2024 Local Election Official Survey Codebook

INTERIM PLEASE KEEP CONFIDENTIAL

Elections & Voting Information Center at Reed College

Introduction

These is the INTERIM codebook for the 2024 Local Election Official (LEO) Survey, administered by the Elections & Voting Information Center (EVIC) at Reed College, under the direction of EVIC Director Paul Gronke, PhD and EVIC Research Director Paul Manson, PhD

Please do not interpret these data to be generalized to the entire population. They are not weighted. The crosstabs are more helpful.

Opening Questions

Screening, Job Title

SCREENING: Are you the chief election official in your jurisdiction?

SCREENING	n	%
Yes	589	89.2%
No	2	0.3%
Delegated	69	10.4%

658 out of 658 responding (100%)

Selection Method, Civil Service, Election Type

SELECTTYPE: Were you elected, appointed, or hired? (If you were appointed to fill a vacancy, but will sit for election in the next cycle, indicate elected.) - Selected Choice

SELECTTYPE	n	%
Appointed	219	33.6%
Elected	321	49.3%
Hired	99	15.2%
Contractor	7	1.1%
Other	5	0.8%

654 out of 658 responding (99%)

ELECTTYPE: You indicated you were elected to your position, what type of election was that?

ELECTTYPE	n	%
Non-partisan	171	52.6%
Partisan	154	47.4%

286 out of 281 responding (101.8%)

ELECTCONTEST: Was your most recent election contested or were you unopposed (in the general election)?

ELECTCONTEST	n	%
Contested	54	16.7%
Unopposed	270	83.3%

Career Trajectory

Years of Experience: Current Position and in Elections

CURPOS_LEN. How many years have you been in your current positions?

Response set were originally individual years, these have been categorized for the table

CURPOS_LEN_cat	n	%
Zero to one year	0	0.0%
1-2 years	87	13.3%
2-3 years	78	11.9%
3-4 years	39	6.0%
4-5 years	50	7.7%
5-6 years	32	4.9%
6-7 years	37	5.7%
7-10 years	136	20.7%
11-15 years	69	10.5%
16-20 years	33	5.1%
21-49 years	86	13.1%
Values > 49	8	1.1%
99	0	0.0%
Values < 0	0	0.0%

The average years of experience in the current position is 9.0810915 with a standard error of 0.6470365.

The median years of experience in the current position is 7 with a standard error of 0.509262.

POS_LEN. How many years have you worked in a paid capacity in the elections field, not including time as a volunteer or temporary worker?

POS_LEN_cat	n	%
Zero years	0	0.0%
1 year	50	7.8%
2 years	32	4.9%
3 years	22	3.4%
4 years	32	4.9%
5 years	29	4.4%
6 years	36	5.6%
7 years	34	5.3%
8-10 years	85	13.2%
11-15 years	110	17.1%
16-20 years	77	12.0%
21-49 years	130	20.2%
Values > 49	8	1.2%
99	0	0.0%
Values < 0	0	0.0%

The average years in the elections field is 13.0221429 with a standard error of 0.7518659.

The median years in the elections field is 11 with a standard error of 1.018518.

OTHERLEO Have you ever worked in other jurisdictions as the chief local election official?

OTHERLEO	n	%
Yes	65	9.8%
No	594	90.2%

OTHERLEOCOUNT How many other jurisdictions have you served as the local election official?

OTHERLEOCOUNT	n	%
1	57	8.6%
2	7	1.0%
3	2	0.3%
4	1	0.1%
Skipped (No on OTHERLEO); 0 or NA	594	90.1%

Workload

Maximum Hours Worked (Election and Non Election Periods)

MAX_HOURS_ELECTION. Please enter your best estimate of the maximum number of hours per week you dedicate to election-related tasks during peak election periods.

MAX_HOURS_ELECTION_cat	n	%
0-20 hours	235	36.0%
21-30 hours	116	17.7%
31-40 hours	73	11.2%
41-60 hours	146	22.4%
> 60 hours	83	12.7%
-99	0	0.0%

The average hours worked in peak election period is 36.0325885 with a standard error of 1.4432825.

The median hours worked in peak election period is 30 with a standard error of 1.2731622.

MAX_HOURS_WEEKS. For how many weeks does this peak workload continue?

MAX_HOURS_WEEKS_cat	n	%
0-5 weeks	338	52.5%
6-10 weeks	230	35.8%
11-20 weeks	58	9.0%
20-30 weeks	4	0.6%
30-52 weeks	9	1.4%
> 52 weeks	4	0.6%
-99	0	0.0%

The average weeks in peak election period is 7.0298872 with a standard error of 0.5440521.

The median hours worked in peak election period is 5 with a standard error of 0.2546273.

MAX_HOURS_NONELECTION. Please enter your best estimate of the maximum number of hours per week you dedicate to election-related tasks during a non-elections period.

