Election officials are the everyday Americans who administer our elections, keeping our democracy safe and secure. They undergo extensive training to make sure the necessary rules and laws are followed as they impartially conduct elections.
Election officials regularly test voting machines and election equipment, often in view of the public, to ensure that the final results will be accurate. They also follow existing protocols that are in place to verify voter eligibility before an individual is registered to vote and to keep voter rolls up to date by removing those who have died, moved out of state or otherwise become ineligible.
At the county level, elections can be managed by a single individual, a board or commission, or shared between multiple entities.
Across the country, county election officials have different titles, but some of the most common are county clerks, county supervisors, county auditors, boards of elections, or election commissions.
County election officials are often responsible for overseeing the voter registration process, mailing ballots, deciding the number and location of polling places, and ensuring that there are an adequate number of well-trained poll workers to staff each location on Election Day and during any early voting periods.
In 37 states, the secretary of state serves as the chief election officer. These individuals collaborate with federal and county officials to make sure that elections for the entire state are safe, secure and fair.
They provide critical oversight, making sure any recent changes in voting laws are smoothly implemented. In some states, a different state official takes on the role of chief election officer.
For example, in Alaska and Utah, the chief election officer role is held by the lieutenant governor; in other states, the role is held by a board or commission that runs elections.
The secretary of state or a similar official is typically responsible for a number of election- related duties before, during and after Election Day. Depending on the state, some of these responsibilities may include:
- Designing ballots.
- Sending out vote-by-mail ballots to anyone in the state who has requested one.
- Maintaining accurate statewide voter databases and updating voter rolls.
- Procuring voting equipment.
- Troubleshooting technical issues during early voting and on Election Day.
- Ensuring statewide election results are accurately counted and reported.
- And, oftentimes, taking part in the process to certify election results after Election Day.
These everyday Americans keep our elections fair — and they take this responsibility seriously.
In recent years, however, these individuals who have spent their careers safeguarding the electoral process are facing unprecedented levels of threats, harassment and intimidation.
Campaign Legal Center continues to support states as they pass and implement legislation to protect election officials and poll workers from harmful threats and violence.
Several states currently have laws that protect election officials and poll workers, many of which were passed following the 2020 election.
At the end of the day, election officials are vital to our democracy. They are people in our communities who put in long hours before, during and after Election Day.
They are our friends and neighbors, and they know it’s up to them to make sure votes are cast fairly and counted correctly. So, when you go to cast your vote in the next election — don’t forget to thank them for a job well done.
This blog is also authored by CLC Legal Intern Carolyn Daly.