National Association of State Election Directors

National Association of State Election Directors is a United States-based organization that focuses on promoting election security and supporting state election officials, such as Secretaries of State like Kathy Boockvar and Jocelyn Benson, in their efforts to conduct efficient and secure elections. The organization works closely with other entities, including the Federal Election Commission and the National Association of Secretaries of State, to achieve its goals. As a key player in the election administration landscape, the National Association of State Election Directors collaborates with experts like David Becker and Lawrence Norden to address emerging issues, such as voter suppression and election interference, and to develop best practices for election management.

● History

The National Association of State Election Directors was established in 1989 with the aim of providing a platform for state election directors to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Over the years, the organization has worked with various stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to address the evolving needs of election administration. The organization's history is closely tied to significant events, such as the 2000 United States presidential election and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which have shaped the election reform landscape. Key figures, including DeForest Soaries and Tova Wang, have played important roles in shaping the organization's agenda and priorities.

● Membership

The National Association of State Election Directors has a diverse membership that includes state election officials from across the United States, such as Kim Wyman and Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Members also include representatives from local election offices, like the New York City Board of Elections and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. The organization's membership is closely tied to other professional associations, including the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers and the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks. Members often participate in conferences and workshops, such as the National Association of Secretaries of State annual conference, to share best practices and address common challenges.

● Activities

The National Association of State Election Directors engages in a range of activities, including election security assessments, voter registration system evaluations, and election audit reviews. The organization works closely with experts, such as Bruce Schneier and Andrew Appel, to develop guidelines and resources for state election officials. The organization's activities are often informed by research and analysis from institutions like the Brennan Center for Justice and the Pew Research Center. Key initiatives, such as the Election Security Commission and the National Election Security Action Plan, have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders like the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

● Organization

The National Association of State Election Directors is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from state election offices across the United States. The organization's leadership, including its president and executive director, plays a critical role in shaping its agenda and priorities. The organization is headquartered in the United States and has a close relationship with other entities, such as the National Association of Counties and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. The organization's structure is designed to facilitate collaboration and information-sharing among its members, with committees and working groups focused on specific issues, such as election technology and voter accessibility.

● Initiatives

The National Association of State Election Directors has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting election security and supporting state election officials. These initiatives include the development of election security guidelines and best practices for state election offices, as well as the creation of a national election security clearinghouse to share information and resources. The organization has also partnered with entities like the Center for Democracy and Technology and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials to address issues like voter suppression and language access. Key initiatives, such as the Election Security Summit and the National Election Security Awareness Campaign, have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders like the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.