Elections Intern

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

The Elections Intern provides administrative, operational, and technical support to the Hays County Elections Department in preparation for and throughout the election cycle. This position assists with planning and executing election-related activities, supporting voter registration efforts, preparing election materials, and maintaining accurate voter and poll-worker databases. Interns help coordinate the logistics, deployment, setup, and breakdown of voting equipment and may assist with basic troubleshooting, equipment testing, and inventory management. The role also includes participating in voter outreach efforts, observing election processes at polling sites, and helping ensure compliance with electoral laws and procedures. Interns collaborate with staff on special projects, contribute ideas to improve voter engagement and election operations, and assist in preparing reports and documentation. This internship offers hands-on experience in election administration, public service, and civic engagement.

Responsibilities

· Assist with the planning and execution of election-related activities.

· Research electoral processes, legislation, and voter outreach strategies.

· Support the logistics and distribution of deployment, set up, and break down of voting procedures.

· Assist in data entry and maintain databases related to voter registration, poll workers, and polling location engagement.

· Collaborate with team members on various projects and contribute ideas for improving electoral participation.

· Interns may have the opportunity to participate in observing the election process, attending polling places, and ensuring compliance with electoral regulations.

· Provide feedback on the effectiveness of voter engagement strategies and help prepare reports summarizing activities and results.

· Assisting with Voter Registration: Support the processing and organization of voter registration forms and maintain accurate databases.

· Preparing Election Materials: Help in the preparation and distribution of election materials, including ballots, informational pamphlets, and signage.

· Data Entry and Management: Enter and update election-related data in databases, always ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

· Communicating with Participants: Respond to inquiries from voters and volunteers, providing information and assistance as needed.

· Monitoring Election Day Operations: Help oversee election day processes, ensuring that all activities run smoothly and address any issues that arise.

· Documenting Processes: Assist in documenting procedures and creating instructional materials for future reference and training purposes.

· General Administrative Support: Provide general administrative assistance as needed, such as filing, data entry, and managing correspondence.

· Equipment Setup and Testing: Assist in setting up and testing voting equipment before elections to ensure all machines are functioning properly.

· Technical Support: Provide on-site technical support during early voting and election day, troubleshooting any issues that arise with voting machines.

· Maintenance and Repairs: Help with routine maintenance and minor repairs of voting equipment to ensure reliable operation throughout the election process.

· Inventory Management: Assist in tracking and managing the inventory of election equipment, including voting machines, accessories, and supplies.

· Training Production: Help prepare training materials and conduct training sessions for election staff and poll workers on the use of voting equipment.

· Data Collection: Document equipment performance and any issues encountered during testing, voting, and post-election audits to improve future operations.

· Installation of Security Measures: Assist in implementing security measures for voting equipment, ensuring the integrity of the voting process.

· Assisting with Logistics: Help coordinate the transport and deployment of voting equipment to polling locations, ensuring timely delivery and set-up.

Education and/or Experience

· Graduation from High School or GED.

· Currently attending a college or university in order to obtain a bachelor's degree OR recently graduated from a college or university

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

· Class C driver’s license.