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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard Meeting Agenda Packet 01-13-2026MEETING AGENDA Date: January 13, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Board of Elections Office, Board Room Type: Regular Meeting Scheduled Attendees: Jamie Getty, Chair Crystal Whittaker, Interim BOE Director John Lyon, Secretary Lisa Wurtzbacher, Assistant County Manager Derrick R. Miller, Member Mark Payne, Board Legal Counsel James (Jim) Battle Morgan, Jr., Member Joan Geiszler-Ludlum, Administrative Technician Beverly Setz, Member Gina Herring, Elections Specialist Eric Navagh, Election Logistics Coordinator Jessica O’Neil, Program Coordinator Joey Worsley, Database & Systems Specialist AGENDA ITEMS 1.Meeting Opening a.Call to Order b.Pledge of Allegiance c.Approval of Agenda d.Approval of Minutes 2.Public Comment Period •2-minute limit •20-minute limit total 3.Director Update a.List Maintenance b.Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Testing Update – 2026 Primary Election c.2026 NCSBE Winter Conference January 26 -27 d.YTD Financial Update 4.New Business a.Amendment to Adoption of 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule b.Moving H05 Polling Place from Port City Community Church to Blair Elementary School c.Appointment of Early Voting Officials d.Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Discussion - Proposed FY27 Budget Enhancements 5.General Discussion •Other Elections-Related Matters 6.Closed Session (N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143-318.11(a)(3) and (a)(6) 7.Adjournment *Agenda packets are sent via email in advance of meetings. This page intentionally left blank. Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Approval of Agenda Summary: N/A Board Action Required: Staff recommends approval Item # 1c This page intentionally left blank. ItItem # 1d Subject: Approval of Minutes Applicable Statutes and/or Rules N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-31(e) and 143-318.10(e) Summary: Minutes from December 9 and December 17, 2025 Board Action Required: Staff recommends approval Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 This page intentionally left blank. Board Minutes – 12/09/2025 Page | 1 REGULAR MEETING New Hanover County Board of Elections December 9, 2025 5:30 P.M. ATTENDANCE Members: Staff: Jamie Getty, Chair John Lyon, Secretary Derrick R. Miller, Member James (Jim) Battle Morgan, Jr., Member Beverly Setz, Member Lisa Wurtzbacher, Special Assistant to the Board Jessica O’Neill, Interim Deputy Director Kristen Daley, Elections Education and Communications Coordinator Eric Navagh, Elections Logistics Coordinator Joey Worsley, Elections Database & Systems Specialist Joan Geiszler-Ludlum, Elections Administrative Technician Mark Payne, Board Legal Counsel Visitors: Crystal Whittaker, Executive Aide, NHC staff Public Attendees: Spero Peratos, NAACP; Clarice Reber, League of Women Voters LCF; Wendy Hunt, NHCDP Virtual Attendees: Joey Worsley, Kristen Daley, Denise Brown, NHC BOE staff; Kym Crowell, NHC Clerk to the Board 1.MEETING OPENING a.Call to Order Chair Getty called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The New Hanover County Board of Elections meeting was held in the Board of Elections office, 226 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC. Chair Getty, Secretary Lyon, Members Miller and Morgan were present, constituting a quorum. Member Setz arrived at 5:34 p.m. Item # 1d Chair Getty invited all in attendance to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. c. Approval of Agenda Secretary Lyon moved to approve the agenda as submitted, seconded by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. d.Approval of Minutes Secretary Lyon moved to approve the minutes of the November 4, 7, 11, 13, and 14, 2025 meetings, seconded by Member Miller. Chair Getty called on the Board members for any edits, changes or corrections to the minutes. Special Assistant Wurtzbacher noted that the spelling of Member Miller’s name listed in the Attendance section of the November 11 and 14, 2025 minutes has been corrected. Motion carried unanimously. 2._PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Chair Getty called upon the public attendees for their comments or questions, limited to two minutes each with a total maximum time of twenty minutes. Seeing and hearing no public attendees wishing to comment, Chair Getty closed the Public Comment period. 3. DIRECTOR’S UPDATE a.Financial Update Special Assistant Wurtzbacher reviewed the 2025-26 Year-to-Date Elections Financial Report, which shows no significant changes from the previous month. The next update will reflect the Casual Part Time pay for election officials and temporary staff supporting the Municipal Election. Other line items such as Contracted Services and Lease Expense continue to show substantial expenditure of allocated funds due to encumbrances of known expenses related to one-time non-recurring expenditures or expected overruns. However, other budget lines are expected to offset any line-item overruns within the current allocations. b.Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Discussion Special Assistant Wurtzbacher presented enhancement requests for discussion for the 2026-27 budget. She reported that the continuation budget reflects the funding required to maintain current operations, programs, services, and staffing levels. b.Pledge of Allegiance Page | 2 Board Minutes – 12/09/2025 Page | 3 The enhancement requests include three positions that were included in the FY 2025-26 budget request that were unfunded, and an upgrade to election equipment, Firmware and software. The enhancement requests are designed to support routine election administrative functions and add organizational structure. The elections equipment and software upgrades support ballot tabulation and results reporting. The Board will have another opportunity to discuss the enhancement requests at their January 13 regular meeting prior to the end of January deadline for submission to the budget process. •Administrative Technician (1.5 FTE): 1.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) in administrative technicians to assist with voter registration processing, absentee-by-mail support, logistics coordination, and election preparation activities. •Voting Services Manager (New Full-Time Position): Provide an additional level of internal coordination, supervision, and support for election operations, including database and systems, registration, and absentee by mail and administrative functions such as finance, HR and budget support functions. •Elections Registration Coordinator (New Full-Time Position): Provide dedicated coordination, supervision, and support for voter registration maintenance processes and candidate petition processing. •Election Equipment, Firmware & Software Upgrade: Purchase six (6) DS300 tabulators, upgrade to ElectionWare 6300 (including firmware and software), upgrade DS200 flash cards, and purchase a workstation to support ballot tabulation and results reporting. Secretary Lyon asked Special Assistant Wurtzbacher to provide an organization chart showing present elections staffing and the proposed additional positions. 