Guideline for the establishment of associations of election officials in the Russian Federation
A Project of the International Foundation For Election Systems.
Funding made possible by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Paul DeGregorio
Overview
This guidebook is designed to provide subject election officials or the Russian Federation with a road map regarding the establishment or a professional association. It includes a mission statements, goals, and methods to get started on the road to developing a successful organization. Sample legal charters, procedures, and agendas are included as well as suggested topics for annual conferences/meetings.
Members or the Subject Electoral Commissions who desire to establish a professional organization will find this guideline useful. While the Russian Federation has several levels of election officials including the Central Election Commission (CEC), Subject Electoral Commission (SEC), Territorial Electoral Commission (TEC) and Polling Station Electoral Commission (PSEC), it is the Subject Commissions in the 89 regions that coordinate the activities of the subordinate electoral commissions. In addition, SEC members serve for a four year term and therefore have the potential to develop considerable knowledge regarding the administration of elections.
The Purpose and Mission of a Professional Election Official Association
The purpose of establishing a Association of Election Officials in Regions of the Russian Federation is to provide a mechanism through which election officials can exchange ideas and experience? and leam about proper management and training techniques. An association can facilitate regular training programs and conferences and promote educational interaction between members of permanent election bodies of the Russian Federation. Such interaction would enhance the ability of election officials to perform their duties so as to be able to exercise their public trust with the highest degree of integrity and ability. It will serve to increase the professionalism of those who are members. An association can also save government funds. Often, methods to share and reduce costs are gleaned at seminars, which highlight the financial aspects or conducting an election. Finally, another important role of an association would be to give members the opportunity to express themselves and to develop a consensus to propose and promote legal and regulatory reforms in the electoral process.
The Challeng'es and Rewards or establishing an Professional Association
Establishing a professional association of election officials takes leadership. Someone or some group will have to take charge or be provided hands-on guidance to establish an organization. While there may be considerable work involved in the mechanics of bringing a group of people together for a common purpose, the rewards can be enormous. The interaction of professionals sharing a common goal and striving to improve their skills will provide the opportunity for personal growth. As new management and election techniques are shared and learned, improvements to the administration of the election process in the Russian Federation will be made. These positive changes will lead to a greater confidence in the election system by the citizens of the Russian Federation and further the democratic process.
Getting started
Determine the group you want to organize
While it is conceivable that a Federation-wide association or election officials can be established, it may be easier and more practical to develop regional associations or members or Subject Electoral Commissions. Territorial boundaries of such regions can be based on geography or political considerations. Appendix 1 provides an example or how the Federation could be divided. Subject Electoral Commissions are appointed to serve in each or the 89 Subjects or the Russian Federation. They consist or 10 to 14 members who are appointed by the representative and executive bodies of the Subjects and who serve four year terms. As a general rule, the Chairman, his Deputy and a secretary are required to have a higher legal education.
Enlist others to provide assistance.
Organizing an association is not as difficult as it may seem if you take the time to plan what you need to do carefully. This association can be started by one person who is willing to put in a lot of time and effort. The chances of success improve dramatically with each new person you involve in the implementation process. Since the overall goal is to bring people together for a common purpose, it would be wise to start with a core group of good people to develop this association. The leadership of the Subject Electoral Commissions such as the Chairman, Deputy and Secretary are likely officials to be contacted first to include in any planning meeting.
Do the following:
 Write out your objectives.
Perhaps using the samples provided in this document, write out simple objectives you wish to establish for the association. Example: strengthen professionalism, build public confidence, exchange ideas and information, cooperate to save costs. Keep them simple and achievable. Establish a date when you want to have your the first meeting/conference of the new association.
Have your first planning meeting.
Bring together a group of like-minded election officials. Pick those who tend to be leaders. Send them a letter, by fax, or e-mail stating what you want to do. Call them on the telephone and urge them to assist in this effort. Then have a brain-storming meeting of the group to plan for the first meeting of the new association. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible then meet by telephone.
Establish Officers.
