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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard Meeting Agenda Packet 07-20-2021MEETING AGENDA Date: July 20, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Bd of Elections Office, Long Leaf Room Type: Special Scheduled Attendees: Oliver Carter III, Chair Rae Hunter-Havens, Elections Director Russ C. Bryan, Member Caroline Dawkins, Elections Program & Outreach Lyana G. Hunter, Member Coordinator Bruce Kemp, Member Joan Geiszler-Ludlum, Administrative Technician Derrick R. Miller, Member Visitor(s): Sheryl Kelly, Assistant County Manager AGENDA ITEMS 1.Meeting Opening a.Call to Orderb.Pledge of Allegiance 2.Organizational Business a.2021-2023 Oath Ceremony for Board of Elections Members b.Election of Secretary c.Adoption of Regular Meeting Schedule d.Adoption of Duties for Director of Elections e.Review of Memorandum of Understanding 3.Public Comment and Questions •Public Comment (2-minute limit) 4.General Discussion •Other Elections-Related Matters 5.New Businessa.Approval of Minutes b.Polling Place Change for Precinct W28 c.2021 Municipal Elections One-Stop Implementation Plan 6.Closed Session 7.Adjournment *Agenda packets are sent via email in advance of meetings. Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: 2021-2023 Oath Ceremony for Board of Elections Members Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-30(e) Summary: Per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-30(e), newly appointed Board members are sworn in on the Tuesday following the third Monday in July of the year of appointment. Four (4) county board members were appointed by the State Board of Elections on June 29, 2021. The Governor appointed the Chair of the Board of Elections in July. Document/s Included: Oath Certificates (Provided at Board Meeting) Board Action Required: Board Action Required Item # 2a Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Election of Secretary Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-31(a) Summary: Following administration of the oath required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-30, the County Board of Elections must select one member to serve as Secretary. Per statute, the Secretary is responsible for maintaining Board minutes. Under the supervision of the Secretary, this function can be delegated to the Director of Elections. Document/s Included: N/A Board Action Required: Board Action Required Item # 2b Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Adoption of Regular Meeting Schedule Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.12(a) Summary: By statute, the Board may adopt a schedule of regular business meetings. The schedule implemented by the previous Board called for regular business meetings on the Tuesday following the second Monday of each month at 4:00 PM. Also included on the proposed regular meeting calendar are special meetings. Board members are required to attend special meetings, in accordance with Chapter 163 of the NC General Statutes, in order to review absentee ballot applications, count approved absentee ballots, and conduct the county canvass. Document/s Included: 2021 Schedule of Meetings; 2021 Board of Elections Calendar Board Action Required: Board Action Required Item # 2c NOTICE OF MEETINGS In accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.12(a), the New Hanover County Board of Elections will meet on the Tuesday following the second Monday of each month at 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted on the schedule below. All meetings are held at 1141A Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405, unless otherwise noted in the board meeting notice. The schedule for all meetings in 2021 is as follows: Date Type Time Purpose 1/ 12/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 2/ 9/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 3/ 9/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 4/ 13/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 5/ 11/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 6/ 15/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 7/ 20/ 2021 Special 12:00 P.M. Board Member Appointments 8/ 17/ 2021 Special 4:00 P.M. Chief Judge/Judge Appointments 21-23 9/ 14/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed 9/ 28/ 2021 Special 5:00 P.M. Absentee Review Meeting 10/ 05/ 2021 Special 5:00 P.M. Absentee Review Meeting 10/ 12/ 2021 *Special 5:00 P.M. Absentee Review Meeting 10/ 19/ 2021 Special 5:00 P.M. Absentee Review Meeting 10/ 26/ 2021 Special 5:00 P.M. Absentee Review Meeting 11/ 1/ 2021 Special 5:00 P.M. Absentee Review Meeting 11/ 2/ 2021 Special 2:00 P.M. Count Absentee Ballots TBD Special 2:00 P.M. Count Absentee & Provisional Ballots 11/9/2021 *Special 11:00 A.M. County Canvass of Election Results 12/ 14/ 2021 Regular 4:00 P.M. Conduct business as needed *Denotes a regular meeting that falls on the date of a special meeting required by statute If any meetings of the Board of Elections are added to this calendar, or cancelled, notice will be provided. For more details on the Board of Elections, please call 910-798-7330 or visit our website at nhcvote.com. Legend Holidays Absentee One-Stop Voting Voter Registration Deadline Regular Board Meeting Election Day Voting * Absentee Meetings Canvass