4. NEW BUSINESS a.Adoption of 2026 Meeting Schedule Special Assistant Wurtzbacher said the proposed Board meeting schedule is based on current Board practice and State statutes. Chair Getty moved to approve the meeting schedule as presented, seconded by Secretary Lyon. Motion carried unanimously. b.Moving WB Polling Place from Wrightsville Beach Elementary School to Wrightsville Beach Town Hall Election Logistics Coordinator Eric Navagh presented the proposal to change the precinct location for Wrightsville Beach from the Wrightsville Beach Elementary School to the Wrightsville Beach Town Hall. He noted that the change is moving back to the Town Hall, which has served as the polling place in the past and takes into consideration feedback received during and after the 2025 municipal election. He said he toured the Town Hall facility with Interim Deputy Director O’Neill in recent weeks with photos included in the agenda packet. The Town Manager is reviewing the proposed usage agreement with the Board of Alderman. Secretary Lyon moved to approve the proposed WB polling place change subject to Town approval of the usage agreement and State Board approval, seconded by Chair Getty. Motion carried unanimously. c.Updating Electioneering Restrictions for H05, Port City Community Church Logistics Coordinator Navagh presented a proposed modified usage agreement with Port City Community Church which serves as the polling place for H05. In executing the 2025 usage agreement, the church’s representative marked a less restrictive choice on electioneering to allow candidate signs, a departure from their previous preference not to allow any electioneering. When the change was noticed, it was after the State Board’s deadline for such changes. The church has requested amending the current usage agreement for 2026 to return to the previous no electioneering preference. Staff recommend making the requested change because it reflects previous usage agreements and Port City Community Church has been a good partner in working with the Board of Elections to serve as a polling location providing an abundance of parking and accessibility. There are no better alternative locations to serve H05. Approval by this Board will be followed by submission to the State Board for their approval. Chair Getty moved to approve amending the electioneering restrictions for H05 as presented, seconded by Secretary Lyon. Motion carried unanimously. d.2026 Primary Elections Proposed Early Voting Plan Interim Deputy Director O’Neill presented the proposed 2026 Primary Early Voting Plan. The plan recommends four sites based on previous primary early voting turnout: Board of Elections multipurpose room as the required office site, Carolina Beach Town Hall, NHC Senior Resource Center, and CFCC McLeod Building. State statute requires that all early voting sites operate on the same days and for the same hours. The plan proposes opening all sites on February 12 and 13, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., closed the first weekend, February 16 – 20 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., February 21 – 22 (Saturday and Sunday) 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., February 23 – 27 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and February 28 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as required by state statute. Interim Deputy Director O’Neill reviewed staff’s efforts to identify alternatives to the McLeod Building and the Senior Resource Center for early voting. They looked at the Page | 4 Board Minutes – 12/09/2025 Page | 5 Skyline Center where the available space would work but the walking distance from the parking area includes two flights of concrete stairs presenting a barrier for voters and election officials. The location for curbside voting would require several 4-minute trips back and forth for the curbside attendant as well as additional congestion. Staff considered the new library at Project Grace but learned that construction continues and the library’s calendar of planned events would conflict with early voting. Staff recommended continued use of the McLeod Building with improvements such as using new social media communications strategies to engage younger voters who make up a large portion of downtown voters in addition to more established social media capabilities, as well as improved site signage. Staff also do not want to give the impression of making it more difficult for downtown voters by another change for this voting site. Staff also looked for alternatives to the Senior Resource Center without success. The Trillium facility does not have available space for voting and other sites contacted were not available. Secretary Lyon asked what the rationale was for selecting the Senior Resource Center over the Northeast Library site. Interim Deputy Director O’Neill said the strain of adequately staffing five sites over four sites along with concern about the geographic clustering of three sites across the middle of the county led the staff to recommend the Senior Resource Center. After Board discussion of traffic issues and safety concerns at the Senior Resource Center, Secretary Lyon moved to recommend four early voting sites at the Board of Elections building, Carolina Beach Town Hall, CFCC McLeod Building, and the Northeast Library for the recommended hours, seconded by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. 5. GENERAL DISCUSSION The Board agreed to schedule in-person interviews with candidates for Elections Director on December 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 6. CLOSED SESSION Chair Getty moved to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to NC Gen. Stat. §143-318.11(6), second by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. The Board entered closed session at 6:45 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:36 p.m. on the motion of Chair Getty, seconded by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Getty moved to adopt the resolution recommending the appointment of Crystal Whittaker, Executive Aide, NHC staff, as Interim Election Director for a limited time until a permanent full-time director is appointed, subject to appointment by the State Board of Elections, seconded by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. 8.ADJOURNMENT Chair Getty moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Secretary Lyon. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled to be held on January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at the Board of Elections office, 226 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC. APPROVED BY: RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ____________________________ __________________________________ JOHN LYON LISA WURTZBACHER SECRETARY SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE BOARD Page | 6 Board Minutes – 12/17/2025 Page | 1 SPECIAL MEETING New Hanover County Board of Elections December 17, 2025 8:30 A.M. ATTENDANCE Members: Jamie Getty, Chair John Lyon, Secretary Derrick R. Miller, Member James (Jim) Battle Morgan, Jr., Member Beverly Setz, Member Staff: Lisa Wurtzbacher, Assistant County Manager Mark Francolini, Chief Human Resources Officer Tracey Dawson, HR Analyst, Senior Crystal Whittaker, Interim Board of Elections Director Public Attendees: None 1.MEETING OPENING a.Call to Order Chair Getty called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The New Hanover County Board of Elections meeting was held at the New Hanover County Government Center, Conference Room 137, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. Chair Getty, Secretary Lyon, and Members Miller, Morgan, and Setz were present, constituting a quorum. b.Pledge of Allegiance Chair Getty invited all in attendance to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. c. Approval of Agenda Chair Getty moved to approve the agenda as submitted, seconded by Member Lyon. Motion carried unanimously. Item # 1d 2. CLOSED SESSION Chair Getty moved to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to NC Gen. Stat. §143-318.11(6), second by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. The Board entered closed session at 8:33 a.m. and returned to open session at 11:46 a.m. on the motion of Chair Getty, seconded by Member Miller. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Getty stated for the record that no action was taken in closed session. The Board of Elections did instruct staff on certain personnel measures they should undertake. For the benefit of the public and media, Chair Getty noted that under NC law, we are extremely limited to the matters that we can discuss regarding personnel, which include recruitment. We cannot, for example, reveal the names of candidates seeking the Elections Director position. We can, however, let you know that the process of searching for an Election Director is on-going; that our legal obligation is to recommend a candidate for the position of Election Director to the State Board of Elections Executive Director, who shall make the actual appointment; and that any final decision on that recommendation by this Board shall be made in open session. 3.ADJOURNMENT Chair Getty moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Secretary Lyon. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:49 a.