ABOUT OHIO
State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future.
In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor’s race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator to the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Ohio Democratic Party’s Voter Access department is seeking 3 Voter Access Fellows. These fellows will assist with the election administration work for the Voter Access team, by:
- Building and managing relationships with County Boards of Elections and local party leaders to help troubleshoot and problem solve various voter access issues.
- Creating a legal memo that outlines the changing landscape of voting in Ohio
- Attending BOE meetings when appropriate
- Assisting with General Election Planning
- Completing other historical voting in Ohio research from past elections
- Assisting with making voter education materials
- Assisting with voter access volunteer Recruitment
- Assisting with voter access trainings
- Completing other duties as assigned
This person also will work closely with other members of the Voter Access Team to assist in building and executing a comprehensive voter education program and build capacity through recruitment.
This position is part time and based in Columbus, Ohio (we are open to discussing remote opportunities). Responsibilities will generally include:
ROLE OVERVIEW:
- Work alongside the Voter Access Deputy Directors to execute the Department’s program for 2026
- Develop and maintain an understanding of Ohio election laws, and monitor any legislative changes to the law or changes to statewide or county specific election administration practices
- Build and maintain relationships with key BOE members, elected officials, and grasstops organizations
- Map strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities across Ohio focused on Democratic BOE members, BOE staff, and County Party activities
- Assist the Voter Access Deputy Directors in building and maintaining a strong and trusting relationships with Ohio Promote the Vote leaders and members, local party leaders and other activist groups
- Recruitment and management of Voter Access volunteers in the implementation of the 2026 Voter Access Program
- Assist in the creation and approval of voter education materials on the Coordinated Campaign
- Work in coordination with the Data Department to up keep data collection and database management standards within NGP/ VAN and LBJ, and in communication with BOEs to obtain critical voting data and tracking of County specific election admin processes
- Other responsibilities as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in campaign organizing, political, or voter access is preferred
- Ability to communicate and facilitate information on election law
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders
- Clear, effective, high-quality writer
- Highly communicative – responsive to internal and external requests, emails, and calls, within reason
- Multitasker – Able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities, deadlines, or let something slip through the cracks
- Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn
- Juris Doctorate – a law degree or law student is preferred for this role
- Proficiency in MS Excel or Google Sheets, Votebuilder; LBJ experience a plus
- Commitment to electing Democrats up and down the ticket in Ohio
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced campaign environment, that may require long, irregular hours, including some nights and weekends
PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS
- Creative and thoughtful about assigned projects
- Highly adaptable and resourceful problem-solver
- Possesses a collaborative spirit and an ability to work with various stakeholders
- Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats.
How to Apply:
The Voter Access Fellow will be paid an hourly rate of $15. The hourly expectation will be set by the campaign and based on availability of the Fellow, with a minimum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 20 hours per week per Fellow. Housing will not be provided. Applicants must live in or be able to work in Columbus, Ohio 2x a week. Remote work will be considered for exceptional candidates.
Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply. This role will have an end date of August 9th, 2026.