Special Meeting: Board Member Appointment Special Meeting: CJ/Judge Appointment 2021 JANUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 FEBRUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MARCH S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 APRIL S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 MAY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 JUNE S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 JULY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AUGUST S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28* 29 30 OCTOBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5* 6 7 8 9 10 11 12* 13 14 15 16 17 18 19* 20 21 22 23 24 25 26* 27 28 29 30 31 NOVEMBER S M T W T F S 1* 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 DECEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Adoption of Duties of the Director Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-35(d) Summary: The county board of elections shall have authority, by resolution adopted by majority vote, to delegate to its director of elections so much of the administrative detail of the election, functions, duties, and work of the board, its officers and members, as is now, or may hereafter be vested in the board or its members as the county board of elections may see fit. The Board does not have the authority to delegate to the director of elections any of its quasi-judicial or policy-making duties and authority. Document/s Included: Duties of Director of Elections (Current); Resolution Adopting Duties for the Director of Elections Board Action Required: Staff recommends approval Item # 2d STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ) COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER ) DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS Under the general supervision of the New Hanover County Board of Elections, and in conformity with the Board’s rules as provided in GS §163-35(b)(d), the Director of Elections shall: 1.Direct the daily work in the office and supervise the full-time and part-time personnel employed by the Board; 2.Maintain Board records, prepare all agendas, minutes or documents concerning the Board, attend to routine correspondence of the Board, keep the Board members informed of any matters requiring their attention; 3.Maintain contact with precinct officials, keep them informed of changes in the laws, be responsible for training them in conducting elections and supplying them with election or other necessary materials, GS §163-46; 4.To perform administrative duties related to the permanent registration system such as list maintenance and keeping in an up-to-date condition the registration records, adding all new registrations, making transfers, party changes and removing names of deceased persons and persons who no longer reside in the county, GS §163-35(d); Administer the List Maintenance Procedures, GS §163-82.14; 5.Prepare the ballots for voting equipment, supervise the testing of voting equipment before issue for each election, supervise the storage, maintenance and delivery to or from the polls of all equipment, GS §163-33.2; 163-182.10; 163-165.10; 163A-165.2(a); 163-165.3(b); 163-166.1; 8 NCAC 4.0307 6.Procure suitable polling places and provide telephones where needed; 7.Assist the Board in establishing or changing precinct boundaries, creating new precincts; 8.Prepare all public notices relative to elections, registrations, absentee voting and precinct changes, GS §163-33(8); 9.Receive notification of candidacy for elective office, communicate with candidates in regard to established laws and procedures, receive filing fees for same and keep a record thereof, GS §163-106; 10.Supervise the issuing of absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots; 11.Prepare abstracts and assist the Board in the canvassing the returns of all elections, GS §163-33(9); 12.Upon request furnish list or labels of registered voters to the public either by paper list, magnetic medium or electronic transfer, GS §163-82.10(c); 13.Accept and maintain campaign reports from candidates and political committees and supervise auditing of such reports, GS §163-278.9; 14.Receive training and certification as conducted by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, GS §163-82.24; 15.Represent the Elections Department as a county department head and perform all personnel duties with the advice and consent of the Board. Maintain contact with county municipalities concerning election matters, prepare the budget and conduct other election business, GS §163-35; 16.Perform in a professional manner the above enumerated duties and any other duties as may be assigned by the Board or the Chairman. GS §163-35; and 17.To be the contact and spokesperson with respect to external communications, public affairs, public relations or similar matters related to or involving the Board, its business, its Officers, its Members or its employees, including but not limited to those with or involving any employee, official or representative of (i) any television media; (ii) any online or print newspaper media; (iii) any social, internet or other media; (iv) any agency of the state of North Carolina; (v) any County or County Attorney in North Carolina; (vi) any political party or candidate; and/or (vii) any other