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled to be held on January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at the Board of Elections office, 226 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC. APPROVED BY: RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ____________________________ __________________________________ JOHN LYON Crystal Whittaker SECRETARY INTERIM BOARD OF ELECTIONS DIRECTOR Page | 2 Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Item # 2 Subject: Public Comment Period Summary: This is an opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on election-related matters. Each commenter will be limited to two minutes. There is a limit of 20 minutes total for the public comment period. Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary This page intentionally left blank. P a g e 1 | 2 Item # 3 Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Directors Report Summary: a.List Maintenance Update Per data provided through the Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS), the New Hanover County Board of Elections completed the following voter registration activities during November and December 2025: •Removed 1,021 voters from the voter registration rolls in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-82.14. •Processed 2,103 new registrations, 2,416 duplicate registrations, and 2,466 voter registration updates. b.Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Testing Update – 2026 Primary Election In preparation for the 2026 Primary Election, staff have scheduled the required Logic and Accuracy (L&A) testing of all voting equipment to be used during early voting and on Election Day, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-182.1 and State Board of Elections procedures. Logic and Accuracy testing is conducted prior to each election to verify that voting equipment is properly configured, accurately records votes, and produces correct tabulation results. Testing will be conducted in multiple stages and will include the DS200 tabulators, ExpressVote ballot marking devices, and the DS850 central tabulator. Logic and Accuracy testing is open to public observation, and Board members, candidates, media, and members of the public are welcome to observe testing in person (limited seating available) or via live stream. Testing is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2026, with additional sessions planned through early February. Dates and times are subject to change, and the most current schedule and live stream links will be posted on the Board of Elections website. Following completion of each testing stage, staff will document and certify the results in accordance with State Board of Elections requirements prior to deploying voting equipment for use in the election. c.Financial Update The attached FY25–26 year-to-date budget report provides the Board with a financial update through the 6th period (December) of the fiscal year. P a g e 2 | 2 d.2026 NC State Board of Elections Winter Conference Board members are advised of the statutory training requirement under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163- 82.24, which requires each member of a county board of elections to attend a training conference conducted by the State Board during the first six months following initial appointment and at least once again during the first two years of service. The 2026 North Carolina State Board of Elections Winter Conference will be held virtually on January 26–27, 2026, and will provide statewide training and official guidance for county elections staff and Board members on election law updates, administrative rules, compliance requirements, and best practices. Board members planning to attend are asked to notify staff for registration and coordination assistance. Several Board of Elections staff members also plan to attend for training. Documents Included: NVRA Report (November and December 2025); Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Testing Schedule, Financial Year-to-Date Budget Report, 6th Period (December). Board Action Required: Discussion as necessary This page intentionally left blank. 2026 Primary Election Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Testing Schedule: https://www.nhcgov.com/1076/2026- Primary-Elections This page intentionally left blank. NEW HANOVER COUNTY - LIVE YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 01/05/2026 09:26User: lwurtzbacherProgram ID: glytdbud Page 1 FOR 2026 06 ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED 610000 SALARIES AND WAGES 11016100 610000 SALARIES AND WA 687,913 -68,984 618,929 266,978.81 .00 351,950.03 43.1% 611500 CASUAL PART TIME SALARIES 11016100 611500 CASUAL PART TIM 358,240 0 358,240 152,130.91 .00 206,109.09 42.5% 611600 OVERTIME PAY (OTP) 11016100 611600 OVERTIME PAY (O 11,187 0 11,187 5,970.14 .00 5,216.86 53.4% 612000 CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE 11016100 612000 CELL PHONE ALLO 105 0 105 185.00 .00 -80.00 176.2% 621000 SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES 11016100 621000 SOCIAL SECURITY 50,075 0 50,075 21,936.45 .00 28,138.55 43.8% 622000 RETIREMENT-LOCAL GOVT EMPLOYEE 11016100 622000 RETIREMENT-LOCA 94,625 0 94,625 39,248.26 .00 55,376.74 41.5% 623500 GEN 401K AND 457 MATCH 11016100 623500 GENERAL 401-K M 16,486 0 16,486 6,823.45 .00 9,662.55 41.4% 625000 MEDICAL INSURANCE EXPENSE 11016100 625000 MEDICAL INSURAN 102,492 0 102,492 29,783.04 .00 72,708.96 29.1% 626000 LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE 11016100 626000 LONG TERM DISAB 1,122 0 1,122 442.22 .00 679.78 39.4% NEW HANOVER COUNTY - LIVE YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 01/05/2026 09:26User: lwurtzbacherProgram ID: glytdbud Page 2 FOR 2026 06 ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT626000 LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED 700000 CONTR SERVS 11016100 700000 CONTR SERVS 128,063 88,828 216,891 121,861.78 112,572.77 -17,543.39 108.1% 700328 LEASE EXPENSE 11016100 700328 LEASE EXPENSE 50,003 0 50,003 25,617.42 19,486.42 4,899.16 90.2% 700329 SUBSCRIPTION SOFTWARE 11016100 700329 SUBSCRIPTION SO 18,012 0 18,012 3,638.92 .00 14,373.08 20.2% 700330 RENT 11016100 700330 RENT 157,715 0 157,715 33,982.00 46,691.00 77,042.00 51.2% 700350 ADVERTISING COST 11016100 700350 ADVERTISING COS 6,000 0 6,000 1,253.09 .00 4,746.91 20.9% 700365 CELLULAR EXPENSE 11016100 700365 CELLULAR EXPENS 17,819 0 17,819 6,639.55 .00 11,179.45 37.3% 700370 POSTAGE EXPENSE 11016100 700370 POSTAGE EXPENSE 84,820 0 84,820 10,619.18 2,895.82 71,305.00 15.9% 700430 M&R-EQUIPMENT 11016100 700430 M&R-EQUIPMENT 76,233 0 76,233 70,239.00 .00 5,994.00 92.1% 700500 PRINTING 11016100 700500 PRINTING 136,450 0 136,450 23,455.94 6,289.78 106,704.28 21.8% NEW HANOVER COUNTY - LIVE YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 01/05/2026 09:26User: lwurtzbacherProgram ID: glytdbud Page 3 FOR 2026 06 ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT700500 PRINTING APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED 700512 PRINTER-COPIER COSTS &SUPPLIES 11016100 700512 PRINTER-COPIER 69,254 0 69,254 11,675.64 .00 57,578.36 16.9% 700520 SUPPLIES 11016100 700520 SUPPLIES 27,592 0 27,592 31,057.38 587.75 -4,053.13 114.7% 700542 SUPPLIES-COMPUTER&OTHER 11016100 700542 SUPPLIES-COMPUT 22,482 0 22,482 20,208.73 .00 2,273.27 89.9% 700700 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 11016100 700700 DUES & SUBSCRIP 125 0 125 319.40 .00 -194.40 255.5% 700825 EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENTS 11016100 700825 EMPLOYEE REIMBU 1,866 0 1,866 1,791.68 .00 74.32 96.0% 700905 TRAINING & TRAVEL 11016100 700905 TRAINING & TRAV 4,311 0 4,311 4,483.10 .00 -172.10 104.0% GRAND TOTAL 2,122,990 19,844 2,142,834 890,341.09 188,523.54 1,063,969.37 50.3% ** END OF REPORT - Generated by LISA WURTZBACHER ** This page intentionally left blank. Item # 4a Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Amendment to the 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.12(a) Summary: Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.12(a), staff requests Board consideration of an amendment to the previously adopted 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule to revise the meeting start time on Election Day from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the following dates: •March 3, 2026 (Primary