Election Specialist I

Under general supervision, provides information to the public and receives and processes documents relating to the Elections Division; assists in preparing for and conducting various elections; performs related work as assigned.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Election Specialist I is the entry level class in this technical series.  Typically, under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning election laws and regulations and County policies and procedures.  This class is alternately staffed with Election Specialist II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Provides information to the public in person, on the phone and in writing on a variety of matters including voter registration, the initiative and recall process, election results, and requirements of the Fair Political Practices Act.
• Issues and receives nomination and election documents for candidates for public office, explains relevant laws and regulations; reviews completed documents for compliance with State guidelines; calculates and accepts filing fees.
• Distributes and receives voter registration forms; verifies addresses and enters voter registration information into the computer system.
• Performs research and gathers information on laws and regulations relating to elections.
• Processes requests for absentee ballots, verifies addresses for undelivered ballots.
• Contacts and schedules election officers and precinct workers prior to elections; mails informational materials and answers questions relating to election day activities.
• Participates in training and directing the work of precinct workers and other temporary staff.
• Inventories materials and supplies used during elections; participates in packing supply boxes for polling places.
• Assists in verifying the accuracy of election equipment, trial ballots, and other election materials.
• Distributes voter registration materials to various locations in the community and participates in the voter outreach program.
• Performs a variety of office support work such as maintaining files, preparing letters, and data entry and retrieval.
• May make simple modifications to update maps used by the Elections Division.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

 

• Office administrative practices and procedures including filing and the use of standard office equipment.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Basic business data processing principles and the use of a personal computer.
• Basic inventory control methods and techniques.
• Business arithmetic, including decimals and percentages.
• Some knowledge of California election laws, regulations, and procedures.

Skill in:
 

• Reading, interpreting, and explaining regulations, laws, rules, and procedures.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and making sound independent decisions within established guidelines.
• Communicating effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records.
• Preparing clear and concise correspondence and other written materials.

 
Other Requirements: 

Must possess a valid California driver's license.  Must be willing to work overtime, including evenings and weekends on a seasonal basis.

Desirable Education and Experience:
 
Election Specialist I:  Two years of clerical or office support work including at least one year of experience that involved the explanation of rules and regulations to the public.
 
Election Specialist II:  In addition to the above, one year of experience in processing elections documents at a level equivalent to the county's class of Election Specialist I.