Election Commission members are responsible for the following:
- Establishing precincts, including temporary precinct consolidations for non-State/ Federal elections;
- Establishing Absent Voter Counting Boards (AVCBs);
- Assessing voting equipment needs;
- Performing logic and accuracy testing for voting equipment. NOTE: Even if the county performs the programming for the local jurisdictions, it is still the responsibility of the local election commission to conduct pre-election logic and accuracy testing for their voting equipment prior to each election. Preliminary testing may be delegated to the local clerk; however, public accuracy testing must be conducted by the election commission or each member’s designated representative.
- Authorizing the printing and provision of ballots for use in city, township, village, and certain school district elections;
- Providing election supplies (including forms and ballot containers);
- Appointing precinct inspectors prior to each election, including AVCB members, Receiving Board members, precinct chairpersons and alternates; note that certified election inspectors must be appointed at least 21 days prior to the election and no more than 40 days prior to each election;
- Notifying major political parties of the appointment of election inspectors in federal and state elections; and
- Carrying out other election-related duties for their respective jurisdictions.
Election Commission responsibilities that should be handled via an Open Meeting by Election Commission Members:
- Approving of ballots
- Appointing precinct inspectors
- Public Accuracy Test
- Precinct Changes / Consolidations
- Adoption of a resolution outlining delegated duties
Election Commission duties that may be delegated to the Local Clerk or authorized assistant (note: Delegated duties should be documented via resolution):
- Preparing meeting materials for the Election Commission (ballots proof for approval, list of election inspectors for appointment, etc.)
- Preparing, printing and delivering ballots
- Providing candidates and the Secretary of State with proof copies of ballots
- Providing notice to voters in the case of precinct changes/consolidations
- Providing election supplies and ballot containers
- Preliminary logic and accuracy testing
- Notifying major political parties of certified precinct Inspector appointments (federal and state elections only)