Election Day) •November 3, 2026 (General Election Day) This amendment is recommended to ensure adequate time for the Board to carry out its statutory duties on Election Day, including the timely review, approval, and counting of absentee ballots and other election-related actions required under Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes. No other changes to the adopted 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule are proposed. Documents Included: Amended 2026 Schedule of Meetings Board Action Required: Adopt the amended 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule This page intentionally left blank. Page | 1 2026 BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE Board of Elections Office, located at 226 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 Date Type Time Purpose 1/13/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 1/27/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 2/3/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 2/10/2026 *Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 2/17/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 2/24/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 3/2/2026 Special 5:00 p.m.Absentee Review Meeting 3/3/2026 Special 2:00 p.m.Count Absentee Ballots (Election Day) 3/6/2026 Special 2:00 p.m. Count Absentee & Provisional Ballots 3/10/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 3/12/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Count Absentee Ballots 3/13/2026 Special 11:00 a.m. County Canvass of Election Results 4/14/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 5/12/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 6/9/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 7/14/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 8/11/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 9/15/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed *Denotes a regular meeting that falls on the date of a special meeting required by statute. Page | 2 2026 BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE Board of Elections Office, located at 226 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 If the Board of Elections adds or cancels any meetings, a public notice will be issued. For more information, call 910-798-7330 or visit NHCvote.com Date Type Time Purpose 9/29/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 10/6/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 10/13/2026 *Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 10/20/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 10/27/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 11/2/2026 Special 5:00 p.m. Absentee Review Meeting 11/3/2026 Special 2:00 p.m.Count Absentee Ballots (Election Day) 11/6/2026 Special 2:00 p.m. Count Absentee & Provisional Ballots 11/10/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed 11/12/2026 Special 2:00 p.m. Count Absentee Ballots 11/13/2026 Special 11:00 a.m. County Canvass of Election Results 12/15/2026 Regular 5:30 p.m. Conduct Business as Needed *Denotes a regular meeting that falls on the date of a special meeting required by statute. Item # 4b Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Moving the H05 Polling Place from Port City Community Church to Blair Elementary School Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-128(a) Summary: Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-128(a), a county board of elections may change a polling place when it determines that a change is necessary. The polling place for the H05 Precinct is proposed to move from Port City Community Church to Blair Elementary School, effective beginning with the March 3, 2026 Primary Election, and to remain in place for the November 3, 2026 General Election, subject to State Board approval. This proposed change is made in response to direction from the North Carolina State Board of Elections to transition the precinct to a public polling location that allows for electioneering as required by law. Blair Elementary School has been identified as the appropriate long-term polling location within the H05 precinct. The proposed site meets applicable administrative and legal requirements for use as a polling place, including accessibility and sufficient space for voter check-in, voting enclosures, election official operations, and curbside voting. Implementing this change beginning with the Primary Election will provide voters with a consistent polling location across both the 2026 Primary and General Elections, reducing confusion and supporting clear voter expectations. The proposed polling place change is presented for Board consideration and action. Documents Included: Proposed H05 Precinct – Blair Elementary School Polling Place Documentation and Photos Board Action Required: Consider and take action on the proposed polling place change. This page intentionally left blank. Page 1 of 2 If you have any concerns regarding the buffer zone of a polling place, contact 910‐798‐7330. UPDATED POLLING PLACE: PRIMARY 2026 Precinct #: H05 Name: Blair Elementary School Address: 6510 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405 Voting Enclosure: Multipurpose Room Door to Entrance to Voting Place: The door to the voting enclosure is the door to the right of the main entrance of the school. The entrance to the Multipurpose Room is through the black gate immediately adjacent to the main entrance. Distance from Door: 50 feet from the entrance to the multipurpose room. Exterior Entrance Pathway to Voting Door Enclosure Accessible Parking Curbside Page 2 of 2 If you have any concerns regarding the buffer zone of a polling place, contact 910‐798‐7330. UPDATED POLLING PLACE: PRIMARY 2026 New Hanover County Precincts and Polling Places PCT POLLING PLACE NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CF01 WRIGHTSBORO SCHOOL 2716 CASTLE HAYNE RD WILMINGTON, NC 28401 CF02 CASTLE HAYNE ELEMENTARY 3925 ROGER HAYNES DR CASTLE HAYNE, NC 28429 CF05 CFCC-NORTH CAMPUS-MCKEITHAN CENTER 4500 BLUE CLAY RD CASTLE HAYNE, NC 28429 CF06 NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH 2501 NORTH COLLEGE ROAD WILMINGTON, NC 28405 FP03 KURE BEACH TOWN HALL 117 SETTLERS LN KURE BEACH, NC 28449 FP04 MYRTLE GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL 901 PINER RD WILMINGTON, NC 28409 FP06 BELLAMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 70 SANDERS RD WILMINGTON, NC 28412 FP07 ANDERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 455 HALYBURTON MEMORIAL PARKWAYWILMINGTON, NC 28412 FP08 CAROLINA BEACH MUNI COMPLEX REC CENTER 1121 LAKE PARK BLVD N CAROLINA BEACH, NC 28428 H01 CAPE FEAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH 811 COLLEGE ROAD NORTH WILMINGTON, NC 28405 H02 NORTHEAST REGIONAL LIBRARY 1241 MILITARY CUTOFF RD WILMINGTON, NC 28405 H04 COLLEGE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5001 ORIOLE DR WILMINGTON, NC 28403 H05 BLAIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6510 MARKET ST WILMINGTON, NC 28405 H06 FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH 802 COLLEGE RD N WILMINGTON, NC 28405 H08 OGDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3637 MIDDLE SOUND LOOP RD WILMINGTON, NC 28411 H10 EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6701 GORDON RD WILMINGTON, NC 28411 H11 COASTAL COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 7721 ALEXANDER ROAD WILMINGTON, NC 28411 H12 PORTERS NECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 416 EDGEWATER CLUB RD WILMINGTON, NC 28411 H13 PORTERS NECK VILLAGE 1200 PORTERS NECK ROAD WILMINGTON, NC 28411 M02 MASONBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3518 MASONBORO LOOP RD WILMINGTON, NC 28409 M03 MOOSE LODGE 4610 CAROLINA BCH RD WILMINGTON, NC 28412 M04 UNITED ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH 4912 COLLEGE ROAD SOUTH WILMINGTON, NC 28412 M06 MYRTLE GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 5524 MYRTLE GROVE RD WILMINGTON, NC 28409 M07 HARBOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4853 MASONBORO LOOP RD.WILMINGTON, NC 28409 W03 MLK CENTER 401 SOUTH 8TH ST WILMINGTON, NC 28401 W08 BOARD OF EDUCATION-SPENCER BUILDING 1802 SOUTH 15TH ST WILMINGTON, NC 28401 W12 FOREST HILLS SCHOOL 602 COLONIAL DR WILMINGTON, NC 28403 W15 CAREER READINESS ACADEMY AT MOSLEY PLC 3702 