MAX_HOURS_NONELECTION_cat	n	%
0-10 hours	420	64.8%
11-20 hours	76	11.8%
21-40 hours	115	17.8%
> 40	37	5.7%
-99	0	0.0%

The average hours worked in non-election period is 13.5945677 with a standard error of 0.8921637.

The median hours worked in non-election period is 5 with a standard error of 0.2546288.

Change in Workload

Change Compared to 4 Years Ago, Across tasks

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_a Do the following items require more, less, or about the same amount of your time compared with 4 years ago:

Voter Registration

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_REGISTRATION	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	96	17.1%
More time than 4 years ago	213	37.9%
No change from 4 years ago	219	39.0%
Less time than 4 years ago	20	3.5%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	14	2.5%
Not applicable	66

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_b. Preparing for Election Day voting

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_ELECTIONDAY	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	237	39.1%
More time than 4 years ago	268	44.3%
No change from 4 years ago	91	15.0%
Less time than 4 years ago	6	1.1%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	3	0.5%
Not applicable	45

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_c. Preparing for pre-Election Day voting

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_PREELECTIONDAY	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	212	36.7%
More time than 4 years ago	253	43.7%
No change from 4 years ago	105	18.2%
Less time than 4 years ago	5	0.9%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	3	0.6%
Not applicable	72

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_d. Signature matching

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_SIGNATURE	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	56	12.7%
More time than 4 years ago	129	29.0%
No change from 4 years ago	243	54.7%
Less time than 4 years ago	10	2.2%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	6	1.3%
Not applicable	205

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_e. Ballot curing

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_BALLOT	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	79	16.8%
More time than 4 years ago	138	29.5%
No change from 4 years ago	241	51.4%
Less time than 4 years ago	9	1.9%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	2	0.4%
Not applicable	173

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_f. Post-election audits

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_AUDIT	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	107	19.2%
More time than 4 years ago	207	37.2%
No change from 4 years ago	224	40.3%
Less time than 4 years ago	16	2.8%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	3	0.5%
Not applicable	92

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_g. Citizen complaints

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_COMPLAINTS	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	135	23.7%
More time than 4 years ago	178	31.3%
No change from 4 years ago	228	40.1%
Less time than 4 years ago	11	2.0%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	16	2.9%
Not applicable	81

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_h. Public Records Requests

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_RECORDS	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	230	37.9%
More time than 4 years ago	188	31.0%
No change from 4 years ago	178	29.4%
Less time than 4 years ago	6	1.0%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	4	0.6%
Not applicable	45

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_i. Media requests

WORKLOAD_CHANGE_MEDIA	n	%
A lot more time than 4 years ago	125	21.9%
More time than 4 years ago	141	24.6%
No change from 4 years ago	296	51.7%
Less time than 4 years ago	9	1.6%
A lot less time than 4 years ago	1	0.2%
Not applicable	78

Public Records Requests

Thinking a bit more about the workload of public records requests, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about public record requests:

PUBRECREQ_DOCUMENTS A few document requests disproportionately consume a significant portion of my time.

PUBRECREQ_REQUESTS: - Unduly burdensome requests significantly impede my ability to perform my duties.

PUBRECPERCENT Approximately, what percentage of public records requests you have handled in the past six months do you believe were unduly burdensome? Please provide your best estimate as a percentage by dragging the slider below.

Improving public records management

Please indicate your level of support or opposition with the following possible solutions for handling unduly burdensome requests in your office.

PUBRECPOLICY_TRAINING- Enhance training for public records staff on best practices for handling requests.

PUBRECPOLICY_TECH - Use technology to more effectively handle records requests.

PUBRECPOLICY_STAFF - Increase public records staffing levels.

PUBRECPOLICY_DENY - Outright deny, by law, unduly burdensome requests.

PUBRECPOLICY_FEES - Charge additional fees for excessive search and redaction time.

PUBRECPOLICY_ONLINE - Proactively post commonly requested records online.

PUBRECPOLICY_BAN. - Ban requesters who are unduly burdensome from making future requests.

PUBRECPOLICY_EDUCATE - Educate citizens on best practices for submitting requests.

PUBRECPOLICY_FINE - Fine requesters who are unduly burdensome.

Staff: Size, Departures, and Hiring

Staff Size: Overall and Elections Staff

FTE. Including yourself, how many permanent FTE (full-time equivalent) staff work in your office?

FTE_cat	n	%
1-3 FTE	349	64.9%
4-5 FTE	90	16.8%
6-10 FTE	63	11.8%
11-20 FTE	21	3.9%
> 20	14	2.6%
-99	0	0.0%

The average FTE is 3.6932332 with a standard error of 0.2447522.

The median FTE is 2 with a standard error of 0.2546353.

FTE_ELECTIONS. How many of these staff are fully dedicated to elections?

FTE_ELECTIONS_cat	n	%
1-3 FTE (elections)	237	77.1%
4-5 FTE (elections)	33	10.8%
6-10 FTE (elections)	21	6.9%
11-20 FTE (elections)	9	3.0%
> 20 FTE (elections)	7	2.1%
-99	0	0.0%

The average FTE_ELECTIONS is 2.3924864 with a standard error of 0.1816255.