Any organization needs to have a formal structure to function. By selecting a leadership team, the association can facilitate growth and development and the achievement of goals. In the beginning, officers are selected by the initial group or people who are establishing the association for the first time. Subsequently, all officers are elected by all members of the association at an annual meeting. Terms for the officers are usually one year hut can he for a longer period if desired. Traditionally, these are not paid positions. The following is a suggested list of officers commonly found in associations:
Chair:
|
Presides over Association for period of one year; provides leadership to make association fulfill its mission; appoints Chairs of Membership, Conference, Education and Training, Publications and Legal advisor. Communicates with members and officers on a regular basis.
|
Vice-Chair:
|
Serves as Chair when Chair is unavailable to preside over association or meetings. Typically is the next in line to become the Chair when term expires.
|
Treasurer:
|
Handles dues of association and all moneys involved in association activities including meetings, conferences, etc. Shall have accounts audited at least once per year by independent person or group.
|
Secretary:
|
Keeps a detailed account of association activities such as synopsis of meetings/conferences. Issues an annual report to officers and members.
|
Membership
Director:
|
Works with Chair and other members to recruit new members of association. Provides lists of members to association.
|
Conference Director:
|
Along with other members of Conference Committee, is responsible for handling physical details of annual conference such as finding location and providing administrative support.
|
Educational and
Training Director:
|
Establishes Committee to determine conference agenda, seminar topics, and speakers for various meetings of association.
|
Publications
Director:
|
Develops a newsletter, which may be sent out to members at least twice per year. Provides promotional materials for all conferences. Sends members listing of all members and resource directory.
|
Legal Advisor:
|
Provides technical advice to officers or association when conflicts arise.
|
Board of Directors:
|
This is a group, which provides advice and oversight to leaders of the association between formal meetings. Usually it is representative of various geographic and political areas so that all views are heard and consist of no more than 10% of the total membership. This group can meet periodically with the officers in person or by telephone to give advice and guidance.
|
Executive Committee:
|
Consist of all of the elected officers of the Association. Can meet in person or by telephone to carry on the day-to-day business of the Association.
|
Develop your first planning meeting agenda.
Your first agenda should include:
 Why the establishment or an association is important.
Who should he included in this association.
Who will gather the names of the officials eligible to join.
A plan of action for your first association event.
-When and where would be the best time to have a first meeting/conference.
-The length of the first conference.
-What topics should be addressed a first conference.
-What seminars/speakers should be offered.
-What cost are involved. How much will be charged as dues. How much charged as conference tees.
Who is going to send out the information to prospective members.
Who is going to do what to implement your plan of action.
Who is going to be the officers of the group until an election can he held.
When should this group meet again to determine progress.
You may ask for assistance from governmental and non-government organizations who have had experience in conducting conferences or working with professional associations.
Other ideas for a first conference:
 keep seminars limited to one and one half hours maximum.
- Have a good keynote speaker to set the tone of the conference.
- Make sure there is time for social gathering where member can become acquainted.
Topics for your first conference.
Your first official association meeting is very important. You want it to he a success. Plan it carefully. There are many good ideas for topics for seminars held at your meeting. Survey your prospective members and ask them what they might be interested in. Give them choices and allow them to show their preferences. Arrange the conference to their needs.
Here are some suggested topics for an Association Conference:
 Why establish a regional association of election officials?
Territorial electoral commissions:
How to select good people.
How to train officials:
Writing an effective training manual.
Using good training procedures.
The registration of voters:
The rights of election domestic and foreign observers:
A professional office:
Using the right equipment to administer elections and manage your office. Using the right management tools to insure efficiency and integrity. Developing useful personnel and procedures manuals.
Ballot Security.
How do you handle your ballots. Are they kept secure at all times? Are they always in sight of election officials and observers? How to prevent fraud.
Certifying candidates for the ballot.
Making the system fair and free from charges of favoritism,.
Ethics and Elections:
The 1996 Presidential Elections:
Encouraging Turnout.
Adjudication of grievances:
Campaign Finance.
The Role of the Media in Elections.
Voting in Remote Areas.
Election Laws and CEC rulings.
What is being done in other countries?
Vendor Participation at your conference.
At the present time, most election supplies are provided for by Russian government sources. However, in time, private vendors will probably exercise an important role in the process such as in the printing of ballots and election posters, providing ballot boxes and security tags. Vendors who sell election equipment can be an important resource at election official conferences.
Keeping costs down. 
Use members as speakers, panelists and moderators. Other good free sources of experts include: University and government officials, people in business and foreign speakers whose cost is paid for by other organizations. Find people with a good reputation for the expertise to be presented. Conference fees should cover speaker and other administrative costs and should be kept low.
Communicating with your Members.
