5.2.1.020 Authority and Responsibilities.

The Election Commission shall conduct all elections in accordance with Section 3 (b) of the Agreement which states:

All elections shall be conducted by the Election Commission in a fair and impartial manner.

(a) Elections. The Election Commission shall be responsible for conducting all elections and related activities, including but not limited to:

(1) preparing and issuing election notices, ballots and election materials,

(2) confirming candidate qualifications, including conducting candidate background investigations and posting results,

(3) posting candidate and voter lists,

(4) overseeing election day activities at the polling place(s),

(5) confirming voter qualifications and determining voter challenges,

(6) assisting voters with disabilities and/or language difficulties at the polling place(s),

(7) collecting and counting ballots,

(8) certifying and posting election results,

(9) addressing any election challenges,

(10) enforcing election laws and regulations,

(11) adopting policies and procedures as necessary; provided, that: (i) any proposed policies and procedures shall be posted for public comment, (2) any public comments shall be reviewed and considered, and (3) any final policies and procedures shall be published and made available for public inspection,

(12) appointing and swearing in Election Commission poll watchers and bailiffs if circumstances require, and

(13) taking such other actions as necessary to insure all elections and related activities are conducted properly, efficiently, fairly and impartially.

(b) Administrative Duties and Responsibilities.

(1) Budget. The Election Commission shall work with the Governor and Council Budget Committee to propose an operating budget for the Election Commission to be included in the annual budget or a budget modification.

(2) The Election Commission shall prepare all invoices and requisitions for all costs and expenses, and shall ensure supporting documentation is included. The Election Commission shall designate a Commissioner as signatory authority for invoicing on behalf of the Commission. By affixing his or her signature to an invoice, the designated Commissioner is confirming that the payment, activity, or materials requested are within the approved Election Commission budget.