external person. ____________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (Director of Elections) (Board Chair) Dated: April 9, 2019 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR On July 20, 2021 the New Hanover County Board of Elections (“Board”) met and adopted the following Resolution: WHEREAS, the Board shall have authority, by resolution adopted by majority vote, to delegate to its Director of Elections (“Director”) so much of the administrative detail of the election functions, duties, and work of the Board, its Officers and Members, as is now or may hereafter be vested by law in the Board, its Officers or its Members; and WHEREAS, the Board shall not delegate to a Director any of its quasi-judicial or policy-making duties and authority; and WHEREAS, such a Resolution shall require adherence to the powers and duties delegated to the Board pursuant to NC General Statute § 163-33; and WHEREAS, within the limitations imposed upon the Director by Resolution of the Board, the acts of a properly appointed Director shall be deemed to be the acts of the Board, its Officers and Members; and WHEREAS, the Director may be empowered by the Board to perform such administrative duties attached herein, or any other duties assigned by the Board or the Chairman, all of which the Director shall perform in a professional manner, in coordination with and at the direction of the Board Chairman; and WHEREAS, the adoption of this Resolution is in compliance with North Carolina General Statutes § 163-35(d). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the New Hanover County Board of Elections unanimously approved the duties and responsibilities of the Director of Elections as presented on July 20, 2021. ___________________________ Oliver Carter III, Chair Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Review of Memorandum of Understanding Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-33 Summary: This is a standing agreement between New Hanover County and the New Hanover County Board of Elections for the former to provide personal leave, sick leave, benefits, and an employee evaluation system per New Hanover County policy. The memorandum also provides that any policies inconsistent with applicable laws empowering the Board of Elections in employment matters, shall not supplant statutory authority. In this memorandum, the Chairperson of the Board is responsible for submitting the annual performance evaluation for the Director of Elections to the Human Resources Department of New Hanover County. Document/s Included: Memorandum of Understanding (Current) Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary Item # 2e Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Public Comment Summary: This is an opportunity for members of the public to provide comment on elections-related matters. Each commenter will be limited to two minutes. Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary Item # 2 Item # 3 Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: General Discussion Summary: This is an opportunity for discussion on other elections-related matters not included in the meeting agenda. Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary Item # 4 Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Approval of Minutes Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-31(e) and 143-318.10(e) Summary: This includes minutes from the 06/15/2021 meeting. Board Action Required: Staff recommends approval Item # 1dItem # 5a Board Minutes – 06/15/2021 REGULAR MEETING New Hanover County Board of Elections June 15, 2021 4:00 P.M. ATTENDANCE Members: Thomas C. Pollard, Chairman Evelyn D. Adger, Secretary Jonathan W. Washburn, Member Derrick R. Miller, Member Russ C. Bryan, Member Staff:Rae Hunter-Havens, Elections Director Joan Geiszler-Ludlum, Administrative Technician Visitors: Sheryl Kelly, Assistant County Manager Public Attendees: Rob Zapple, County Commissioner; Sarah Giachino; Susan Kreamer; Bruce Kemp, NHC Republicans; Mike Torbit; Richard Poole, NHC Democrats; Deborah Dicks Maxwell, NHC NAACP; 2 unidentified attendees Virtual Attendees: 3 OPENING Chair Pollard called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. The New Hanover County Board of Elections meeting was held at the Board of Elections office, Long Leaf Room, 1241A Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC. All members were present. AGENDA Secretary Adger moved that the agenda be approved as submitted, second by Chair Pollard. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTES Chair Pollard moved that the minutes of the 05/11/2021 Board meeting be approved as submitted, second by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. Board Minutes – 06/15/2021 PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Pollard called upon the public in-person attendees for their comments or questions, limited to two minutes each. Chair Pollard recognized County Commissioner Zapple for his comments. Commissioner Zapple, speaking for himself and not on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, offered his congratulations to Chair Pollard for his six years of service on the County Board of Elections and to the entire Board for their good work in conducting the 2020 General Election and keeping the County out of the news. The Board of