The median FTE_ELECTIONS is 1 with a standard error of 0.2545735.

Staff Departures, New Hires, Barriers to Recruitment

STAFF_DEPARTURES How many staff members have left your office in the past 12 months? Your best estimate is fine.

STAFF_DEPARTURES	n	%
0	261	55.9%
1	120	25.7%
2	39	8.4%
3	23	4.9%
4	14	2.9%
5	5	1.0%
>5	6	1.2%
I	0	0.1%

HIRED Has your office hired new permanent staff or employees in the past two years?

HIRED	n	%
Yes	306	61.8%
No	189	38.2%

DIFFICULT Was it more difficult, less difficult, or about the same level of difficulty to fill these positions as in the past?

DIFFICULT	n	%
Much more difficult	74	21.8%
Somewhat more difficult	115	33.8%
About the same	94	27.6%
Somewhat less difficult	4	1.2%
Much less difficult	7	2.1%
I don’t know	46	13.5%

RECRUITMENT_ Thinking about recent hirings, which items, if any, represent a barrier to good candidate application pools?

RECRUITMENT	n	% of LEOs selecting
Little or no experience in election administration	209	42.4%
Lack of practical or applied skills important for these positions	129	26.5%
Lack of social or interpersonal skills	103	21.3%
Lack of time management or commitment	96	20.0%
Our office has not had any recent hires	88	18.1%
Lack of appropriate certification	47	9.6%
NA - applicants generally qualified	63	13.1%
Don’t know	63	13.2%

Temporary Hiring

TEMP_ELECTIONS How many temporary election workers does your office expect to recruit for the November 2024 general election, such as for office support, election boards, and other elections duties, but excluding poll workers?

Response set truncated for printing; top 9 responses shown

TEMP_ELECTIONS	n	%
None	257	39.2%
1 to 5	213	32.4%
6 to 10	66	10.1%
11 to 20	42	6.4%
21 to 50	34	5.2%
51 to 100	17	2.6%
I don’t know	15	2.2%
100 to 250	10	1.5%
More than 250	3	0.4%

DIFFICULT_TEMP Do you expect it to be more difficult, less difficult, or about the same level of difficulty as it has been in the past to fill temporary positions (excluding poll workers) for the November 2024 elections?

DIFFICULT_TEMP	n	%
Much more difficult	44	8.6%
Somewhat more difficult	121	24.1%
About the same	249	49.3%
Somewhat less difficult	12	2.4%
Much less difficult	13	2.6%
I don’t know	66	13.0%

Pollworker Hiring

TEMP_PW How many poll workers does your office expect to recruit for the November 2024 general election?

TEMP_PW	n	%
None	61	9.4%
1 to 5	66	10.1%
6 to 10	132	20.1%
11 to 20	99	15.1%
21 to 50	111	16.9%
51 to 100	72	11.0%
100 to 250	52	7.9%
More than 250	45	6.9%
I don’t know	7	1.0%
We do not have poll workers in our state	11	1.6%

DIFFICULT_TEMP_PW How difficult or easy will it be for your jurisdiction to obtain a sufficient number of poll workers for the November 2024 general election?

DIFFICULT_TEMP_PW	n	%
Neither difficult nor easy	143	23.8%
Not enough information to answer	2	0.4%
Somewhat difficult	199	33.1%
Somewhat easy	98	16.3%
Very difficult	51	8.6%
Very easy	107	17.8%

Succession Planning

SUCCESSION_PLAN Do you have a succession plan (formal or informal) for your position?

SUCCESSION_PLAN	n	%
Yes	208	31.7%
No	365	55.8%
I don’t know	82	12.5%

SUCCESSION_YES What best describes your succession plan? - Selected Choice

SUCCESSION_YES	n	%
I have another succession plan (please describe):	33	13.1%
I’m preparing my deputy or hand-picked successor to run for office to replace me.	141	56.1%
I’m preparing our governing body to appoint my deputy or hand-picked successor to replace me (whether or not they may subsequently run for my office).	78	30.8%

SUCCESSION_NO Why do you not have a succession plan?

SUCCESSION_NO	n	%
I have not found an appropriate successor.	88	19.7%
I have not had time to prepare a succession plan.	68	15.3%
It is not my role to prepare a succession plan.	143	32.0%
It is too soon for me to prepare a succession plan.	148	33.0%

Funding Elections: Revenue Sources

The cost of administering elections can be funded by several sources. Please indicate how much in the last fiscal year you relied on each of the following types of revenue to fund elections in your office. (Your best estimate is fine.)

REVENUE_LOCAL_REIMBURSE Local reimbursement of election costs (school boards, cities, etc.)

