(a) The officer responsible for administering the provisions of this act shall be the county election officer. “County election officer” means the election commissioner in counties having an election commissioner, and the county clerk in counties which do not have an election commissioner. Words and terms defined in chapter 406 of the laws of 1968 shall have the same meaning in this act as is ascribed thereto in such act, unless inconsistent with the provisions of this act.

(b) “Voter registration agency” means any office in the state, other than an office of the division of motor vehicles, that provides public assistance, that provides state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities, recruitment offices of the armed forces, and the office of the city clerk in any city of the first or second class. A voter registration agency shall provide voter registration services to persons who apply for the agency’s services or assistance, and upon completion of each recertification, renewal or change of address form.

(c) Deputy county election officers shall maintain records and perform duties under the provisions of this act only in the manner prescribed by the county election officer. County election officers may appoint such deputy county election officers as deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to, the city clerk of any city, personnel in any public high school, any public library or public institution of higher education, in addition to those required to be appointed under the provisions of subsection (b).