There are many methods to keep in touch with your members. Perhaps the most effective is a newsletter which describes the on-going work of the association. The newsletter can also have featured writers who can touch upon issues important to the membership. Current election details can be promoted and discussed. World Wide Web (WWW) pages containing information regarding elections from around the world can be included.
Newsletters and other correspondence can be transmitted by mail , by FAX , or e-mail @ via the Internet or posted on the WWW.
Legal Aspects or an Association.
All formal associations and organizations have a set of written procedures that are used to conduct business. These rules help establish order and promote the professional aspect of the association. It should be noted that no rule should be in conflict with any law or the Russian Federation or of any of the Regions involved as members of the group. Every member should receive a copy of the Charter and any formal Procedures adopted by the Association.
Resource development.
Members of an association should be encouraged to bring samples of their election manuals and other promotional material to any conference. A list of repository sources of domestic and international election information (such as described in Appendix 6) should be developed in conjunction with the Central Election Commission. One officer of the association, perhaps the secretary, should keep a file of such sources and make them available to the membership. WWW resources should be promoted. Every member should have a detailed list of fellow members.
Continuing Education and Certification.
Some associations provide Continuing Education credits for time spent at association conference seminars. If credits are to be given and certified, a Certification Committee should Le established which determines which seminars are eligible for credits. Consultations can he made with Universities to insure academic integrity. Attendance records will have to he kept or those attending specific seminars to certify participation. Many governments now require election and other officials to obtain a specific number of Continuing Education credits in a calendar year to be eligible to continue the position they hold and to receive merit pay increases.
Keep your Association Ethical.
A scandal can ruin your association. Make sure proper records are kept of all financial transactions. Require an annual audit after the term of a President and Treasurer. Demand public disclosure of all costs associated with a conference. Select speakers who will enhance the reputation of your association- not someone who will give you a bad name.
 Small but important items to remember for a successful association meetings/seminars
name tags for everyone
keep introductions of speakers short
make list of all attendees (with phone numbers) so all can take it with them
ask speakers/attendees to bring handouts to share with everyone
have written schedules which include complete biographies of speakers
make sure hotels can accommodate group and meeting needs
try not to schedule in heart of winter where weather would cut down attendance
socializing and networking is important-plan for it
keep costs/tees down
plan meeting/events carefully
keep programs on time; delegate someone at each seminar/session to keep program from running late
Appendix 1
Sample Regional Divisions for a new Associations of Russian Electoral Commissioners
Appendix 2
Definitions
Election official:
|
Any person who has been formally appointed by a governmental body to be an official part of the election process as a member of a an electoral commission, an administrator, or poll worker.
|
Professional Association:
|
A group of officials in similar positions who join together as a formal organization to improve their skills and profession.
|
Seminar/workshop:
|
An organized meeting where people can come to learn about specific topics from experts or to exchange ideas and information with others with similar interests.
|
Conference/
Convention:
|
A meeting of a group of people to discuss issues of mutual interest and to learn. Conventions are usually held once per year. Conferences can be conducted yearly or several times per year in various locations.
|
Region:
|
An area of a country usual defined by geographic or political boundaries.
|
Officers:
|
Members of a group who are elected by their peers to conduct the formal business of an organization.
|
Member:
|
Someone who has met the formal qualifications for joining an association and is in good standing (paid dues).
|
Appendix 3
Establishing a Formal Association
Sample Charter
for New Association of Subject Election Officials
of the Russian Federation
ARTICLE I
Name
The Name or this non for profit Association shall Le the [name of region] ASSOCIATION OF SUBJECT ELECTORAL OFFICIALS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. The Principal place of business shall be at the office of the President of the Association.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
The General purpose or this association is to provide an organization through which Election Officials from the [name or region] may exchange ideas and experiences and learn about proper management and training techniques. Such interaction would enhance the ability or election officials to perform their duties so as to be able to exercise their public trust with the highest degree of integrity and ability. Another purpose of an organization would be give members of such association the opportunity to express themselves and develop a consensus to propose and promote reforms in the electoral process.
ARTICLE III
Qualifications of Members
There are two categories of membership is this association: Active and Associate
Active members:
Active members shall have full voting rights at official meetings of the association and may be elected officers:
Active members shall he those persons who are duly appointed as official members of Subject Electoral Commissions in the [name of region] of the Russian Federation. Region is described as follows [ insert region description ].
The chief operating officer of the regional commissions described above and the next top three administrative officers of the [name of region] may be members of this association.