REVENUE_LOCAL_REIMBURSE	n	%
Less than 5%	81	23.9%
5% to 25%	103	30.5%
26% to 50%	40	12.0%
51% to 75%	27	8.0%
More than 75%	87	25.6%
Not applicable	279

REVENUE_DEDICATED_TAX- Dedicated county or local tax for elections

REVENUE_DEDICATED_TAX	n	%
Less than 5%	32	16.7%
5% to 25%	29	15.5%
26% to 50%	29	15.6%
51% to 75%	15	7.9%
More than 75%	84	44.4%
Not applicable	428

REVENUE_TAX - County or local tax (e.g. allocations from property or sales tax)

REVENUE_TAX	n	%
Less than 5%	38	12.0%
5% to 25%	30	9.4%
26% to 50%	59	18.6%
51% to 75%	44	14.0%
More than 75%	146	46.0%
Not applicable	294

REVENUE_FILING - Candidate filing fees

REVENUE_FILING	n	%
Less than 5%	139	91.0%
5% to 25%	11	6.9%
26% to 50%	0	0.3%
51% to 75%	1	1.0%
More than 75%	1	0.9%
Not applicable	458

REVENUE_OFFICE - Other office fees (e.g. recording fees, or fees from other duties)

REVENUE_OFFICE	n	%
Less than 5%	68	58.3%
5% to 25%	29	25.0%
26% to 50%	10	8.3%
51% to 75%	1	0.6%
More than 75%	9	7.9%
Not applicable	499

REVENUE_STATE_REIMBURSE - State reimbursement of election costs

REVENUE_STATE_REIMBURSE	n	%
Less than 5%	84	24.5%
5% to 25%	133	39.0%
26% to 50%	38	11.0%
51% to 75%	39	11.4%
More than 75%	48	14.1%
Not applicable	277

REVENUE_STATE_GRANT - State grant funds

REVENUE_STATE_GRANT	n	%
Less than 5%	102	46.2%
5% to 25%	69	31.2%
26% to 50%	12	5.6%
51% to 75%	21	9.6%
More than 75%	16	7.4%
Not applicable	392

REVENUE_APPROPRIATION - State appropriation

REVENUE_APPROPRIATION	n	%
Less than 5%	60	40.6%
5% to 25%	47	31.7%
26% to 50%	9	6.2%
51% to 75%	18	11.8%
More than 75%	15	9.8%
Not applicable	459

REVENUE_FEDERAL_GRANT - Federal grant funds

REVENUE_FEDERAL_GRANT	n	%
Less than 5%	70	59.0%
5% to 25%	25	20.7%
26% to 50%	6	5.2%
51% to 75%	14	11.7%
More than 75%	4	3.4%
Not applicable	483

REVENUE_PRIVATE_GRANT - Private and/or philanthropic grants

REVENUE_PRIVATE_GRANT	n	%
Less than 5%	33	73.3%
5% to 25%	6	13.5%
26% to 50%	6	12.3%
More than 75%	0	0.9%
Not applicable	563

REVENUE_OTHER - Other:

REVENUE_OTHER	n	%
Less than 5%	0	1.3%
5% to 25%	1	4.9%
26% to 50%	1	1.9%
51% to 75%	2	7.8%
More than 75%	25	84.1%
Not applicable	133

One Time Funding Usage

If you were offered a long-term and stable increase in public funding, what one area would you prioritize the investment in your office. - Selected Choice

NEWFUNDING	n	%
Build or refurbish physical facilities	170	28.6%
Expand training or professional development	139	23.5%
Increase staffing	134	22.6%
New equipment or technology	123	20.7%
Other	28	4.6%

Retirements and Departures

Retirement: Intentions and Reasons

RETIREMENTELIG Will you be eligible to retire from your work as a local election official within the next four years (any time prior to the November 2028 Presidential election)?

RETIREMENTELIG	n	%
Yes	249	37.7%
No	361	54.7%
I don’t know	43	6.5%
Other	7	1.0%

RETIREMENTCON Are you considering retiring? - Selected Choice

RETIREMENTCON	n	%
Yes, I am considering retirement before the November 2024 election.	2	0.7%
Yes, after November 2024 but before November 2026.	53	22.3%
Yes, before the 2028 election cycle.	80	33.4%
No, I am not considering retirement.	86	36.2%
Other	18	7.5%

RETIREMENTREASON. What factors are influencing your considerations of retirement?

RETIREMENTREASON	n	% of LEOs selecting
I do not enjoy the politcal environment	75	22.7%
Changes in how elections are administered made the work unsatisfying	74	22.4%
I have served long enough to retire now	74	22.2%
I no longer enjoy the position	54	16.2%
Personal, family, or other changes unrelated to my work environment	50	15.1%
I want to do something else for work	46	13.9%
I want to do something else with my time	41	12.3%
My spouse or partner is retiring	25	7.5%
I can afford to retire earlier than expected	15	4.7%
Other	14	4.1%
0	NA

LEAVELEO Are you considering leaving your work as a local election official any time prior to the November 2028 presidential election?