Elections is an asset to the County. Chair Pollard recognized Richard Poole for his comments. Mr. Poole offered his thanks and appreciation for Chair Pollard as he concludes six years of service on the County Board of Elections. Chair Pollard recognized Bruce Kemp for his comments. Mr. Kemp expressed his appreciation to County Elections Director Rae Hunter-Havens for working with him on the month-to-month voter registration reconciliations from the reported data. Chair Pollard recognized Deborah Dicks Maxwell for her comments. Ms. Dicks Maxwell offered her congratulations to Chair Pollard for his service as a member and as chair of the County Board of Elections. Seeing no other in-person attendees wishing to speak, Chair Pollard called for any public comments from the virtual attendees. Hearing none, he closed the Public Comment period. GENERAL DISCUSSION Chair Pollard opened the General Discussion period, expressing that it has been an honor to be nominated to serve on the New Hanover County Board of Elections and expressed his appreciation to the Board Members with whom he has served. Together they shared a common goal: to assure fair and accurate elections and provide New Hanover County residents the opportunity and access to vote. He expressed his appreciation to the many election workers, essentially volunteers, who serve New Hanover County election after election, and to the staff who work, day and night to the point of exhaustion, election after election. He has learned a lot from the staff and all did a very good job in the most recent election in the face of numerous challenges. Member Washburn expressed his appreciation to Chair Pollard for the time he has devoted to the Board of Elections, including writing briefs, going to Raleigh to attend legislative meetings and the State Board of Elections meetings, adding value to his service as Chair. Secretary Adger presented Chair Pollard with a Certificate of Appreciation from the State Board of Elections Director which she read aloud, and a gift to commemorate his service to the County Board of Elections. She expressed her appreciation to Chair Pollard for Board Minutes – 06/15/2021 what she has learned from working with him. Chair Pollard thanked the Board for the gift and said he could not think of a better group with whom to work. There being no further comments from the Board Members, he called on Director Hunter-Havens for her report. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a.Financial Update Director Hunter-Havens gave a budget update through FY 20-21 11th reporting period (May): •Salaries and benefits expended through May 2021; •Operating expenses expended through May 2021; •Total expenditures through May 2021. The Director noted that the current voting equipment maintenance contract was extended for six additional months (January – June 2021) to establish the contract on a fiscal year basis, at a cost of $18,285. Although funds are available in the M&R Equipment line, pandemic-related overages in other lines (Contracted Services, Rent, Printing, Supplies- Computer) resulted in insufficient funds in the operating expense budget to cover the maintenance contract extension. The Finance Department will transfer additional funds into the budget to cover the shortfall and the anticipated required expenditures through the remainder of this fiscal year. b.List Maintenance According to the Statewide Elections Information System (SEIMS), New Hanover County Board of Elections removed 416 voters from the registration rolls consistent with N. C. Gen. Stat. §163-82.14 (2020) and processed 841 new registrations, 287 duplicate registrations, and 682 registration updates in May 2021. She expects voter registration activity will increase over the coming months approaching the 2022 primaries and mid- term elections. Member Miller asked if there is any update on legislation addressing the municipal elections and availability of 2020 census data. The Director reported that New Hanover County is following the current schedule. The General Assembly is considering legislation that may shift scheduling some municipal elections with district voting. Because none of the municipalities in New Hanover County conduct elections using district representation, she anticipates no impact on the up-coming municipal elections schedule. Member Washburn asked whether the list maintenance numbers reflect any changes by the State Board in SEIMS to reflect more consistency in the report. The State Board of Elections is considering changes in SEIMS during the planned update but these are not yet implemented. Member Washburn would like the data to be more accessible to the Board Minutes – 06/15/2021 public and not leave the public questioning the data due to lack of consistency, undermining public confidence in the reported data. NEW BUSINESS a.Recommended HAVA Expenditures Director Hunter-Havens presented a list of proposed election process enhancements to encumber the available HAVA funds balance of $81,005.16 by June 30. In developing the list, the staff reviewed operational needs looking ahead the next five years with the goals of improving in-person voting processes, training for election officials and voters, and outreach to the voting community. The prices shown are based on bids or are best estimates from