Associate Members:
Associate (non-voting) members shall be allowed to attend all meetings and conferences of this
association but shall not have voting rights nor can they he officers of the association.
Members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation may be associate members or this association.
Members of Subject Electoral Commissions from other regions may be associate members of this association.
ARTICLE IV
Term of Existence
This Association shall exist perpetually, unless sooner terminated by a vote of the membership or bv the laws of the Russian Federation.
ARTICLE V
Subscribers
The name and residence of the subscribers to this Charter are:
[insert names of officials who are the founding members of the association]
ARTICLE VI
Officers to Manage and Terms
The administrative affairs of this association shall be managed by the officers who shall be elected from among the active members and who shall constitute the Executive Committee having such powers described in the By-Laws of this Association. Officers shall be the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. A Board or Directors may be established which would represent the various areas and consistencies served by the regional represented by this association. Other Officers mav be establish to administer duties prescribed by the By-Laws of this Association. The term or office or Chair and Vice-Chair shall be limited to one year.
ARTICLE VII
First Officers
The affairs of this Association shall be managed by the officers and the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VIII
Quorum
A majority of the Board or Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and a favorable vote of a majority of those in attendance shall be sufficient to carry and motion.
ARTICLE IX
Amendment of Article of Incorporation
The Articles of this Association may be amended upon the adoption of a resolution approved by a majority or the Board of Directors and then submitted to the active members of this corporation for their approval at any regular meeting where at least two thirds of the active members are present. A majority favorable vote is necessary for approval of any amendments. The By-Laws shall provide for the primary operation of this association.
Appendix 4
Sample By-Laws
for New Association of Subject Election Officials of the Russian Federation
ARTICLE I
Membership, dues and .budget
Section I.
Members or this association shall he those election officials who meet the qualifications described in Article III of the Charter and. who shall automatically become active members upon payment of the dues to this Association. Annual dues or mil members shall be [ $ ] and paid to the Treasurer or this Association. Such dues shall be billed on [date] of each year.
Section II.
Associate members do not pay dues but do not have voting rights for this association. They may participate at meetings/conferences of this association by paying any fees associated with such events.
Section III.
Honorary members shall be elected by the active members of this association as they see fit. Honorary members do not have voting rights.
Section IV.
By the beginning of each calendar year, the President of the Association shall prepare a budget for the Association which must be ratified by the Board of Directors and Executive Officers. Such budget must be in balance.
ARTICLE II
Voting
Section 1.
Whenever a vote is taken at any meeting of this association or its committees on any question, motion, resolution, or otherwise, it shall be a voice vote of those eligible to vote and present and voting, except on the demand of five members who are present and voting, the vote may be by secret ballot.
Section 2.
Officers shall be nominated at annual meetings of the association. Officers candidates must be members in good standing.
ARTICLE III
Meetings and Conventions
Section 1.
Annual Convention. The Association shall meet at least once annually. Such convention shall have at least 50% of its total available meeting time made available for the Continuing Education and Training programs for members.
Section 2.
Special Meetings. Special Meetings of the Association may be held on the call of the President who shall fix the time and place thereof, and state the business to he considered. A special meeting shall also he called when at least 25% of the active members petition the Secretary of the Association to call such a meeting. Such a petition shall name the time and place and state the business to be considered.
Section 3.
Notice or Meetings. A notice of meetings of the Association shall be given at least (30) days before the date of any such meeting. Such notice shall include the time and place of the meeting and include an agenda of the business to be considered.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Elected by Association Members
Chair:
|
Presides over Association for period of one year; provides leadership to make association fulfill its mission; appoints Chair of Membership, Conference, and education and training and Legal advisor
|
Vice-Chair:
|
Stands in for Chair when Chairman is unavailable to preside over association or meetings. Typically is the next in line to become the Chair when term is up.
|
Treasurer:
|
Handles dues of association and all moneys involved in association activities like meetings, conferences, etc. Shall have accounts audited at least once per year by independent person or group.
|
Secretary:
|
Keeps a detailed account or association activities such as synopsis of meetings/conferences. Issues an annual report to officers and members. The Secretary shall be the official keeper of the Charter, By-Laws and any other official documents or this association.
|
Other officers which may be appointed by the Chair of the Association.
