[EL] North Carolina Election Administration

[Larry Levine]

I agree completely. Now, how do we make that happen in states where the
culture is different from what you describe? In this super-charged partisan
environment, where some people think losing an election is equal to the end
of the world, we see a parade of bad actors acting badly. They are no means
a majority. But what they do is partially to blame for the public
disenchantment with the political process. If they cared about that they
wouldn't act badly in the first place. 

Larry

 

From: Even, Jeff (ATG) [mailto:JeffE at ATG.WA.GOV] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 4:40 PM
To: larrylevine at earthlink.net; Susan Lerner;
law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
Subject: RE: [EL] North Carolina Election Administration

 

Yes.  But a more serious answer to the question lies in instilling the right
culture.  My observation on that score is that leadership can do a lot.  If
it's clear that staff is rewarded for playing straight, and if the leaders
in the organization are themselves rigorous about treating all sides evenly,
that culture can permeate the office.  Individuals will, of course, have
their own opinions, but I witness a certain professional pride in our
elections staff in turning that off during working hours.  I've advised two
Secretaries of State over the past 20 years, and while individual employees
come and go both have been successful in instilling and maintaining that
culture.  

 

From: Larry Levine [mailto:larrylevine at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 4:34 PM
To: Even, Jeff (ATG); 'Susan Lerner'; law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
Subject: RE: [EL] North Carolina Election Administration

 

Most of them are exactly that. It's the ones who step out of line that draw
the attention.

Larry

 

From: Even, Jeff (ATG) [mailto:JeffE at ATG.WA.GOV] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 4:28 PM
To: larrylevine at earthlink.net; Susan Lerner;
law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
Subject: RE: [EL] North Carolina Election Administration

 

They're not bureaucrats.  They're hard-working public servants.  But I
digress.

 

From: law-election-bounces at department-lists.uci.edu
[mailto:law-election-bounces at department-lists.uci.edu] On Behalf Of Larry
Levine
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 4:19 PM
To: 'Susan Lerner'; law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
Subject: Re: [EL] North Carolina Election Administration

 

How can you have a non-partisan election staff. I would guess many if not
all of them have strong partisan leanings. Just because they are bureaucrats
doesn't make them non-partisan. 

Larry

 

From: law-election-bounces at department-lists.uci.edu
[mailto:law-election-bounces at department-lists.uci.edu] On Behalf Of Susan
Lerner
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 4:10 PM
To: law-election at department-lists.uci.edu
Subject: [EL] North Carolina Election Administration

 

It is my understanding that North carolina has a politically appointed Board
of Elections but professional non-partisan election staff.  This contrasts
mightily with the situation here in NY.  Is anyone aware of any articles
that confirm my understanding or that discuss similar arrangements in other
states (i.e., political Board, professional non0political
administration/management)? 

 

Thanks,

Susan

 

  _____  

Susan Lerner 

Executive Director, Common Cause/NY

74 Trinity Place, Suite 901

New York, NY 10006

t:  212-691-6421

m:917-670-5670

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