The Arizona Secretary of State's Office has a reason to boast, as their Arizona Fellows in Election Administration program is making waves, according to a new report endorsed by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and other academic giants. The initiative, which positions college students and recent grads directly in the trenches of election offices, was spotlighted for not just adding numbers to the election workforce but for fundamentally shifting its quality and readiness. The program's evaluation—a collaborative effort involving Dr. Christian Grose of the University of Southern California and Theo Menon of BPC—can be read in full on the AZSOS website.
One of the standout successes of the program is its role in paving a solid pathway for careers in election administration; where before there was a trickle of interest, now there's a stream, with more than half of the participating Fellows committing to the field, a stark contrast to the tepid fifteen percent of their colleagues who might idly muse over this career option before the program existed, ushering immediate benefits to participating counties especially during peak election cycle times where they received immediate hands-on support while gearing up the professionals of tomorrow.
"By teaming up with respected researchers like Dr. Christian Grose from the University of Southern California and Theo Menon from the Bipartisan Policy Center, we will refine this Fellowship and export its success to every state that wants a stronger, more secure democracy," said Secretary of State Adrian Fontes in the celebration of their laurels, which also include nabbing the 2024 Election Assistance Commission Clearinghouse Award for this forward-thinking program, as reported by the AZSOS. The scheme isn't only about numbers; it's nurturing a deeper dive into public service, with two-thirds of its Fellows open to state or local government roles, a figure that's double the interest level shown by those not in the trenches of the Fellowship.
These Fellows aren't just learning about bureaucracy—they're also gaining real experience in key areas like election security, IT, and law. Their involvement in the 2024 election has sparked interest in cybersecurity and helped them better understand Arizona’s voting rules. As a result, they’re helping engage young and diverse voters who often feel excluded. Looking ahead, the Arizona Secretary of State plans to expand the program with new recommendations, including a certificate in Election Administration launching in 2026, to strengthen the program’s impact and role in shaping U.S. democracy.
