Secretary Schwab Announces Graduation of First-Ever Certified Election Training Program

Thursday, May 1, 2025

TOPEKA – Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab today announced the graduation of the inaugural class of the Certified Election Training (CET) Program for county election officials.

The CET Program, launched by Secretary Schwab in 2022, is the first of its kind in Kansas. Training began in 2023 and concluded in April 2025, culminating in a graduation ceremony held today, May 1. The program was administered by the Secretary of State’s office and implemented under the leadership of former Johnson County Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt.

A total of 64 election officials completed the program and were honored during the Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials Association meeting in Mulvane. Each graduate received a certificate of completion and a commemorative CET lapel pin.

“Congratulations to the graduates of Kansas’ first certified election training program,” said Secretary Schwab. “Launched in 2022, this groundbreaking initiative reflects our commitment to excellence, integrity, and consistency in election administration.”

The Certified Election Training Program is designed to enhance county election procedures, promote statewide uniformity, and prepare officials to implement new policies. The comprehensive curriculum builds upon the existing annual statewide and biannual regional training currently provided by the Secretary of State’s office. Schwab’s administration is the first in Kansas history to offer a formal certification program for election officials.

For more information about the Secretary of State’s Election Division, call 800-262-VOTE or visit VoteKansas.gov.

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