PRINCESS PLACE DR WILMINGTON, NC 28405 W16 LIFEPOINT CHURCH 3534 COLLEGE ROAD S #A WILMINGTON, NC 28412 W17 HOLLY TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3020 WEB TRACE WILMINGTON, NC 28409 W21 CODINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4321 CAROLINA BCH RD WILMINGTON, NC 28412 W25 CFCC MCLEOD BUILDING 411 NORTH FRONT STREET WILMINGTON, NC 28401 W26 SUNSET PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 613 ALABAMA AVE WILMINGTON, NC 28401 W27 FREEMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2601 PRINCESS PLACE DR WILMINGTON, NC 28405 W29 WILLISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL 401 SOUTH 10TH ST WILMINGTON, NC 28401 W30 CAPE FEAR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2606 NEWKIRK AVE WILMINGTON, NC 28412 W31 NEW HANOVER COUNTY SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER 2222 COLLEGE ROAD S WILMINGTON, NC 28403 W33 BRADLEY CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6211 GREENVILLE LP RD WILMINGTON, NC 28409 W34 UNCW WARWICK CENTER 629 HAMILTON DRIVE WILMINGTON, NC 28403 W35 WESLEY MEMORIAL UMC ACTIVITY BUILDING 204 PINE GROVE ROAD WILMINGTON, NC 28403 WB WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH TOWN HALL 321 CAUSEWAY DR WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC 28480 INFORMATION ABOVE IS ACCURATE AS OF 1/13/2026. This page intentionally left blank. Item # 4c Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Appointment of Early Voting Officials for the 2026 Primary Election Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-166.35(a1); Session Law 2023-140 (SB 747); NCSBE Numbered Memo 2023-07 Summary: In accordance with Session Law 2023-140 and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-166.35(a1), the New Hanover County Board of Elections is required to appoint precinct officials to serve at each early voting site for the 2026 Primary Election, other than the county board of elections office. Pursuant to State law and State Board of Elections guidance, the Director of Elections provided written notice to the chairs of the county political parties advising them of the Board’s appointment meeting date and the statutory deadline for submitting recommendations of qualified early voting officials. Party recommendations were required to be received by the Board no later than the fifth business day preceding the appointment meeting. When party recommendations are submitted timely, the Board is required to make appointments from the list of recommended individuals, provided those individuals meet the statutory qualifications to serve as precinct officials. If party recommendations were not submitted by the statutory deadline, or if the recommendations were insufficient to staff all early voting sites and shifts, the Board is authorized to appoint other qualified registered voters of the county who were not recommended by the party chairs. Unlike the appointment of Election Day precinct officials, the Board’s vote to appoint early voting officials who were not recommended by the political parties does not require unanimity. Consistent with NCSBE Numbered Memo 2023-07, the Board may appoint individuals to specific roles, sites, or shifts, or may appoint a slate of individuals to serve as chief judges, judges, and assistants across early voting sites, with scheduling assignments administered by staff in accordance with statutory requirements, including partisan balance where applicable. Early voting conducted at the county board of elections office is staffed by county employees who are scheduled administratively by staff and are not appointed through this process. Approval of this item constitutes the Board’s formal appointment of early voting officials for the 2026 Primary Election and authorizes staff to finalize early voting staffing assignments in accordance with State law and State Board of Elections guidance. Documents Included: NCSBE Numbered Memo 2023-07; Notice of Appointment of Early Voting Officials (Party Chair Letters); Early Voting Official Nomination List (Provided at the Meeting). Board Action Required: Approve the appointment of early voting officials for the 2026 Primary Election This page intentionally left blank. P.O. Box 27255 Raleigh, NC 27611 (866) 522-4723 www.ncsbe.gov Numbered Memo 2023-07 TO: County Boards of Elections FROM: Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director1 RE: Early Voting Official Appointment DATE: December 19, 2023 This numbered memo provides guidance about the appointment of early voting officials in accordance with the changes made by Session Law 2023-140 (SB 747). This law is effective January 1, 2024. 1.Appointment of Early Voting Officials Appointment by the County Board of Elections For each primary and election, county boards of elections shall appoint precinct officials for each early voting site, other than the county board office. Early voting officials shall be appointed as follows:2 •Chief Judge and Judges. A chief judge must always be appointed to each early voting site for each day of early voting. Two judges shall be appointed to each early voting site for each day of early voting, where possible. County boards should try to ensure all early voting sites have a chief judge and two judges at all times, in the event a voter challenge needs to be heard. If it is not possible, however, county boards should appoint at least one judge per site. o Partisan balance: County boards shall work to ensure, if at all possible, that the chief judge and judges working at any site at the same time do not all belong to the same political party. •Assistants. The county board shall appoint any assistants needed for each early voting site. 1 This memo is issued under the authority delegated by the State Board to the executive director pursuant to G.S. § 163-22(p). 2 G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)). 2 o Partisan balance: County boards shall work to ensure, if at all possible, that an equal number of assistants are appointed from different political parties. Multiple chief judges, judges, and assistants may be appointed to serve at each early voting site so that chief judges, judges, and assistants may serve for partial shifts throughout each day of early voting or serve for less than the full number of days of early voting. In making its appointments for chief judge and judges, the county board may designate the names of the specific individuals and the sites and shifts that they will serve. Alternatively, the county board may appoint a slate of individuals to serve in given roles at all voting sites, and may leave the scheduling determinations up to the county board staff, provided that the partisan allocation requirements are met, where possible.3 County boards must ensure that there are sufficient officials appointed to each early voting site to properly staff the site and conduct any challenges that are filed. Recommendations by the County Party Chair The chair of each political party in the county shall recommend individuals who are qualified to serve as precinct officials at early voting sites. If the party’s recommendations are received by the county board of elections no later than the fifth business day before the date on which appointments are to be made, the county board of elections shall make appointments from the list of recommendations provided the recommended individuals are eligible to serve as precinct officials.4 The chair of the political party may suggest which individuals they think should fill the roles of chief judge and judges, and to suggest particular sites, dates, or times for particular nominees. However, the county board is not required to accept these recommendations. The board is merely obligated to select from the list of recommended names of nominees, provided the nominees are qualified and the list was timely provided.5 County boards should consider the needs of the voting sites, the partisan balance requirements, and the capability and availability of the 3 G.S. § 163-166.35(a1)(1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)) states: “A chief judge and judges shall be appointed to each early voting site for each day for early voting….” 