Membership Director:
|
Works with Chair and other members to recruit new members of association. Provides lists of members to association.
|
Conference Director:
|
Along with other members or Conference Committee, is responsible for handling physical details of annual conference such as finding location and providing administrative support.
|
Education
|
Training Director: Establishes committee to determine conference agenda, seminar topics, and speakers for various meetings of association.
|
Publications Director:
|
Develops a newsletter, which will be sent out to members at least twice per years. Provides promotional materials for all conferences. Sends members listing or all members and resource directory.
|
Executive Committee:
|
Consist or all or the elected officers or the Association. Can meet in person or by telephone to carry on the day-to-day business or the Association.
|
Legal Advisor:
|
Provides technical advice to officers of association when conflicts arise.
|
Board of Directors:
|
This is a group which provides oversight to the association between formal meetings. Usually it is representative of various geographic and political areas so that all views are heard. This group can meet periodically with the officers in person or by telephone to give advice and guidance.
|
ARTICLE V
Amendments
Section 1.
The Charter of this Association shall be amended by a vote of two-third of active members present and voting at any official meeting of the association.
Appendix 5
Sample Rules of Procedure
for New Association or Subject Electoral Officials of the Russian Federation
Section I.
Annual Conference
This association may conduct an annual conference of its members for the purpose of promoting the continuing education of its members and furthering the development of professional management skills of same.
Planning for the annual conference shall include:
A. Site Selection
B. Date
C. Administrative support (president and local person)
D. Determining a reasonable Registration fee for the conference which will cover all costs
E. Selecting topics for Educational and Training Seminars.
F. Identifying Speakers, Moderators, Panelists.
Section II
Mid-year conference.
A mid-year conference or the Officers and Board or Directors may be held to plan for the annual conference. Such meeting may also invite members or the association and include continuing education sessions.
Section III
Order or Business for Official Association Meetings
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call or Members and Officers present
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Comments from the President of Association
5. Report from Officers
6. Report from Committee Chairs
7. Report or Unfinished Business
8. New Business
9. General Discussion, lectures and addresses
Section IV
Sample Program Schedule
Three-day conference:
First Day:
|
9.00
|
Call to Order and Roll Call by Secretary or Association
|
9.15
|
Remarks by President of Association and Introductions of Officers
|
9.30
|
Welcome by local official and host committee
|
9.45
|
Report of Committee Chairs
|
10.00
|
Keynote address .by good speaker
|
10.30
|
Break
|
11.00
|
Two concurrent seminars (1.25 hours)
|
12.15
|
Lunch Break (1.5 hours)
|
13.45
|
Two concurrent seminars (1.25 hours)
|
15.00
|
Break
|
15.30
|
Two concurrent seminars (1.5 hours)
|
17.00
|
Adjourn
|
19.30
|
Official Social gathering
|
Second Day
|
9.00
|
Call to Order; Remarks by President of Association
|
9.15
|
Committee Reports
|
9.45
|
Two concurrent Seminars (1.25 hours)
|
11.00
|
Break
|
11.15
|
Two concurrent seminars (1.25 hours)
|
12.30
|
Official Luncheon for members with speaker (1.5 hours)
|
14.00
|
Two concurrent seminars (1.25 hours)
|
15.25
|
Break
|
15.30
|
Two concurrent seminars (1.5 hours)
|
17.00
|
Adjourn
|
Evening Free
|
|
Third Day:
|
9.00
|
Call to Order and Report on date and site of future conference
|
9.30
|
Report of Resolutions submitted by member for debate
|
10.00
|
Break
|
10.30
|
Remarks by good speaker; open discussion
|
12.00
|
Break
|
18.30
|
Social Hours
|
19.30
|
Formal Dinner with Speaker
|
Section V
Conference Policy
Notice and invitations or all meetings and conferences shall be sent by the Secretary of the Association.
Vendors shall be invited by the President of the Association.
A reasonable fee may be charged to vendors to display their materials.
Registration for conferences may be processed by a host committee or director
Host and Host committee responsibilities shall be clearly defined by the association.
Section VI
Continuing Education
Funds may be expended to pay for expert speakers in various fields in the election area at all workshops conducted by this association. Certificates of attendance may be given to conference participants who shall have their participation accounted (or. Credit hours may be given to participants who attend certified educational seminars of the association.
Section VII
Orientation for new members
New members of the Association who participate in an annual conference shall have a special session regarding the benefits of the association.
