Two Charleston County BVRE Leaders Earn Prestigious Certification Status

Isaac Cramer (left) and Ben Leeson (right) CERA

Press Release

Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections (BVRE), and Ben Leeson, voter registration and absentee manager of BVRE, have been designated Certified Elections/Registration Administrators (CERA), the highest professional achievement for election officials and election vendors in the country. 

CERA/Certified Elections/Registration Vendor (CERV) designation is achieved through a multi-year course of study taught by the Auburn University’s Master in Public Administration (MPA) faculty in partnership with the National Association of Election Officials (commonly known as the Election Center). The intent of the program is professionalizing the management of elections administration, as well as promoting and preserving public trust in the democratic process.

“Attaining the completion of the CERA/CERV curriculum is a milestone to be lauded and celebrated– the election professionals who reach this goal have much to be proud of,” stated Tammy Patrick, CEO of program for the Election Center and a Class of 2007 CERA graduate. “With the addition of this graduating class of 94 election professionals, we now have 1,497 election officials and election vendors who have achieved the CERA/CERV status. This is an outstanding accomplishment.”

“Charleston County is indeed fortunate to have Cramer and Leeson as some of the top designated professionals in America. Obtaining and maintaining CERA/CERV status means that they have committed to a career-long process of continuing education to improve the electoral process in South Carolina and the nation,” added Joe Gloria, CEO of operations for the Election Center and a Class of 2015 CERA graduate.

Earning this prestigious honor demonstrates the thorough knowledge and preparedness of BVRE’s leaders to provide the best service possible to Charleston County voters. This is the first time the department has had any of its election officials reach CERA status. Cramer and Leeson will continue to enroll in the program’s courses to maintain their standing.

The Election Center is a non-profit association of voter registrars, elections administrators, and providers of election services throughout the United States of 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.

The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is responsible for conducting all municipal, state, and federal elections that are held in Charleston County. BVRE also conducts outreach events with community members that encourage election education and participation.

For more information about Charleston County elections and voter services, or to check your voter registration, visit CHSVotes.gov.

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