4 G.S. § 163-166.35(a1)(1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)) states: “The chair of each political party in the county shall recommend individuals who are otherwise qualified to serve as precinct officials at early voting sites.” Qualifications are discussed in Section 3 of this memo. 5 The law authorizes the county party chair to “recommend individuals . . . to serve as precinct officials at early voting sites,” and then requires the county board to “make appointments from the list of recommendations.” G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c). 3 nominees when assigning recommended individuals into roles, sites, and schedules at early voting sites. Before each primary or election, each county board of elections shall set a date when the county board will hold a duly noticed public meeting to appoint early voting officials to sites other than the county board office. A county board may set separate dates for the appointment of chief judges and judges versus assistants. At least 21 days prior to the date set for that meeting, the county board shall send an email or letter via U.S. mail to the chair of each political party organized in the county, notifying the chair of (1) the county board’s appointment date and (2) the party’s deadline to provide recommendations for qualified early voting officials, which shall be the fifth business day before the appointment date. This notice may be sent by the county director of elections.6 If the party’s recommendations are not received by the county board of elections by the fifth business day before the date on which appointments are to be made, or if the party does not submit sufficient recommendations to staff each shift for each early voting site, the county board of elections may appoint registered voters in that county who were not recommended by the party chairs. Unlike for appointing election day officials who are not recommended by the parties under G.S. § 163-41(c) and -42(b), the county board’s vote to appoint early voting officials who are not recommended by the parties under G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) does not need to be unanimous. In making its appointments, the county board shall ensure, wherever possible, that no precinct has a chief judge and judges all of whom are registered with the same party.7 Although the county board must prioritize ensuring each site is adequately staffed for each day of early voting, the county board shall also ensure, wherever possible, that each qualified individual who is timely recommended by a party is appointed to serve in some capacity during early voting. 6 N.C. State Bd. of Elections, Resolution on Appointment of Early Voting Officials (Nov. 28, 2023). 7 See G.S. § 163-166.35(a1)(1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c), which requires chief judges and judges to be appointed “in the same manner as allocated to each precinct in the county as provided in G.S. 163-41 where possible.” (Emphasis added.) Subsection (a1)(2) has a similar allocation requirement for assistants, referring to G.S. § 163-42. The “manner” of “allocation” of precinct officials refers to the legal criteria for assigning officials to each site. Under G.S. §§ 163-41 and -42, the legal criteria for assigning officials at particular sites are in-precinct residence and party affiliation. Because in-precinct residence is irrelevant for assignment to an early voting site, which offers the opportunity to vote to all county residents, the only assignment criteria that applies here is party affiliation. 4 3.Qualifications of Officials Individuals appointed to serve as early voting officials must be registered voters and residents of the county in which the early voting site is located. Chief judges and judges must be “of good repute” and “have good moral character,” and be able to read and write.8 An individual is not eligible to serve as a precinct official if they: •Hold any elective office under the government of the United States, or of the State of North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof; •Are a candidate for nomination or election; •Hold any office in a state, congressional district, county, or precinct political party or political organization, or who is a manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party, provided however that the position of delegate to a political party convention shall not be considered an office for the purpose of this subsection;9 or •Are the wife, husband, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister of any candidate for nomination or election if the candidate is on the ballot at the early voting site in which the precinct official would serve.10 The following categories of relatives are prohibited from serving at the same voting site at the same time: spouse, child, spouse of a child, sister or brother.11 These individuals may serve at different voting sites at the same time or at the same voting site at different times. Because all county boards use the SEIMS early voting application (SOSA), most early voting officials need to be capable of operating a computer. County boards should work to inform the appointing political parties of this need in advance of submission of the lists to help ensure that workers have the technical skills and other capabilities necessary to conduct early voting. 4.Vacancies A vacancy may occur if an early voting official dies, is removed, or resigns after appointment. A vacancy may also occur if a precinct official is not appointed by the county board, such as where the party does not make sufficient (or any) recommendations and the county board is unable to appoint someone at the meeting designated for such appointments. The process is the same 8 G.S. § 163-41(a), (c). 9 G.S. § 163-41. 10 G.S. § 163-41.1(b). 11 G.S. § 163-41.1(a). 5 whether the vacancy occurs in advance of the early voting period or on the day the person is assigned to serve. Vacancy in the Position of Chief Judge or Judge If a vacancy occurs in the position of chief judge or judge, the chair of the county board of elections shall appoint a replacement.12 If a county political party chair nominated the vacating official, the board chair shall consult with that party chair, if possible.13 If the party chair nominates a qualified replacement, the board chair shall appoint that person. In filling such a vacancy, the board chair shall appoint a person who belongs to the same political party as that to which the vacating member belonged when appointed, where possible.14 If a party chair did not nominate the vacating official, or if there is not time to consult with the party chair, which could occur for example when an official calls out on the day they are scheduled to serve, the board chair is not required to consult with the party chair. The chair may delegate the appointment of replacement chief judges and judges to the county board staff. The delegation should be in writing and should designate the staff member or members with authority to make the appointments. The delegation could also be limited to certain time periods, such as during the early voting period. County boards may wish to appoint alternate chief judge and judges who can step in in the even a chief judge or judge calls out with little notice. This will help ensure that early voting sites are fully staffed at all times. Vacancy in the Position of Assistant If a vacancy occurs in the position of assistant, the county board may appoint someone to fill the role or may delegate this responsibility to county board staff. 12 G.S. § 163-41(d). Because the early voting official appointment law, G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) (S.L. 2023- 140, sec. 27(c)), does not address the process for filling vacancies, the State Board interprets the background law for filling vacancies for chief judges and judges to apply—G.S. § 163-41(d). 13 For example, if there is too little time to consult the party chair before an official must be assigned to a shift at a voting site, that would not make it possible to consult the party chair. 14 As explained in note 7 above, the early voting official appointment law requires allocation of officials for partisan balance, but it guarantees flexibility with the “where possible” language. G.S. § 163- 166.35(a1)(1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)). 