open sources such as Amazon where prices can fluctuate day to day. She pointed out several items on the list for further explanation: •Replacing precinct cell phones was removed after further consideration. There seems no point to committing the funds for the replacement in June of this fiscal year when the phones will not be activated until October. Replacements will be considered in the new fiscal year which begins July 1. •Working with IT, the purchase of video conferencing equipment including software and Zoom licenses supports virtual training of election officials and public outreach. •Purchase of tables and chairs, including ADA-compliant tables, for school polling places reduces reliance on school equipment. •Purchase of equipment for two ballot on demand stations to incorporate into the absentee by mail process, add flexibility for smaller One Stop sites, and provide backup systems. One ballot on demand laptop runs two printers. The cost is partially offset by ordering fewer pre-printed ballots and cardstock is usable for subsequent elections. Member Washburn questioned whether the list of proposed expenditures represented nice-to-have luxury items. Director Hunter-Havens looked at what would improve current election processes that would have benefits five to ten years into the future. The last federal HAVA grant came in 2006 to replace voting equipment. This list of proposed expenditures reflects care to identify needed enhancements for the total elections processes and not just spend money. Chair Pollard asked if the list includes consumables that will become on-going expenses in future budgets? Director Hunter-Havens has factored those costs into the FY2021-22 adopted budget. In some cases supplies not used one year will be available the next year, reducing future costs. Secretary Adger asked whether having the video conferencing equipment enables more training for the voters on voting processes and procedures? Director Hunter-Havens will leverage the virtual platforms for election official training and public outreach to include on-line access to training videos. Board Minutes – 06/15/2021 Secretary Adger moved approval of the proposed HAVA grant expenditures, second by Chair Pollard. Motion carried unanimously. b.Polling Place Change for Precinct W24 The current polling place for Precinct W24 is the Burney Center on the UNCW campus. The Burney Center will not be available in 2021 due to its continued use as a coronavirus testing and vaccination center. UNCW officials offered the use of the Warwick Center which is adjacent to the Burney Center, shares the same parking lot, and has served as a polling place previously. It has sufficient square footage in the voting enclosure and adequate convenient parking to serve the voters in this precinct. Notice of the polling place change will be sent timely to the registered voters and additional signage is planned to redirect voters to the new location. Member Washburn moved approval of the polling place change for Precinct W24, second by Secretary Adger. Motion carried unanimously. Director Hunter-Havens reported that planned improvements to the Osher Lifelong Learning Center, the polling place for Precinct W13, offers promise as a future One Stop site substituting for the Government Center location in 2022. UNCW is planning modular classroom units in the parking lot behind the Osher Center that will provide a larger space to serve both One Stop and the precinct. She will report further as those plans develop. c.Polling Place Change for Precinct W18 The current polling place for Precinct W18, First Assembly of God, is being sold and is not available for use as a polling place in the upcoming election cycle. After a thorough search, there are no suitable public buildings or willing private property owners to serve as a polling place within the precinct boundaries. The only public facility in the precinct is Winter Park Elementary School, an older building which lacks adequate interior space for a voting enclosure and has insufficient parking to meet the needs of voters. The Municipal Golf Course clubhouse was also considered but is not available due to major renovations. N. C. Gen. Stat. §163-130.1 (2020) permits a county board of elections, by unanimous vote of its members, to establish a polling place for a precinct that is located outside the precinct. After checking with public facilities in adjacent precincts, including the New Hanover County Arboretum (not available because it serves as the Town of Wrightsville Beach backup Emergency Operations Center), and reaching out to private facilities with adequate interior and parking capacity, Sea Gate Baptist Church agreed to permit use of its building as the W18 polling place. Their only special request was to limit electioneering and signage to Election Day only. This stipulation will require submission to the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections for review and approval, pending approval of this Board. The polling place usage agreement must be reevaluated after the next general election to determine whether it is still the only available option. Board Minutes – 06/15/2021 After further discussion, Chair Pollard moved approval of the polling place change for Precinct W18, second by Secretary Adger. Motion carried