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Commissioner of Elections Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Unclassified Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 11/02/22; 5/26/23; 2/23/26 COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for administering and ensuring the smooth and accurate execution of all aspects of the election process as outlined in New York State Election Law for Local, State, and Federal primaries and General Elections. As the chief administrator of the Department, the Commissioner must organize, direct and coordinate the work of all employees to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Department. The Commissioner interprets and enforces the New York State election law and related Federal and State laws, appoints Election Inspectors, creates and maintains a budget and records related to election activities, plans and conducts voter education programs, and conducts hearings related to the election law. The Commissioner exercises supervision over subordinate staff, Voting Machine Specialists, Voting Machine Technicians, and Election Inspectors. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Implements State and Federal laws and rules of a local Board of Elections by formulating local policies and procedures in accordance with the laws and rules and consistent with the needs of community; Administers all phases of the election process for local, State and Federal elections by planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the work of the Board of Elections for efficient and effective operation; Supervises the re-canvass of voting machines and absentee/early vote by mail ballots and assists with Village, School Board and Fire District Elections; Interprets Election Law and maintains current knowledge of the continuously amended statutes and related judicial decisions; Is empowered by law to establish rules in reference to the filing and disposition of nomination petitions, certificates, objections and determines the legal sufficiency of duly challenged petitions and certificates, affidavit ballots and applications for absentee/early mail ballots; Consults with the District Attorney and law enforcement officials regarding investigations of infractions of the Election Law; Consults with County Attorney regarding contracts and judicial proceedings in which the Board, is or may be involved; Consults with the County Planning Department regarding the creation of new voting districts; Educates the voting public on election matters and procedures through speaking engagements and the preparation and distribution of press releases and other written material; Provides instruction for the registration of all eligible voters by administering central, local and mail registration programs; Answers Election Law and Rules and Regulations questions from the general public, candidates, Election Inspectors, county, town and village officials, political committees; Prepares budgets, implements and maintains fiscal controls in accordance to local, State and Federal laws and rules and submits reports to the State Board of Elections and County Legislature. ---PAGE BREAK--- Commissioner of Elections Page 2 I 2 FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the local, State and Federal election process; Thorough knowledge of Election Law and the Consolidated Laws of New York state; Good knowledge of how to work effectively with the public, public officials, professional organizations and civic groups; Good knowledge of the grant application process and monitoring; Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and administer all aspects of conducting elections; Ability to plan and supervise the work of others; Ability to prepare budgets, operating reports and a variety of other reports relative to election activities; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs; Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. SUGGESTED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The Election Commissioner is an appointed position in accordance with Section 3.204 of New York State Election Law.