COLUMBUS — Rebecka Kay La-Course, election administrator for Colorado County, has been designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Admin -
istrator (CERA), the highest professional achievement for election officials and election vendors in the country.
CERA designation is achieved through a multi-year course of study taught by the Auburn University’s Master in Public Administration (MPA) faculty, through the Institute of Election Administration Research & Practice, in partnership with the National Asso- ciation of Election Officials (common ly known as the Election Center). The intent of professionalizing the management of election administration, promote and preserve public trust in the democratic process.
“Attaining the completion of the CERA curriculum is a milestone to be lauded and celebrated—the election professionals who reach this goal have much to be proud of.” Tammy Patrick, Chief Programs Office for Election Cen ter and Class of 2007 CERA graduate. “With the addition of this graduating class of 120 election professionals, we now have 1617 election officials who have achieved the CERA status. This is an outstanding accomplishment.”
The Election Center, a non-profit association of voter registrars, elections administrators and providers of election services throughout America and the U.S Territories. Its membership comprises township, city, county and state elections officials and other election-related orga nizations. 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.
Meet Rebecka LaCourse:
A Dedicated Public Servant in Colorado County
LaCourse has proudly called Colorado County home for the past 36 years. She and her husband, Richard J. La-Course, raised three children in the community they love. With a background in paralegal studies, she has built a diverse career spanning corporate, government, and local employment.
Her journey with Colorado County began in 2018 in the District Attorney’s office, and in 2019, she transitioned into election administration. A role that perfectly aligned with her growing passion for civic engagement. That passion was first sparked while serving as a poll worker in local school elections and deepened through her work with teens at the Texas National Guard Challenge Program. There, she taught Responsible Citizenship, one of the program’s eight core components, and sponsored the Student Council, encouraging students to understand and participate in local government.
LaCourse stepped into election administration during a pivotal time, as elections across the country faced increased scrutiny over security and transparency. She has played a key role in helping Colorado County officials nav igate evolving legislation and implement complex new procedures.
“Since the day I was hired, my goal has been to ensure our community understands the election process and knows they can come to me with questions,” LaCourse said. “I’m committed to staying educated and informed so that our elections are conducted with complete transparency and full compliance with the law.”
