April 24, 2025

Mapping and Modeling Best Practices in Election Certification and Training Programs

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Training programs for election officials prepare them to successfully carry out their duties and reinforce shared norms and values across the field, foster professional connections, and encourage continuous evaluation and improvement. Currently, the training programs’ design and availability are highly inconsistent across states. This report draws on the best practices in election official training programs around the country and the expertise of the Election Workforce Advisory Council to identify and explain the necessary principles and practices of a successful program. It also provides a framework for building a professionalized, cohesive and well-resourced election workforce across the country.

We examine the components of program design and governance—including purpose, participation, management and administration—as well as course content and instructional design, including laws and regulations, participation engagement and assessments. Within each component, specific practices are rated according to how critical they are to a successful training program.