1. The word 'election' as used in this article shall be deemed to apply to and include all general, special and primary elections, unofficial primaries and all local elections relating to candidates, ballot proposals, proceedings for the nominations of candidates by petition, and all elections held pursuant to Article 52A of the education law. 2. The word 'candidate' shall be deemed to apply to any person seeking a nomination, designation, or election to a public office or party office. 3. The term 'election officer' shall mean any person who, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, performs any duty or function in the electoral process. 4. The term 'public officer' as used in this article shall be deemed to apply to any person who holds an elective or appointive office of the state, separate authority or any political subdivision of the state with authority to supervise other personnel within such subdivisions. The term 'public employee' shall be deemed to apply to all other personnel of the state or such authorities or subdivisions.
New York Legal Code