Election Administrator Certification

Course Format
All courses are delivered 100% synchronously online.

Duration
Each course runs for seven weeks.

Cost
$500 per course.

Election Overview: The Law and Regulatory Basics

This course provides election officials with a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles and frameworks that govern election administration. Participants will examine federal and state election laws, key legal precedents and case studies that shape electoral processes and voter rights. The course emphasizes the importance of legal compliance, offering practical insights into navigating regulations and addressing legal challenges to maintain the integrity of elections

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Interpret and apply federal and state election laws to ensure compliance with legal requirements
• Analyze key legal cases and precedents that impact election administration and voter rights.
• Navigate legal challenges and implement strategies to uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

Election Planning

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of resource allocation and operational planning specific to election management. Students will explore strategies for optimizing staffing, equipment, and time to ensure efficient and successful election operations. Key topics include election project planning, resource management and the application of queuing theory to manage Election Day lines. The course also covers critical aspects of budgeting and fiscal management, including election-related budgeting, grant management and compliance with purchasing requirements for state funding. Students will develop skills in poll worker recruitment, training and management, as well as in equipment and technology planning. Additionally, the course addresses continuity of operations planning, ensuring preparedness and resilience in election administration. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to handle the complexities of election resource management and contribute to the delivery of fair, efficient, and transparent elections.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand resource allocation distribution and election planning.
• Navigate election funding, budgeting, and reimbursement.
• Develop continuity of operations planning.

Election Administration: High Profile Processes

This course provides a detailed exploration of the logistical and operational aspects of election administration, with an emphasis on high-profile processes such as election mail management and voting procedures. Students will gain insight into how the United States Postal Service (USPS) handles election-related mail, including terminology, structure, postage regulations and delivery systems. The course also examines the in-person voting process, both for early voting and Election Day, alongside legal requirements and best practices for absentee voting. Additional topics include the responsibilities of the Receiving Board and Board of Canvassers, election certification, recount procedures and the various types of election audits

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and navigate USPS processes, postal terminology and regulations to ensure timely and accurate handling of election-related mail.
• Manage in-person and absentee voting processes while adhering to legal requirements and implementing best practices.
• Comprehend post-election processes, including certification, recounts, and audits, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Voter Registration and Management

This course examines the critical components of voter registration, election geography and public communication in the context of election administration. Students will explore the voter registration process, including eligibility criteria, list maintenance and identity verification. The course delves into the complexities of election geography, such as redistricting, jurisdictional boundaries and the use of GIS in election planning. Additionally, participants will learn about the legal and ethical considerations of public communication, including records retention, FOIA, public education strategies and crisis communication.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Navigate the voter registration process, including eligibility requirements, identity verification and maintaining voter lists in compliance with legal standards.
• Analyze the impacts of redistricting, jurisdictional boundaries and overlapping districts on election planning using tools like GIS.
• Develop and implement effective public communication strategies for educating voters while adhering to legal and ethical frameworks.

Election Technology & Election Security

This course offers an in-depth exploration of voting technologies, equipment management and election security. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of voting equipment, including historical and modern technologies, legal regulations, testing, certification and the procurement process. The course also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding election infrastructure, covering both cybersecurity and physical security measures. Participants will learn strategies to identify and mitigate cyber threats, secure voting systems and protect election offices, personnel, and locations from potential physical risks

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the operation, maintenance and legal requirements of voting equipment, as well as navigate the procurement and certification processes.
• Identify cybersecurity threats to election systems and implement best practices to safeguard voting technologies and voter data.
• Develop physical security plans, coordinate with law enforcement and establish emergency response protocols to protect election operations and personnel.

Communications in Elections

This course focuses on the critical role of communication in election administration, equipping students with the skills to effectively engage with voters and election teams. Participants will learn strategies for educating the public about election processes, utilizing tools to communicate election information clearly and effectively while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. The course also emphasizes best practices for internal communication, including designing user-friendly materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and documentation to enhance team coordination and efficiency.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop and implement strategies to educate voters about election processes, using clear and accessible communication tools.
• Design and create well-structured manuals, forms, and SOPs that improve communication and operational efficiency within election teams.
• Navigate the legal and ethical considerations of public communication to build trust and transparency with voters.

Leadership Resilience and Wellness

Election officials operate in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, requiring not only technical expertise but also resilience, adaptability and strong leadership skills. This course combines mental wellness strategies with Ron Heifetz’s Adaptive Leadership framework to equip election professionals with the tools to manage stress, navigate uncertainty and lead effectively in challenging circumstances.

Participants will explore stress management techniques, resilience-building practices and peer support frameworks to maintain emotional balance and mental well-being during peak election periods. Additionally, they will learn how to differentiate between technical and adaptive challenges, diagnose systems and mobilize teams to tackle complex issues.

Through case studies, interactive discussions and real-world applications, participants will develop the ability to foster a supportive team culture, sustain high performance under pressure and drive meaningful change in election administration.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply stress management techniques and maintain emotional balance during high-stakes election periods.
• Build personal resilience and coping strategies tailored to the demands of election administration.
• Cultivate a supportive team environment that prioritizes mental wellness through peer support and access to resources.

Election Administration Project/Internship

Scheduled individually after completing at least 5 other courses

Students will complete either an internship or a project.

The project option is for students who have professional experience in election administration. The project is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned and make a contribution toward an administrative or management-related issue concerning election administration. For example, students may create a Continuity of Operations Plan or a Crisis Communication Plan. Students will collaborate with a local government to complete the project.

The internship option is for students who are seeking professional experience in election administration. An internship will consist of meaningful work experience in election administration. The internship will provide an opportunity for students to gain significant experience that will enhance their academic background and better prepare them to enter the profession of election administration. Students must complete 100 hours of work at the internship for this course. During the internship the student will submit regular reports, be evaluated by the internship site supervisor, and prepare a final paper.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world election administration practices, demonstrating the ability to integrate classroom learning with practical challenges in the field.
• Develop and refine professional skills essential for election administration, including communication, problem-solving and critical thinking, as evidenced by regular reports, evaluations and a final paper or project.
• Analyze and propose solutions to contemporary issues in election administration, showcasing the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, manage resources effectively and implement best practices in electoral processes.

Courses are taught by professionals with extensive expertise in elections administration and relevant academic credentials. 

Details coming soon.

Tina Barton
Senior Election Expert, The Elections Group

Jonathan Brater
Director of Elections, Michigan Department of State

Adam Wit
Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Past President
Clerk, Charter Township of Harrison

For more information about schedules or registration: 

Program Information
Douglas Carr, Ph.D.
[email protected]

Registration Information
Professional and Continuing Education
[email protected]
(248) 370-3177