6 5.County Board Office For early voting conducted at the county board of elections office, early voting officials are not appointed. Those working at the county board office are considered county employees.15 Such workers are typically assigned to early voting shifts administratively by staff. The board would nonetheless need to designate two workers at the county board office to serve as “judges” and one to serve as a “chief judge” at all times during early voting, for the purposes of deciding any voter challenges or photo ID challenges at that site.16 All such designees may not be affiliated with the same political party. If the county board has designated an “in lieu of” site to be used for early voting instead of the county board office, individuals serving at that site must be appointed.17 If a county board conducts early voting at the same physical address as its office, that site is considered the “county board office,” and officials would not be appointed for that site. 6.Student Election Assistance County boards may appoint student election assistants to early voting sites according to the requirements in 163-42.1.18 7.Training County boards of elections must provide training to all of their early voting officials.19 This training should include instruction about the use of pollbook computers, voting equipment, and all other aspects of early voting. County boards must also ensure that early voting officials are trained on the differences between early voting and Election Day voting, including that early voting ballots are retrievable, the polls are not closed on tabulators during early voting, and the requirements for same-day registration. See Numbered Memo 2023-05 for information about same-day registration. 15 G.S. § 163-166.35(a) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)). 16 See G.S. § 163-88 (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 13(b)); G.S. § 163-166.16(b); 08 NCAC 17 .0101(d)(3). 17 See G.S. § 163-166.35(a) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)). 18 G.S. § 163-166.35(a1)((3) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)). 19 See G.S. 163-82.24(a) (“The State Board of Elections shall promulgate rules for the training of precinct officials, which shall be followed by the county boards of elections.”); 08 NCAC 10B .0101 (requiring chief judges and judges to attend an instructional meeting prior to each primary or election); and 08 NCAC 04 .0305 (requiring the chair of the county board to conduct an instruction meeting before each primary or election to instruct precinct officials in the use of the voting system). 7 8.Oath of Office Chief judges and judges shall take the oath as soon as practicable following their training. They shall also sign the written copy of the oath and file it with the county board of elections. The oath may be administered by the chair of the county board, a notary public, or other officer authorized to administer oaths. Each chief judge and judge shall take the following oath: “I, ____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof; that I will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said State not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States; that I will administer the duties of my office as chief judge of (judge of election in)____ [early voting site name], ____ County, without fear or favor; that I will not in any manner request or seek to persuade or induce any voter to vote for or against any particular candidate or proposition; and that I will not keep or make any memorandum of anything occurring within a voting booth, unless I am called upon to testify in a judicial proceeding for a violation of the election laws of this State; so help me, God.” Each assistant must take the same oath, substituting for the words “chief judge of” for “assistant in.” It is recommended that assistants take the oath of office at the conclusion of their training to ensure that they are properly sworn before beginning their duties as early voting officials. This is not a requirement, but county boards should have a plan in place to ensure all officials take the oath prior to beginning their first shift. 9.Employment Considerations It is permissible to onboard and handle administrative matters for early voting officials through a temp or staffing agency. However, the county board must supervise the day-to-day activities of these officials, must instruct them on what they must do in their positions, and must have ultimate hiring and firing authority over all election officials. Using a temp agency is an administrative convenience. Regardless of whether a temp agency is used to administer poll worker employment, the records of those workers are covered by the confidentiality provisions of G.S. § 153A-98, which include exceptions for certain information. 8 Early voting officials may only be appointed and removed by the county board of elections. Removal may occur only for cause and after notice and a hearing.20 County boards should use the process in 08 NCAC 03 Section .0200 for complaints against precinct officials, including early voting officials, if an early voting official needs to be removed. This does not apply to workers staffing early voting at a county board office. In the event of an urgent need to put an early voting official on leave, such as for egregious misconduct or misbehavior, the county board should immediately notice and call an emergency meeting. The county board could hold the notice and hearing to remove the official at that time, or they could temporarily suspend the official in anticipation of a hearing schedule in the future. If an official is actively violating a criminal law or compromising the integrity of the election, they should be asked to leave, and law enforcement should be called if the official refuses to do so.21 The elections statutes do not set a separate minimum salary for early voting officials.22 Therefore, these officials should be paid at least the state minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour,23 for time worked and in training. 10.Public Records Requests for Information about Early Voting Officials The confidentiality of county personnel records forbids the release of personnel records for county employees unless the information requested is listed in the statute as a type of information that may be disclosed.24 This law covers county board employees, precinct officials (including early voting officials), and nominees for these positions.25 20 G.S. § 163-33(2). See also G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c), which describes early voting officials as “precinct officials.” 21 G.S. 163-48. 22 Compare with G.S. § 163-46, which sets the minimum wage for elections officials “on the day of a primary, special or general election.” 23 See G.S. § 95-25.3(a), which incorporates the federal minimum wage if higher than the state rate, which it currently is. See 29 U.S.C. § 206(a). 24 G.S. § 153A-98. 25 See Durham Herald Co. v. Cty. of Durham, 334 N.C. 677, 679, 435 S.E.2d 317, 319 (1993), which explains that “employee” is broadly construed under this statute to include “those who apply to county boards or their agents for positions which those boards and their agents are authorized to fill.” 9 Information that may be released includes: name, age, date of original employment or appointment to county service, terms of employment, current position, title, current salary, date and amount of each increase or decrease in salary with that county, date and type of change in position classification with that county, date and general description of reasons for promotion in that county, date and type of disciplinary action taken by county, and office to which employee is assigned (e.g., early voting site assignment).26 Examples of information that may not be released includes: •An application for county employment, whether or not the person actually became an employee, including nomination paperwork, applications for individuals seeking to become election officials, and information on lists created for the purpose of selecting nominees or assigning officials other than items like names that may be disclosed as explained above.27 •The employee’s/appointee’s home address, personal telephone number, personal email address, date of birth, or party affiliation. This information is not on the list of items that may be disclosed to the public, and therefore it may not be provided in response a public records request.28 This does not prevent the disclosure of the lists of names provided by one party or another, as long as the list includes only information that may be disclosed, like name. Other information that is not specifically allowed to be disclosed under G.S. § 153A-98(b) must be redacted, if requested. This list is not exhaustive. Again, information in an election official’s personnel file is confidential and may not be released in response to a public record’s request unless it is on the list of information permitted to be released under G.S. § 153A-98(b). County boards that that have questions about how to respond to a public records request for information about elections officials should contact their county attorney and/or the State Board. 