Choosing to Strengthen the Elections Workforce
When Election Officials are able to prioritize their workforce, they are able to retain experienced leaders with priceless institutional knowledge. They can recruit new workers with vital skill sets who are representative of the voters they serve. Election offices can give all election workers the kind of challenging and empowering workplace where they can grow and thrive.
This website is designed to help election officials build strong public service recruitment strategies that can help them hire and retain a stronger workforce.
The top strategies highlighted below are based on the research summarized in the recent literature review provided by the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement.
1. Advertise Strong Job Ads
Create a simple, attractive job ad highlighting community and civic duty. Avoid jargon and specific roles, focusing on the impact and values instead.
Structured Example of a Job Ad for Temps and Poll Workers
2. Design Applicant-Centric Process
Prioritize applicant experience, ensuring transparency, efficient communication, and a streamlined application and onboarding journey.
Did you know– 60% of applicants will leave a job application if it becomes too complex or complicated and 86% of gig applicants search for roles on their mobile device.
Dos and Don'ts of Building an Applicant-Centric Process
3. Turn Applicants to Advocates
Treat every applicant with respect and dignity through clear communications, clear steps for onboarding/training and recognition of their efforts.
Examples of Surge Workforce Recognition and Appreciation
4. Execute a Broad Recruitment Cycle
Use data, diverse outreach methods, and optimize efforts to attract and hire a broad range of candidates.
All great recruitment efforts are diverse and should include: in-person recruitment, digital recruitment, referrals, and retention strategies.
Template for Data-Driven Recruitment
Resources
Below are resources that you can consider in your jurisdiction to energize your recruitment process.
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Workable: Top 7 reasons to add an applicant tracking system to your recruitment
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The Elections Group: Election Official Resources
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US Digital Response: Election Worker Management System
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Center for Tech and Civic Life: Election Trainings and Resources
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Bi-Partisan Policy Center: Policy Recommendations
Get Hired Toolkit
Passionate about making sure every vote counts? Consider a career in election administration!
Election Administration Career Toolkit
Check out the team’s interview with The Elections Group in July 2024.