New York City’s Board of Elections has been under scrutiny for its frequent mistakes rather than its accomplishments. To address this issue, the board recently certified 15 of its senior managers as professional elections administrators. This certification was provided by the Election Center, a nonpartisan organization with a long history of training election staff nationwide.
The move to certify senior managers was met with both praise and skepticism. Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, acknowledged it as a positive step towards improving election administration but also highlighted that more structural reforms are still needed to prevent future administrative issues. The certification process involved 12 courses covering various aspects of election management, such as history, voter participation, and election security.
Vincent Ignizio, the deputy executive director of the city Board of Elections, emphasized that human error is inevitable in any system involving humans. He likened the certification to continuing education for professionals like lawyers. The 15 staff members who completed the certification are the first and only elections staff in all of New York state to have done so.
The training provided an opportunity for the board’s staff to exchange best practices with jurisdictions facing similar challenges in managing large numbers of voters. This collaboration with other election administrators from different parts of the country allowed for valuable insights and learning experiences that can be applied to New York City’s unique situation.
Despite the positive step taken by the Board of Elections, there is still room for improvement. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, who conducted hearings on election improvements, emphasized the need for greater professionalization and training for election workers. The training program was part of a larger effort to enhance voter confidence and ensure smooth election processes in the future.
In conclusion, the certification of senior managers at the New York City Board of Elections is a positive development towards improving election administration in the city. While more reforms and training are needed, this step signifies a commitment to enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process. The collaboration with other election administrators and the completion of the certification program demonstrate a willingness to learn and implement best practices for the benefit of New York City voters.
