BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 Kern County is creating a new, separate registrar of voters position, and prospective candidates can now take an early look at what the job would require.<\/p>\n
On Oct. 2, 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill allowing Kern County to have a separately appointed registrar of voters by the start of 2026.<\/p>\n
Aimee Espinoza, who serves as the Auditor-Controller-Clerk and Registrar of Voters<\/a>, said she will continue her role until her term ends Dec. 31, 2026. This means a newly appointed registrar of voters can take over the separated position Jan. 1, 2027.<\/p>\n The recruitment process can begin as soon as the job description and salary range are approved by the Kern County Board of Supervisors, according to the Board\u2019s meeting agenda for Tuesday.<\/p>\n The proposed maximum salary range for the Kern County registrar of voters is $191,031, the agenda said.<\/p>\n This number was calculated through a salary survey with comparable counties in the San Joaquin Valley, the average maximum salary for said positions being $193,135.<\/p>\n According to the proposed job description, the registrar of voters would function as the head of the Kern County Elections Department. They would conduct primary, general, special and school elections within Kern and ensure the election processes fully comply with county, state and federal legal requirements.<\/p>\n Below are some of the duties listed in the description:<\/p>\n Plan, organize and manage the Elections Department\u2019s activities, including the registration of voters, maintenance of voter files, conduct of elections and tabulation of voter results<\/p>\n Inform cities, school districts and special districts of election codes and procedures<\/p>\n Participate in meetings, conferences and committees related to the registration of voters, conduct of elections and use of voting mechanisms<\/p>\n Supervise the filing process of candidates for public office and direct verification of petition signatures<\/p>\n Prepare reports of election results and voter registration for the public, candidates and political parties to use<\/p>\n Prepare yearly estimates of personnel, facilities and equipment needs for the department\u2019s budget and evaluate cost for services and supplies<\/p>\n Candidates should have a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting or another related field, according to county documents.<\/p>\n RELATED: Kern County Board of Supervisors votes to separate voter registrar duties of Auditor-Controller-Clerk\u2019s office <\/a><\/p>\n They should also have four years of experience performing \u201ccomplex administrative or managerial functions\u201d that involves analyzing, interpreting and implementing laws, codes and regulations, as well as two years in a supervisory capacity, the job description said.<\/p>\n Familiarity with California Elections Code and election procedures is preferred.<\/p>\n The Board meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at 1115 Truxtun Ave.<\/p>\n Read the full proposed job description included in the Board of Supervisors agenda below.<\/p>\n Registrar of Voters Job Description<\/a>Download<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n