Schenectady County Board of Elections

Schenectady County Board of Elections
Name	Schenectady County Board of Elections
Jurisdiction	Schenectady County, New York
Headquarters	388 Broadway, Schenectady, New York
Chief1 name	Darlene Harris (D)
Chief1 position	Democratic Commissioner
Chief2 name	Art Brassard (R)
Chief2 position	Republican Commissioner
Parent agency	New York State Board of Elections
Website	https://www.schenectadycounty.com/boe

Schenectady County Board of Elections. The Schenectady County Board of Elections is the bipartisan administrative body responsible for overseeing all electoral processes within Schenectady County, New York. It operates under the authority of the New York State Election Law and the directives of the New York State Board of Elections. The board ensures the integrity of elections, from voter registration to the certification of results, for municipalities including the City of Schenectady and towns like Niskayuna and Rotterdam.

History

The board was established under provisions of New York State law, which mandates a bipartisan elections board in each county. Its history is intertwined with the broader evolution of election administration in New York, including reforms following pivotal state legislation. Key historical moments for the board include overseeing elections during periods of significant industrial change in the Mohawk Valley region and implementing major electoral reforms such as the Help America Vote Act. The board's operations have adapted to demographic shifts within the county and technological advancements in voting systems over the decades.

Structure and operations

The board is structured as a classic bipartisan agency, co-led by two commissioners representing the two major political parties, as required by New York State Election Law. Daily operations are managed by these commissioners and a staff of deputy commissioners, clerks, and election coordinators. The board's workflow intensifies around primary and general election cycles, involving tasks such as ballot design approval, polling place logistics, and the recruitment and training of election inspectors. It coordinates closely with the Schenectady County Legislature for budgetary needs and with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for voter registration data.

Responsibilities

The board's core responsibilities encompass administering all aspects of the electoral process for federal, state, county, city, and local offices. This includes maintaining accurate voter registration rolls, processing absentee ballot and early voting applications, and conducting all elections in compliance with the New York State Constitution and federal laws like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The board also handles the certification of nominating petitions for candidates, the testing and deployment of voting equipment, and the official canvass and certification of election results. It provides public information on districts and candidates and ensures accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Commissioners and staff

The board is led by two commissioners, one from each major party, appointed to terms by the Schenectady County Legislature based on recommendations from the respective county party committees. As of the last update, the Democratic Commissioner is Darlene Harris and the Republican Commissioner is Art Brassard. These commissioners oversee a permanent staff that expands with temporary workers during election seasons. Key staff roles include Democratic and Republican deputy commissioners, who assist in the bipartisan oversight of operations, and coordinators for specific functions like information technology and voter services.

Voting systems and technology

The board utilizes the Dominion ImageCast Evolution (ICE) ballot marking devices and tabulators, which are certified by the New York State Board of Elections. This system allows for accessible voting for individuals with disabilities and provides a paper ballot record. The board manages an electronic poll book system to check in voters and has implemented an online voter registration portal through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Security protocols for voting systems and voter data are developed in consultation with the New York State Office of Information Technology Services and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Contact information and location

The board's main office is located at 388 Broadway in downtown Schenectady, New York, within the Schenectady County government complex. The public can contact the office by phone or through the elections section of the official Schenectady County website. The office is open during standard business hours, with extended hours during election periods. Satellite early voting sites are established in various locations across the county, such as the Rotterdam Public Library and the Niskayuna Town Hall, as designated prior to each election.

Category:Government of Schenectady County, New York Category:Elections in New York (state) Category:Local government in New York (state)