As we announced in July, in an effort to serve our election partners more effectively, the Government Accountability Board has developed a new Elections Administration Training webinar series in lieu of a new series of WisLine program teleconferences in 2012-2013.  The first webinar in the new series, “Preparing for the August Partisan Primary,” was conducted as part of our “Back to Basics” education and training initiative and provided important information on counting votes, proof of residence and signing the poll list.

The new webinar training series has generated a positive response from county and municipal clerks and their election inspectors.  We feel the webinars we develop and conduct over the next year will be more timely and responsive to election law changes at the state level and will provide information and updates you need to continue to perform your job duties effectively.  The programs and materials will also be free for you to download from our website for your own education and for training your election inspectors.  Materials may also be ordered for a small fee to cover printing and postage costs using the order form found on our website:  http://gab.wi.gov/node/2622.  

Webinar access information and related materials will be posted under “Recent Clerk Communications” on the Monday prior to each webinar.  Currently, the audio portion of the live webinar can only be accessed through a telephone and carries a toll charge.  We will be exploring other methods of conducting the webinars live without the associated cost.  The webinar recording, related materials and a list of frequently asked questions will be posted shortly after the webcast.

The following is a list of webinars developed to prepare election officials for the February and April 2013 elections.  The live or recorded webinars count toward the hours clerks and chief inspectors need for recertification.  The webinars will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the topics listed below their titles.  

Elections Administration Training Webinar Series
“Back to Basics” Part II

Lessons Learned From the 2012 Elections
January 9, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
How to Use My Vote WI
Registration/Voting Process
Issuing Voter Numbers
When “POR Required” is on the Poll List
When a Provisional Ballot May or May Not Be Issued
How to Issue and Process Absentee Ballots

Completing Election Day Forms and other Documentation
January 16, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Voter Registration Application
Supplemental Poll List
Absentee Certificate Envelope
Inspectors’ Statement
Challenge Documentation
Absentee Ballot Log
Municipal Board of Canvass Certification

Election Day Topics:  Situations and Troubleshooting
January 30, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Registration/Proof of Residence/DL Number Requirement
Issuing Absentee Ballots/Processing Absentee Ballots
Electioneering/Election Observers
Reconciling Poll Lists
Voting Equipment Issues

Review of Special Procedures
March 13, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (New date, same time!)
Absentee Voting
Issuing Provisional Ballots
MBOC/Late-Arriving Absentee and Provisional Ballots

What Every New Clerk Should Know
May 1, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Candidates and Other Registrants
Training Requirements for Election Officials
Keeping Records

We will continue to explore education, training and outreach modalities that are effective, can be delivered at a reduced cost and will provide uniform instruction and training across the state.  Please send any questions or comments you have to Allison Coakley:  allison.coakley@wi.gov or (608) 261-2033.

cc:    Kevin J. Kennedy                    Ross D. Hein
    Director and General Counsel                        Elections Supervisor
    Government Accountability Board            Government Accountability Board