LEAVELEO	n	%
Yes	116	25.4%
No	237	51.9%
I don’t know	103	22.6%

LEAVEREASON. What reasons motivate you to consider leaving your work as a local election official?

LEAVEREASON	n	% of LEOs selecting
I do not enjoy the political environment	91	24.4%
Changes in how elections are administered made the work unsatisfying	84	22.4%
I no longer enjoy the position	66	17.6%
Personal, family, or other changes unrelated to my work environment	54	14.2%
Other	53	14.1%
I want to do something else with my time	52	13.9%
I want to do something else for work	33	8.9%
I can move to another position that earns the same, but workload is more balanced	29	7.6%
I can earn more in another position or career	13	3.8%
I do not believe I will be reappointed or reelected	4	1.2%
0	NA

Job Satisfaction and Public Service Motivations

Job Satisfaction

Next we would like to ask you about your personal experience in your role as a local election official. Please indicate your agreement or disagreement with the following statements

JOB_SATISFACTION_RESPECT - My work is respected by other county or local officials.

JOB_SATISFACTION_RESPECT	n	%
Strongly agree	293	47.3%
Somewhat agree	197	31.8%
Neither agree nor disagree	63	10.1%
Somewhat disagree	51	8.3%
Strongly disagree	16	2.6%

JOB_SATISFACTION_BALANCE - I do not feel I can balance my work and home priorities.

JOB_SATISFACTION_BALANCE	n	%
Strongly agree	59	9.5%
Somewhat agree	161	25.7%
Neither agree nor disagree	190	30.4%
Somewhat disagree	104	16.6%
Strongly disagree	112	17.9%

JOB_SATISFACTION_CHILD - I would encourage my own child to pursue a career in local election administration.

JOB_SATISFACTION_CHILD	n	%
Strongly agree	32	5.2%
Somewhat agree	104	16.7%
Neither agree nor disagree	254	40.6%
Somewhat disagree	110	17.6%
Strongly disagree	125	20.0%

JOB_SATISFACTION_PROUD - I am proud to tell people that I work for my department.

JOB_SATISFACTION_PROUD	n	%
Strongly agree	331	52.8%
Somewhat agree	158	25.3%
Neither agree nor disagree	103	16.5%
Somewhat disagree	28	4.4%
Strongly disagree	7	1.0%

JOB_SATISFACTION_PROBLEMS - I am able to leave problems at work.

JOB_SATISFACTION_PROBLEMS	n	%
Strongly agree	64	10.2%
Somewhat agree	192	30.7%
Neither agree nor disagree	79	12.6%
Somewhat disagree	180	28.7%
Strongly disagree	112	17.9%

JOB_SATISFACTION_MEANINGFUL - My job activities are personally meaningful to me.

JOB_SATISFACTION_MEANINGFUL	n	%
Strongly agree	327	52.1%
Somewhat agree	194	30.9%
Neither agree nor disagree	91	14.5%
Somewhat disagree	9	1.4%
Strongly disagree	7	1.1%

*JOB_SATISFACTION_CONFIDENT - I am confident about my ability to do my job.**

JOB_SATISFACTION_CONFIDENT	n	%
Strongly agree	435	69.3%
Somewhat agree	151	24.1%
Neither agree nor disagree	24	3.7%
Somewhat disagree	17	2.7%
Strongly disagree	0	0.1%

JOB_SATISFACTION_SKILLS - I have mastered the skills necessary for my job.

JOB_SATISFACTION_SKILLS	n	%
Strongly agree	304	48.5%
Somewhat agree	237	37.7%
Neither agree nor disagree	66	10.5%
Somewhat disagree	19	3.1%
Strongly disagree	1	0.2%

JOB_SATISFACTION_AUTONOMY - I have significant autonomy in determining how I do my job.

JOB_SATISFACTION_AUTONOMY	n	%
Strongly agree	243	38.8%
Somewhat agree	250	40.0%
Neither agree nor disagree	108	17.3%
Somewhat disagree	19	3.1%
Strongly disagree	5	0.8%

Public Service Motivations

We have a few more questions we would like to ask you about your personal experience in your role as a local election official. Please indicate your agreement or disagreement with the following statements.

PSMPSY_IMPACT - My impact on what happens in my job is large.

PSMPSY_IMPORTANT - The work I do as a local election official is very important to me.

PSMPSY_RIDICULE. - I am not afraid to go to bat for the rights of others even if it means I will be ridiculed.

PSMPSY_DIFFERENCE - Making a difference in society means more to me than personal achievements.

PSMPSY_SACRIFICE - I am prepared to make enormous sacrifices for the good of society.

PSMPSY_DEPENDENT - I am often reminded by daily events about how dependent we are on one another.

PSMPSY_QUIT - I often think of quitting this job.

PSMPSY_YEAR. - It is likely that I will look for another job during the next year.

PSMPSY_GAIN. - There isn’t much to be gained by staying in this job.