Section VIII
Budget & Annual Audit
The President of the Association shall develop an annual budget, which must be approved by the Executive Board. The financial books of the Association shall be audited annually by a responsible accounting agency to be selected by the Executive Board. Results of such audit shall be made available to all members at the annual conference.
Section IX
Legislation
This association may develop and propose changes in the law. Such proposals shall be voted upon by members at the annual conference and shall be reported to governmental and legislative leaders.
Appendix 6
Professional Association Models
The following is a list or some of the professional associations of election officials that are in existence throughout the world. Some are international, while others are country-wide in scope. There are also examples of state or regional associations. Please feel free to contact the organizations for more information about their organization or for sample brochures, conference programs, etc.
ASSOCIATION FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN
ELECTION OFFICIALS (ACEEEO)
Formed in 1991 with the assistance of the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) and others, this group has an annual three-day conference which attracts election officials from all over the world, The Conference addresses electoral issues common to many countries, especially emerging democracies. Participants are encouraged to report on the electoral activities of their country and gain a valuable insight into solutions to problems presented to them by fellow attendees. The ACEEEO has established a Documentation Center and engaged in a number of activities, including election observation.
Contact:
ACEEEO
Zoltan Toth
General Secretary
ACEEEO
H-1903 Budapest Pf. 314/19
HUNGARY
phone: (36-1)117-9776
fax: (36-1) 118-2530
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF CLERKS, RECORDERS, ELECTION OFFICIALS AND TREASURERS (IACREOT)
This organization of approximately 1500 people is based in the United States and has members from ten countries in the world. Members are officials who are involved in local and state governments and who provide a myriad of services from elections to recording of official deeds. IACREOT has an annual four-day conference held in the summer whereby attendees learn about the latest techniques in management and other issues relating to their respective profession. They also have a smaller two-day regional conference in the early part or the year. Dues are $100 USD per year.
Contact:
Barbara Gross, President
IACREOT
P.O. Box 1286
Jacksonville, Illinois 62651-1286
U.S.A.
217.2438581 217.243.8368 FAX
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATORS (AJEA)
This organization is made up or 800 pubic servants who conduct elections at the local level in Great Britain. The AEO has one nation-wide conference per year in February and then conducts a series of regional seminars to provide training and other education to promote professionalism among its members. The association publishes a quarterly magazine called ARENA which it uses to communicate with its members and keep them informed of the latest electoral information in Great Britain.
Contact:
Keith Hathaway
Chairman
Chief Registration Officer
L.B. of Hammersmith and Fulham
5/6 Nigel Playfair Ave
Hammersmith, London W69JY
England
0181-741-1101 phone
0181-576-5878 fax
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF ELECTION OFFICIALS
This is a state organization of local election officials from the state of Florida, U.S.A. Florida Election Officials have an annual two-day conference as well as periodic seminars held in the various regions of the state. The 67 members represent all 67 counties in the state.
Contact:
Jackie Winchester
President
Florida State Association of Supervisors of Election
301 N. Olive, Room 105
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 U.S.A.
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ELECTION OFFICIALS
This association consists of election officials from the 10 Canadian Provinces. Members meet twice annually in the fall and Spring to discuss election questions and to learn about new proposals. Officials from Elections Canada, the nationwide agency responsible for conducting federal elections, also participate in the meetings.
Contact:
Ms. Loran A. Wells
Assistant Chief Election Officer
Elections Ontario
51 Solaris Drive
Scarborough, Ontario, CANADA M1R3B1
416.321.3000 416.321.6853 FAX
TEXAS COUNTY AND DISTRICT CLERKS ASSOCIATION
This is an organization of over 500 county and district clerks from the State of Texas. County Clerks are the chief election officials for their jurisdiction. They have an annual meeting in the summer and a state-wide educational meeting sponsored by Texas A&M University. The Secretary of State has an election law seminar once per year for members. This association is divided into 14 regions of the state and each region has four meeting per year for members in their respective region.
Contact:
Rita Tyson
Cochran County and District Clerk
Court House Room 102
Morton, Texas 79346 U.S.A.
806 266 5450 Phone
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATORS
This organization exist for professional election officials located in the 24 largest cities of the state of Texas cities. Members meet twice per year with County Clerks and propose legislation, and conduct educational seminars.
Sharon Wilson
Ector County Election Administrator
PO Box 11149 Odessa, Texas 79760 U.S.A.
Phone 915 335 3187 Fax 9153353111
| 
