Arizona Secretary of State Announces New County Election Administration Fellowship Program
PHOENIX – The Arizona Secretary of State is proud to announce the launch of the 2024 County Election Administration Fellowship Program. Supported by ARPA funds allocated by Governor Hobbs, the County Election Administration Fellowship Program demonstrates a proactive step towards implementing recommendations from the Governor’s Bipartisan Elections Task Force, of which Secretary Fontes was an appointed member. This innovative program matches current college students and recent graduates with a county election official in each of our participating counties through a five-month fellowship to assist election administrators across the state. This experience will enhance fellows’ understanding of the elections process and hopefully create a pipeline of future public servants.
"The County Election Administration Fellowship Program is more than a training ground; it's a call to honor in safeguarding our democracy,” stated Secretary Fontes. “By addressing the critical losses of election officials since 2020, this initiative fortifies our elections as essential infrastructure, ensuring their resilience and integrity. It's a noble task, vital for maintaining public trust and the democratic process."
The fellowship offers a unique hands-on experience, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about the electoral process from the inside. Fellows will play a crucial role in ensuring the security and accessibility of our elections by augmenting the staffing needs of county election administration offices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- A basic understanding of policy, government, public administration, or law
- Proficiency in active listening and critical thinking, with a strong ability to use logic and reasoning to solve problems
- Experience in working effectively within a team environment
- A detail-oriented approach to tasks
- A commitment to remaining objective and non-partisan while serving under the Secretary of State
How to Apply:
Interested applicants can apply through Handshake® or our website by submitting the following documents:
- A completed Fellowship Application form
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) from your current university and any other institution where more than 12 credit hours were awarded
- A Statement of Interest detailing your motivations for applying to the program
- A current Resume highlighting relevant experiences and skills
- Applications should be sent via email to [email protected], with all required documents attached
The application period for the 2024 fellowship is now open, with applications being reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to applications received by April 12, 2024, for early consideration.
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