Overall Job Satisfaction

JS_OVERALL All things considered, what is your level of overall satisfaction with your job?

JS_OVERALL	n	%
Dissatisfied	48	7.4%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied	101	15.5%
Satisfied	334	51.2%
Very dissatisfied	2	0.3%
Very satisfied	167	25.6%

Threats and Intimidation

HARASS_LEAVE Do you personally know of any local election officials or election workers who have left their jobs at least in part because of fear for their safety, increased threats, or intimidation?

HARASS_LEAVE	n	%
No, I don’t know of any who have left their jobs because of concerns about their safety.	264	52.0%
Yes, I know of many who have left their jobs because of concerns about their safety.	51	10.0%
Yes, I know of one or two who have left their jobs because of concerns about their safety.	193	38.0%

HARASS_MYSELF Have you considered leaving your job because of fear for your safety, increased threats, or intimidation?

HARASS_MYSELF	n	%
Yes	82	13.7%
No	516	86.3%

For each type of incident, please indicate the most recent time that you experienced it, to the best of your recollection.

THREAT_PERS_INSULT- Insulted verbally, in writing, or online

THREAT_PERS_INSULT	n	%
Never	198	30.3%
Within the last 3 months	202	31.0%
Within the last year	131	20.1%
More than a year ago	120	18.5%

THREAT_PERS_HARASS. - Harassed verbally, in writing, or online

THREAT_PERS_HARASS	n	%
Never	284	43.6%
Within the last 3 months	117	18.0%
Within the last year	119	18.3%
More than a year ago	131	20.1%

THREAT_PERS_THREAT. - Threatened verbally, in writing, or online

THREAT_PERS_THREAT	n	%
Never	459	70.6%
Within the last 3 months	54	8.3%
Within the last year	46	7.1%
More than a year ago	90	13.9%

THREAT_PERS_ATTACK. - Attacked physically

THREAT_PERS_ATTACK	n	%
Never	646	99.0%
Within the last year	3	0.5%
More than a year ago	3	0.5%

THREAT_PERS_DAMAGE. - Property damage

THREAT_PERS_DAMAGE	n	%
Never	609	93.3%
Within the last 3 months	2	0.4%
Within the last year	5	0.7%
More than a year ago	37	5.6%

THREAT_PERS_IMPERSON - Malicious impersonation

THREAT_PERS_IMPERSON	n	%
Never	626	95.9%
Within the last 3 months	2	0.3%
Within the last year	14	2.2%
More than a year ago	11	1.6%

THREAT_ENGAGE Have threats or harassment changed your willingness to engage with the public?

THREAT_CHANGE Have you changed any policies or procedures in response to threats or harassment?

What types of policies or procedures have you changed? (Select all that apply.)

Source of Threats

THREATPARTY Some LEOs report that they have received politically based threats, while others report no such threats. Some say the threats come from one side while others say they come from all sides. Have you experienced politically based threats?

Dealing with Election Skeptics

Some LEOs report that they have had difficulties engaging with election skeptics from different places, while others report no such difficulties. How has your experience been engaging with election skeptics who are:

SKEPTIC_DIFF_PUBLIC - Members of the general public

SKEPTIC_DIFF_OBSERVERS - Election observers

SKEPTIC_DIFF_WORKERS - Polling place or vote center workers

SKEPTIC_DIFF_PERMANENT: - Permanent elections staff

SKEPTIC_DIFF_TEMPORARY - Temporary elections staff

SKEPTIC_DIFF_FELLOW - Fellow election officials

SKEPTIC_DIFF_CANVASSERS- My county Board of Elections or Board of Canvassers

SKEPTIC_DIFF_OFFICE - State elections office staff

SKEPTIC_DIFF_OFFICIALS- Other elected or appointed officials in my county

SKEPTIC_DIFF_LEGISLATORS - State legislators in my state

PARTISAN_SKEPTICS Do you think current levels of election skepticism are primarily motivated by political parties, fringe groups, or individual actors? I think it is: - Selected Choice

LEO Skepticism

LEOSKEPTIC Have you ever been skeptical of an election’s outcome due to the mishandling or processing of ballots in the United States?

Election Preparation, Guidance, New State Laws

Based on your expertise and knowledge of election administration, and considering the uncertainties of this time, how confident are you that:

LOCAL_PREP - My office will be fully prepared to administer a safe, secure, and accessible election in November 2024.

LOCAL_PREP	n	%
Very confident	515	78.7%
Confident	130	19.8%
Somewhat confident	10	1.5%

LOCAL_FUND: - My office will be sufficiently funded to administer a safe, secure, and accessible election in November 2024.

LOCAL_FUND	n	%
Very confident	375	57.3%
Confident	193	29.5%
Somewhat confident	53	8.1%
Not at all confident	32	4.9%
I don’t know	1	0.2%

STATE_PREP Other election offices in my state will be fully prepared to administer a safe, secure, and accessible election in November 2024.