unanimously. Director Hunter-Havens reminded the Board that municipal candidate filing begins July 2 and ends July 16 at the New Hanover County Board of Elections Office in the Paynter Room. The Board’s next meeting is July 20 at 12 noon to swear in the new members and conduct regular business. She will present a proposed One Stop voting plan to begin review at the July meeting with approval scheduled for the August 17 meeting. Also the Board will appoint Chief Judges and Judges for the next biennial term at the August meeting. ADJOURNMENT The agenda being completed and there being no further business, Chair Pollard moved that the meeting be adjourned, second by Member Washburn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2017, at 12:00 p.m., at the Board of Elections office, Long Leaf Room, 1241A Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC. APPROVED BY: RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: _________________________________ ______________________________ EVELYN D. ADGER RAE HUNTER-HAVENS SECRETARY ELECTIONS DIRECTOR Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Polling Place Change for Precinct W28 Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N.C. Gen. Stat § 163-130.1 Summary: The previous polling place for W28, Trinity Church, is no longer available for use as a polling place in the upcoming election cycle. The only available public facility within or adjacent to the precinct boundary is Winter Park Elementary School, which lacks adequate interior space for a voting enclosure and has insufficient parking to meet the needs of voters in this precinct. I have not been able to obtain permission from any other private facilities within the precinct boundaries to use their facility as a polling place for the 2021-2022 elections. There is school, Roland Grise Middle School, located in an adjacent precinct to precinct W28 but the school does not have the capacity to host elections during a municipal election when school is in session on Election Day. Per N.C. Gen. Stat § 163-130.1, county boards of elections, by unanimous vote of all its members, may establish a polling place for a precinct that is located outside that precinct. After reviewing possible options in the adjacent precincts to precinct W28, I began to reach out to the private facilities that appeared to have suitable interior and parking capacity. Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church has agreed to permit use of the church as a polling place for precinct W28 in the 2021-2022 elections. They are requesting to limit electioneering and signage for election day only. As a result, this proposed polling place change will require submission to the Executive Director at the NC State Board of Elections for review and approval, pending approval by the Board. If granted approval by the Executive Director at the State Board, the polling place usage agreement must be reevaluated after the next general election to determine whether it is still the only available option. Document/s Included: Images of the previous and proposed polling place for precinct W28; Resolution to Adopt Polling Place Change (W28) (Provided at Board Meeting) Board Action Required: Staff recommends approval Item # 5b 1 Precinct W28 – Proposed Polling Place Change Current Polling Place Proposed Polling Place Trinity Church Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church 3801 Wilshire Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403 5350 Holly Tree Rd Wilmington, NC 28409 Aerial Image Proposed Polling Place is 2.8 miles from current polling place. 2 Voter Parking Lot Polling Place Entrance 3 Voting Enclosure RESOLUTION TO ADOPT POLLING PLACE CHANGE IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY At a meeting duly called and held on the 20th day of July 2021, at 1241A Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington, North Carolina, the New Hanover County Board of Elections unanimously adopted the following resolution: WHEREAS the county board of elections shall have power from time to time, by resolution, to establish, alter, discontinue, or create such new election precincts or voting places as it may deem expedient, under G.S. § 163-128(a); WHEREAS W28 Precinct Polling Place was located at Trinity Church, 3801 Wilshire Boulevard, Wilmington, NC 28403; WHEREAS Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church has agreed to provide a more suitable location for W28 Precinct Polling Place to Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church, located at 5350 Holly Tree Road, Wilmington, NC 28409; WHEREAS a Polling Place Accessibility Survey has been completed for the new site and was found to be ADA compliant; and WHEREAS the Board of Elections shall notify all voters of the polling place change. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the New Hanover County Board of Elections unanimously approved the relocation of W28 Precinct Polling Place to Cape Fear Free Will Baptist Church, at 5350 Holly Tree Road, Wilmington, NC 28409. .. . Oliver Carter III, Chair Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: 2021 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Plan Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N.C. Gen. Stat §§ 163-227.2(b) and 163-227.6(e); Session Law 2019-239 and 2019-22 Summary: The New Hanover County Board of Elections must determine hours for the 2021 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop “Early” voting period by August 20, 2021. The early voting period begins on the third Thursday before the election and ends on the Saturday before the election. Absentee One-Stop Voting must be available at a minimum within the county board of elections office from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on the last Saturday. Unless the Board desires to offer hours beyond those required by statute for the 2021 Municipal Elections, a One-Stop Implementation Plan will not be required. In recent municipal elections, the Board has chosen to offer extended voting hours during weekdays and/or weekends. The Board may wait to vote on the 2021 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Plan until the August 17th meeting. Document/s Included: 2021 Municipal Elections Base Plan; Absentee One-Stop Supplemental Data Analysis Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary Item # 5c 2021 Municipal Elections Proposed One-Stop Implementation Plan - Base Plan Week #Days Week 1 Thurs - Fri Mon - Fri Sat Sun Mon - Fri Sat 125 $19,580.00 15 Total Hours of Operation Estimated Costs Days of Operation Estimated cost to operate a one-stop site on Saturday or Sunday for five (5) hours of operation is approximately $780 for 13 officials. Proposed One-Stop Site Address NHC Board of Elections Office David E. Paynter Room 1241 Military Cutoff Rd Week 3 8-5 8-3 Week 2 8-5 12-5 12-5 RoomAll Sites 8-5 Schedule Location and Times Site Name Municipal Elections Supplemental Data Election Date Registered Voters- Municipalities Total Ballots Cast % Voter Turnout 11/5/2013 90,044 11,571 12.85% 11/3/2015 90,604 9,468 10.45% 11/7/2017 95,531 13,990 14.64% 11/5/2019 95,154 18,292 19.22% Total Votes Cast 11,571 Total Votes Cast 13,990 Total One-Stop Ballots Cast 2,337 Total One-Stop Ballots Cast 2,769 % Vote at One-Stop 20.20%% Vote at One-Stop 19.79% Total Votes Cast 9,468 Total Votes Cast 18,292 Total One-Stop Ballots Cast 1,455 Total One-Stop Ballots Cast 4,191 % Vote at One-Stop 15.37%% Vote at One-Stop 22.91% 2013 Municipal Elections 2015 Municipal Elections 2017 Municipal Elections 2019 Municipal Elections 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Thurs, 10/17 Fri, 10/18 Mon, 10/21 Tues, 10/22 Wed, 10/23 Thurs, 10/24 Fri, 10/25 Mon, 10/28 Tues, 10/29 Wed, 10/30 Thurs, 10/31 Fri, 11/1 Sat, 11/2OS Votes CastDate 2013 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Date and Time of Day 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 84 196 326 383 328 319 286 263 152 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PMOS Votes CastTime of Day 2013 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Time of Day Total 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Thurs, 10/22 Fri, 10/23 Mon, 10/26 Tues, 10/27 Wed, 10/28 Thurs, 10/29 Fri, 10/30 Sat, 10/31OS Votes CastDate 2015 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Date and Time of Day 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 69 155 221 213 229 194 147 159 68 0 50 100 150 200 250 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PMOS Votes CastTime of Day 2015 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Time of Day Total 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 Thurs, 10/19 Fri, 10/20 Mon, 10/23 Tues, 10/24 Wed, 10/25 Thurs, 10/26 Fri, 10/27 Sat, 10/28 Mon, 10/30 Tues, 10/31 Wed, 11/1 Thurs, 11/2 Fri, 11/3 Sat, 11/4OS Votes CastDate 2017 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Date and Time of Day 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 130 211 383 456 442 353 354 302 138 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PMOS Votes CastTime of Day 2017 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Time of Day Total 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Wed, 10/16 Thurs, 10/17 Fri, 10/18 Mon, 10/21 Tues, 10/22 Wed, 10/23 Thurs, 10/24 Fri, 10/25 Sat, 10/26 Sun, 10/27 Mon, 10/28 Tues, 10/29 Wed, 10/30 Thurs, 10/31 Fri, 11/1 Date 2019 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Date and Time of Day 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM 137 296 509 508 626 580 572 490 281 116 76 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PMOS Votes CastTime of Day 2019 Municipal Elections Absentee One-Stop Votes Cast by Time of Day Total Special Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections July 20, 2021 Subject: Closed Session Chairman Statement Prior to Closed Session: I move that the Board enter into closed session, under NC Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11 (a)(1) and the NC Personnel Privacy Act to discuss personnel matters in accordance with NC Gen. Stat. §143- 318.11(a)(6). Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: NC Gen. Stat §§ 143-318.11(a)(1), 143-318.11(a)(6), and the NC Personnel Privacy Act Summary: Closed session is required to discuss personnel matters under NC Gen. Stat. §§ 143-318.11(a)(1), 143-318.11 (a)(6), and the NC Personnel Privacy Act. Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary Returning to Open Session: I move that the Board return to open session, under NC Gen. Stat. § 143-318.10(a) to conduct business remaining before the Board. Item # 6