Section 17-100. Definitions

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.