Black Elected Officials Roster Information
The Introduction and Overview of the Black Elected Officials Roster section provides a detailed guide to the type of Black elected officials (BEO) data available in our roster database and in the previously printed roster books and statistical summaries.
When you are prepared to order Black Elected Officials (BEO) data, please have a detailed sense of what type of BEO data you need. There are several types of BEO data available.
BEO ROSTER PUBLISHED DATA
The BEO data from 1970 through 1993 from the BEO roster books is only available on paper. If you are not able to obtain these books from a library, the Joint Center can prepare photocopies of the lists of BEOs from the different years. We can also photocopy the tables from the roster books, which would include the general cross-tabulation of all BEOs from all positions at the federal, state, substate regional, county, municipal, judicial/law enforcement, and education categories for all states. For most years this includes the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
BEO ROSTER ELECTRONIC DATA
The electronic BEO roster database contains data from 1994 to our most current data for the different categories of offices or positions. Federal and state level BEO information is current or close to current. Local level BEOs are statistically valid through 2002, with much of the information more current. If you are interested in local BEOs for a particular set of localities, it is best to inquire to find out how current the BEO data is for that set of locations.
HOW TO ORDER BEO DATA
Orders for BEO records can be requested either as statistically valid for a particular year, which is usually done for research purposes, or as lists using our latest data, which is typically useful for BEO contact purposes, such as mailings or surveys.
You may order full records of BEOs, which usually include full name, title, and full address. Other variables that may be included in your order are position codes, gender, political party (not available for all local BEOs, always available for federal and state level BEOs), term expiration (latest obtained), and roster years in office.
The other format available for BEO data is statistical cross-tabulations with numerical data for categories desired. This can include specific roster years, specific states and localities, specific positions, gender, etc. These crosstabs are provided in tabular form usually in the Excel format.
We require prepayment for all orders by either check or credit card. Before payment, you will need to obtain a detailed cost estimate, which we will email to you based on the exact BEO data and format desired. Initial contact should be via email, since orders are tracked electronically, and sent to: roster@jointcenter.org
Please include your full contact information, including a phone number at which we can reach you during the day and a fax number if paying by credit card (see below). A cost estimate will be prepared after we communicate by phone and/or email and determine the exact data you will need and what we can provide.
After the detailed cost estimate is created for you and sent by email, we will require prepayment for all orders by either check or credit card. Credit card orders will require that our order form be faxed to you, the credit card information filled out with signature and faxed back to our office. Credit card numbers need to be verified by our finance office, which usually takes a day or so. Generally speaking, credit card orders will result in faster service, since checks have to be mailed, arrive at our office, and be processed.
After prepayment, the time needed to complete your order will depend on the amount and complexity of the requested data and can vary from one day to a week or longer. It is best to discuss your deadlines in advance and to allow as much time as possible to process your request.
CURRENT CHARGES for BEO ROSTER DATA
For BEO records including name, address, etc. charges are 50 cents per record with a 50% discount for nonprofit, noncommercial use. Academic research, research by tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, and requests by government offices, unless being used in some way for commercial purposes, generally qualify for the 50% discount.
Charges for creation of statistical cross-tabulations and/or photocopies from our roster publications are billed at the labor rate of $150.00 per hour with no discount available. The time needed to do this work will be part of the detailed cost estimate.
Requests for just a few BEO statistical numbers or for a small number of BEO records (less than 50 records without too many variables) may be provided on a complimentary basis so long as full credit is given to the Joint Center.
Requests from the media for select data are usually filled on a complimentary basis, but it is best to make these requests through our media office. Our media office contact person is: [Provide name and link].
The charges described above are current charges and are subject to change in the future.
Legal Restrictions on Use of Black Elected Officials Roster Data:
The BEO roster data is provided with certain restrictions on use and distribution and with a requirement that proper credit be given to the Joint Center. The proper way to provide attribution credit will be on the legal form you will need to sign before your order is processed. This form will be sent to you via mail and will need to be mailed back to our office. You may request a faxed copy of our legal restrictions form before you place your order.
Black Elected Officials (BEO) Roster Textual Analysis and Tables in Select Categories [click here]