Douglas clerk completes election training certification

A member of the Douglas High Class of 2000, Assistant County Clerk Nicki Leeper is one of only eight Nevada graduates of the national certified elections-registration administrator program, the highest professional achievement for election officials in the country.

The designation is achieved only through a multi-year course of study taught by Auburn University’s master’s in public administration faculty, Auburn, Ala., and conducted by the Election Center’s Professional Education Program. The intent of the program is to professionalize the management of voter registration and elections administration in promoting and preserving public trust in the democratic process.

“This is the highest designation available to elections and voter registration officials,” said Center Director Tim Mattice. “This graduating class of 85 election professionals totals 1,420 election officials and election vendors who have achieved the CERA/CERV status. This is an outstanding accomplishment.”

Clerk-Treasurer Amy Burgans said that Leeper is only the eighth Nevada graduate from the program since it began in 1994.

“Obtaining and maintaining CERA status means that she is committed to a career-long process of continuing education and to improve the electoral process for Douglas County,” Burgans said. “I am very proud to have Nicki as part of my incredible team.”

The Professional Education Program is sponsored by the Election Center, a nonprofit association of voter registrars, elections administrators, and providers of election services throughout America and the U.S Territories. Its membership is comprised of township, city, county, and state elections officials and other election-related organizations. The Center’s primary purpose is to promote and support continuous improvement in the administration of elections and voter registration through research, professional education, conferences, networking, and consulting. Professional Education Program participants receive continuing education credits from Auburn University as well as professional training credits from the Election Center.