STATE_PREP	n	%
Very confident	288	45.4%
Confident	223	35.1%
Somewhat confident	93	14.6%
Not at all confident	19	2.9%
I don’t know	13	2.0%

NATION_PREP Election offices around the nation will be fully prepared to administer a safe, secure, and accessible election in November 2024.

NATION_PREP	n	%
Very confident	126	21.0%
Confident	189	31.6%
Somewhat confident	203	33.8%
Not at all confident	49	8.2%
I don’t know	33	5.4%

GUIDANCE Looking ahead to the 2024 election, to what extent do you agree with the following statement: My jurisdiction has received sufficient guidance from state and/or federal authorities regarding the security of our election systems.

GUIDANCE	n	%
Strongly agree	351	53.7%
Somewhat agree	226	34.6%
Neither agree nor disagree	45	6.9%
Somewhat disagree	26	4.0%
Strongly disagree	5	0.8%

STATELEG Since the November 2022 election, has your state legislature passed legislation that impacted the way you conduct elections in your jurisdiction?

STATELEG	n	%
Yes	474	72.5%
No	116	17.8%
I don’t know	63	9.7%

LAWSHELP On balance, do you think these new laws:

LAWSHELP	n	%
Did not improve election administration	229	46.7%
I don’t know	131	26.7%
Improved election administration	131	26.7%

Responses to Political Pressures

ERN_PRESS Some LEOs report facing pressure from officials in their jurisdiction to bend the rules or otherwise favor one side in an election. Have you experienced such situations?

ERN_PRESS_1 Have you changed any policies or procedures in response to political pressure?

ERN_PRESS_CHANGE What types of policies or procedures have you changed? - Selected Choice Location of voting sites

ERN_POLACT Election officials can face difficult ethical decisions about their own public political activities, such as whether to publicly endorse or fundraise for a candidate on the ballot in an election the official will oversee. Have you encountered difficult ethical decisions about political activity?

ERN_SUPPORT Which of the three statements below is closest to your opinion as an election official:

Voter Centric Election Administration

To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements regarding the relationship between local election officials and the general public?

RELATE_ENJOY - I enjoy educating citizens about voting rules and procedures.

RELATE_ENJOY	n	%
Strongly agree	393	60.8%
Somewhat agree	159	24.6%
Neither agree nor disagree	89	13.7%
Somewhat disagree	4	0.7%
Strongly disagree	1	0.1%

RELATE_CITKNOW - The lack of citizen knowledge about voting rules and procedures causes significant problems when people go to vote.

RELATE_CITKNOW	n	%
Strongly agree	210	32.5%
Somewhat agree	244	37.8%
Neither agree nor disagree	129	20.0%
Somewhat disagree	54	8.3%
Strongly disagree	9	1.4%

RELATE_CONDUCT- The primary responsibility of local election officials is to conduct the election, not worry about voter education or voter satisfaction.

RELATE_CONDUCT	n	%
Strongly agree	33	5.1%
Somewhat agree	139	21.4%
Neither agree nor disagree	87	13.4%
Somewhat disagree	256	39.5%
Strongly disagree	133	20.6%

RELATE_EDURESP- Local election officials should consider it part of their responsibilities to work on voter education and voter satisfaction.

RELATE_EDURESP	n	%
Strongly agree	214	33.1%
Somewhat agree	257	39.8%
Neither agree nor disagree	120	18.5%
Somewhat disagree	40	6.2%
Strongly disagree	15	2.4%

RELATE_TIMEEDU My office has enough time and resources to work on educating voters, along with conducting the election.

RELATE_TIMEEDU	n	%
Strongly agree	50	7.8%
Somewhat agree	130	20.1%
Neither agree nor disagree	97	15.0%
Somewhat disagree	199	30.8%
Strongly disagree	170	26.3%

RELATE_TURNOUT It is part of my job to encourage voter turnout.

RELATE_TURNOUT	n	%
Strongly agree	205	31.7%
Somewhat agree	213	32.8%
Neither agree nor disagree	149	23.0%
Somewhat disagree	40	6.2%
Strongly disagree	41	6.3%

RELATE_INCLUSION Local election officials should work to reduce demographic disparities in voter turnout.

RELATE_INCLUSION	n	%
Strongly agree	133	20.6%
Somewhat agree	125	19.4%
Neither agree nor disagree	287	44.6%
Somewhat disagree	45	7.0%
Strongly disagree	54	8.3%

Voter Education and Outreach

VOTER_EDUCATION Which methods of outreach have you regularly used in your jurisdiction, if any, so voters receive accurate information about elections? (Select all that apply)

VOTER_EDUCATION	n	% of LEOs selecting
Interacting with voters face-to-face in my office, via phone, or through email	517	80.6%
Mailing print materials to voters (pamphlets, voter guides)	192	30.3%
Sharing information on social media	147	36.6%
Other	104	16.5%
Running ads in local newspapers	78	16.8%
Conducting interviews with local newspapers or TV stations	52	10.4%
Organizing in-person town hall meetings	19	3.3%
None of the above	8	1.3%
Running ads on TV or radio	7	1.3%

