Mastering the Nuts and Bolts of County Council

Mastering the Nuts and Bolts of County Council Elections County Extension Council Training Module Missouri Council Leadership Development — a partnership of the Missouri Extension County Council Leadership. Development: Council and University of Missouri Extension. Governance and October 2003 Missouri Council Leadership 21 st Century Programs, Membership © 2003, University of Missouri Board of Curators October 2003 1

Objectives • Comply with state statutes • Suggest election strategies • Publicize election Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 2

State Statutes — Elections Annual election – January – By district – Open to all citizens Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 3

State Statutes — Membership • One member per district • County commission • Farm organizations • Jurisdiction of 10, 000 plus or as designated by council Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 4

State Statutes — Districts • Establish districts • Filed with county commission Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 5

State Statutes — Public Notice • Public notice of nominees • 30 to 50 days before election Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 6

Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 7 7

State Statutes — Public Notice • Paid notice • At least once • Newspaper w/general circulation Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 8

Preparations Early Fall – Review – Set election process date, deadlines Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 9

Preparations November/December – Select nominees – Publish paid notice – Publicize elections Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 10

Elections • Open to all citizens • Ballots: – Walk-in – Newspapers – Mail Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 11

Participation • News releases • Person-to-person contact • Bulletin boards • Websites • E-mail Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 12

Election Integrity 1. Official ballot boxes 2. Clear instructions 3. Official observer 4. Ensure one vote person 5. Certify results Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 13

After the Election New council takes office March 1 – Elect officers at annual meeting – Provide list of members, officers to University and County Commission – Officers take oath of office Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 14

After the Election • Welcome new members • Provide orientation Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 15

Mastering the Nuts and Bolts of Council Elections County Extension Council Training Module Produced by the Council Leadership Development Committee a partnership of the Missouri Extension County Council Leadership Council and University of Missouri Extension http: //extension. missouri. edu/extcouncil/training/ Missouri Council Leadership Development: 21 st Century Programs, Governance and Membership October 2003 16