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.
Education and Experience
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent and at least three (3) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a county Board of Elections office. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Licenses or Certifications:
Complete N.C. Elections Administrator Certification within three (3) years of employment.
Complete N.C. State Board of Elections Treasurer Training within six (6) months of employment.
Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license and a driving record that meets county requirements.
Background Check Requirement: As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must submit fingerprints and authorize a criminal history record check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 163-27.2.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands:
The employee must possess the physical capacity to operate a variety of standard and specialized office equipment, including computers, calculators, copiers, telephones, printers, voting equipment, absentee-ballot counting equipment, and presentation equipment. The position requires the ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or continuously to move objects. The physical demands exceed those ordinarily associated with sedentary work and are consistent with light work, which may require walking or standing for significant periods. The position may also involve operating arm or leg controls requiring force greater than that typically associated with sedentary work, even when the employee remains seated for most of the workday.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a professional environment that requires the regular exercise of sound judgment and independent decision-making. Decisions associated with this position may have significant consequences for the organization and the community; therefore, the employee must evaluate relevant information carefully and act accurately, promptly, and in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
Work Location: Anson County Board of Elections 402 Morven Road Wadesboro, NC 28170
Employment Status: Full-time
Department: Elections
Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Anson County Board of Elections Board Members, with secondary oversight from Executive Director Sam Hayes of the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Application Process
Submit an Anson County application to Gerald Poplin, Interim Elections Director at 402 Morven Road Wadesboro, NC 28170 or email gpoplin@ansoncountync.gov. Applications may be obtained at www.co.anson.nc.us.
Closing Date: Open Until Filled.