionline

Write an electionineWeekly blog. Roughly 500 words, these weekly postings are a great way to share what is happening in your office –challenges and successes. Reach out to Mindy Moretti for more information.