Director of Elections
General Statement
Under limited supervision, the Director of Elections provides strategic and operational leadership for the Board of Elections office. The Director oversees voter registration, maintains accurate voter registration records, and administers elections in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Key responsibilities include planning and directing office operations; preparing for and attending regular Board meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., as well as any special or emergency meetings; coordinating all phases of the election process and presenting implementation plans for Board approval; and developing the annual budget for Board consideration and approval. The position requires sound independent judgment and the ability to interpret and apply established policies, procedures, and regulations based on professional training and experience. The Director must demonstrate exceptional tact, discretion, and professionalism in frequent interactions with candidates, political party representatives, election officials, and members of the public. A strong working knowledge of Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes is essential.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Office Leadership and Election Administration
· Directs and organizes the daily operations of the Board of Elections office, including planning, scheduling, and supervising the work of full-time and part-time personnel.
· Administers voter registration, early voting, absentee voting, Election Day voting, canvassing, recounts, and post-election procedures in accordance with federal law, Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes, State Board of Elections rules, Board directives, and applicable State Board of Elections Numbered Memos.
· Represents the Board of Elections as a county department head and performs personnel-related duties with the advice and consent of the Board, consistent with the Delegation of Duties and Authority of the Director of Elections and Deputy Director of Elections.
Legal Resources: Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes | North Carolina State Board of Elections Numbered Memos
Board Administration and Records
· Maintains official Board records and prepares meeting agendas for the Chair’s review and approval before presentation to the Board.
· Manages routine correspondence with the Board and the public and keeps Board members informed of matters requiring their attention.
· Prepares all legally required public notices related to elections, voter registration, absentee voting, and precinct changes.
· Provides voter maps, lists, or mailing labels upon request and collects applicable copy fees in accordance with Anson County policy.
Voter Registration and List Maintenance
· Administers the permanent voter registration system, including processing new registrations, address and precinct transfers, party affiliation changes, and other record updates.
· Conducts voter list maintenance in accordance with applicable laws and procedures, including the removal of records for deceased individuals, persons disqualified due to felony status, and individuals who no longer reside in the county.
· Administers all required list-maintenance procedures and safeguards the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of voter registration records.
Election Preparation and Operations
· Maintains regular communication with precinct officials, provides required training, communicates changes in election law and procedures, and supplies all election materials necessary for the proper conduct of elections.
· Prepares ballots for voting equipment; supervises pre-election logic and accuracy testing; and oversees the secure storage, maintenance, delivery, and return of voting equipment.
· Secures suitable polling places and maintains effective working relationships with polling-site representatives.
· Assists the Board with establishing or modifying precinct boundaries and creating new precincts, as required.
· Supervises the issuance of absentee ballot request forms and absentee ballots in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
· Prepares election abstracts and assists the Board with canvassing election returns.
Candidate and Campaign Finance Administration
· Accepts notices of candidacy for elective office, advises candidates regarding applicable laws and procedures, and receives and records filing fees.
· Receives, maintains, and oversees the review of campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees.
Budget, Coordination, and Professional Development
· Prepares the annual departmental budget for Board approval, monitors expenditures throughout the fiscal year, and conducts other election-related business as assigned.
· Coordinates with county municipalities and departments on election-related matters.
· Completes all training and certification requirements established by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
· Performs all duties professionally and carries out other responsibilities assigned by the Board or the Chair.