VOTER_EDUCATION_EFFECTIVE Which method of outreach do you think is most effective in your jurisdiction to ensure that voters receive accurate information about elections? (Select one) - Selected Choice

VOTER_EDUCATION_EFFECTIVE	n	%
Conducting interviews with local newspapers or TV stations	16	2.9%
Interacting with voters face-to-face in my office, via phone, or through email	226	40.6%
Mailing print materials to voters (eg., pamphlets, voter guides)	85	15.3%
Organizing in-person town hall meetings	8	1.4%
Other	46	8.2%
Running ads in local newspapers	35	6.3%
Running ads on TV or radio	3	0.5%
Sharing information on social media	138	24.8%

Misinformation

MISINFORMATION Some jurisdictions have had to deal with misinformation over the past few election cycles. To what extent, if at all, is misinformation a problem in your jurisdiction? - Selected Choice

MISINFORMATION	n	%
A serious problem	124	19.4%
A minor problem	306	47.8%
Not a problem at all	124	19.3%
Other	10	1.6%
I don’t know	75	11.8%

COMBAT_MISINFO1 Which approach to addressing misinformation do you think is most effective?

COMBAT_MISINFO1	n	%
Mostly proactive	100	17.2%
Mostly reactive	54	9.2%
A mixture of reactive and proactive	304	52.2%
None of it seems to be effective	74	12.8%
I don’t know	50	8.6%

Election Confidence: State and National

Looking ahead to the November 2024 election, to what extent are you confident about each of the following statements?

NATIONLIST- Voter registration lists nationwide will be secure from outside interference

NATIONLIST	n	%
Very confident	133	20.6%
Somewhat confident	333	51.5%
Not too confident	93	14.4%
Not at all confident	22	3.3%
I don’t know	65	10.1%

STATELIST - Voter registration lists in my state will be secure from outside interference

STATELIST	n	%
Very confident	384	59.5%
Somewhat confident	207	32.0%
Not too confident	25	3.8%
Not at all confident	3	0.5%
I don’t know	27	4.2%

NATIONCONF - Votes nationwide will be counted as intended

NATIONCONF	n	%
Very confident	224	34.7%
Somewhat confident	281	43.6%
Not too confident	82	12.8%
Not at all confident	12	1.8%
I don’t know	46	7.1%

STATECONF - Votes in my state will be counted as intended

STATECONF	n	%
Very confident	488	75.5%
Somewhat confident	125	19.3%
Not too confident	19	2.9%
Not at all confident	4	0.6%
I don’t know	11	1.6%

SURVEYS During the past 12 months, including this survey how many surveys have you been asked to complete for your office? (An estimate is fine.)

SURVEYS	n	%
None	50	9.0%
Only this one	71	12.8%
A few	200	36.2%
3 to 6	162	29.3%
7 to 10	14	2.5%
10 to 20	24	4.3%
20 or more	26	4.7%
Many, Too Many, Numerous	6	1.1%

Demographics

AGE What is your age?

AGE	n	%
18-34	37	100.0%
AGE	0	0.0%

GENDER How do you describe yourself? - Selected Choice

GENDER	n	%
Woman	548	84.6%
Man	85	13.1%
Other	1	0.1%
I prefer not to answer	15	2.2%

ETHNICITY Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

ETHNICITY	n	%
Yes	23	3.5%
No	600	92.7%
I prefer not to answer	25	3.8%

RACE How would you describe yourself?

RACE	n	%
White	572	88.4%
Black or African American	15	2.4%
Asian	4	0.6%
American Indian or Alaskan Native	6	1.0%
Two or more races	22	3.3%
I prefer not to answer	28	4.3%

EDUCATION What is the highest level of education you have completed?

EDUCATION	n	%
Some high school	1	0.2%
High school	55	8.6%
Some college	217	33.7%
College	255	39.6%
Some graduate school	13	2.0%
Graduate school	91	14.1%
I prefer not to answer	11	1.7%

SALARY Please select your salary range.

SALARY	n	%
Less than $20,000	39	6.2%
$20,000 to $34,999	60	9.4%
$35,000 to $49,999	133	21.0%
$50,000 to $74,999	184	29.0%
$75,000 to $99,999	133	21.0%
$100,000 to $124,999	41	6.5%
$125,000 and greater	34	5.4%
I prefer not to answer	9	1.4%

PARTISANSHIP1 Where would you place yourself on the following scale? - Selected Choice

PARTISANSHIP1	n	%
Strong Democrat	45	7.0%
Not very strong Democrat	13	2.0%
Independent, lean Democrat	72	11.3%
Independent	64	10.0%
Independent, lean Republican	72	11.2%
Not very strong Republican	52	8.2%
Strong Republican	71	11.1%
Other	12	1.8%
I prefer not to answer	240	37.4%