26 G.S. § 153A-98(b). 27 See Elkin Tribune, Inc. v. Yadkin Cty. Bd. of Cty. Comm'rs, 331 N.C. 735, 737, 417 S.E.2d 465, 466–67 (1992). 28 See David Lawrence, Public Records Law, (2d ed. 2009), at 159, 166. Work email addresses and phone numbers, however, are open to the public. 10 11.Frequently Asked Questions About Appointment of Early Voting Officials 1.Do all early voting officials have to be registered voters in the county? Yes. Because they are precinct officials, early voting officials must be registered voters in the county.29 Early voting officials are not required to be registered in a particular precinct since early voting sites serve all voters in the county. 2.What is the minimum number of early voting officials that may serve at a site at a given time? By law, a chief judge must be present at each early voting site at all times.30 Although the statute requires the appointment of two judges only “where possible,” county boards should strive to appoint two judges for each day of early voting to ensure that there are enough officials present to run the site. Voter challenges must be heard by the chief judge and two judges.31 Additionally, curbside voting requires the presence of at least two elections officials.32 There are other reasons why county boards should ensure that more than one early voting official is always present at a site. County boards need to be able to handle unexpected influxes of voters and allow for any needed breaks for workers or unexpected events requiring a worker to leave the site. Having only one official present at the site could also present a safety concern, particularly if it is dark outside and the official is opening or closing the site on their own. 3.Is it permissible to appoint a chief judge and assistants but no judges? No. If there is a sufficient number of individuals to serve as assistants, the county board should first appoint two judges per site. See the answer to Question 2 for more information about the role of judges. 4.What is the term of an early voting official? Early voting officials are appointed for one election only. Unlike Election Day precincts, early voting sites are established by the county board of elections prior to each election. Therefore, it is not possible to appoint early voting officials to serve for more than one election at a time. 29 See G.S. § 163-41 and G.S. § 163-42, which indicate that precinct officials must be registered voters in the county. 30 G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) (S.L. 2023-140, sec. 27(c)). 31 G.S. § 163-88. 32 08 NCAC 10B .0108. 11 5.Can a chief judge at early voting sites also serve as a chief judge at an Election Day precinct? Yes. County boards should ensure that any official who serves in multiple roles at different times understands the distinct duties and responsibilities of each role. 6.Can someone be a chief judge sometimes and an assistant sometimes? Yes. 7.Is there a recommendation for how many officials to appoint? The needs of each site will vary. County boards of elections are best suited to determine the number of officials needed at each site at given times. County boards should consider past early voting turnout in similar elections and whether they may need any additional officials to reduce the possibility of long lines. 8.Can county boards appoint unaffiliated voters to serve as early voting officials? Yes, provided the county board follows the appointment process outlined in this memo. A political party could choose to recommend unaffiliated voters to serve as early voting officials, or, if the political party does not submit sufficient names, the county board could appoint unaffiliated voters. 9.What are the restrictions on political activity for early voting officials? The restrictions on political activity for early voting officials are the same as for Election Day officials. See Section 3 of this memo for a list of qualifications. Elections officials also have a duty of impartiality and honesty and may not engage in any political activity while on duty.33 They should also refrain from any political activity during the early voting period that could lead someone to question their ability to serve as impartial elections officials. A precinct official may be removed for “incompetency, failure to discharge the duties of office, failure to qualify within the time prescribed by law, fraud, or for any other satisfactory cause.”34 Precinct officials should therefore avoid any activity that could lead to their removal under this section. 33 G.S. § 163-47(a) and 08 NCAC 10B .0101(a). 34 G.S. § 163-33(2). 12 10. What does it mean for a chief judge or judge to be “of good repute” or have “good moral character”? Although not defined in the statute, the North Carolina Supreme Court has described good moral character as follows: [Good moral character] is something more than the absence of bad character. It is the good name which [a person] has acquired, or should have acquired, through association with his fellows. It means that he must have conducted himself as a man of upright character ordinarily would, should or does. Such character expresses itself, not in negatives nor in following the line of least resistance, but quite often in the will to do the unpleasant thing, if it is right, and the resolve not to do the pleasant thing, if it is wrong.35 This definition has been applied in the context of civil cases (such as for applicants to become members of the legal profession)36 and in criminal contexts.37 Good moral character may include an absence of “significant history of prior criminal activity,” but it is “more than simply the absence of criminal convictions.”38 If a county board becomes aware of reasons to question a potential precinct official’s “good repute” or “good moral character,” the county board should evaluate the basis of these concerns in light of the important responsibilities that these officials are entrusted with. In other words, they should consider whether the reasons to question the person’s good repute or moral character are particularly relevant to the election official role. State law permits the rejection of a recommended poll worker for lack of good repute or good moral character, because these are statutory qualifications for the role.39 If a county board is going to consider and deliberate on any reasons to question a prospective poll worker’s good moral character or good repute, it should do so in closed session.40 35 In re Rogers, 297 N.C. 48, 58 (1979) (quoting In re Applicants for License, 191 N.C. 235, 238 (1926)). 36 See, e.g., Rogers, 297 N.C. at 48. 37 See, e.g., State v. Johnson, 298 N.C. 47 (1979). 38 Johnson, 298 N.C. at 72. 39 G.S. § 163-41(a), (c). 40 See G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(6). 13 11. Can we make recommendations to the parties as to who recommend for appointment of early voting officials? Yes. Additionally, the county board should consider providing to the party chairs information about what makes an early voting official successful, such as: •Having prior experience as an early voting worker or Election Day precinct official. •Availability to assist with setup and breakdown of early voting locations. •Ability to use computers: laptops and printers for elections applications, entering data into election applications and using voter look-up tools, learning and executing opening and closing procedures for voting machines (tabulators and ballot marking devices). •Ability to lift or assist in moving voting machines, supply boxes, and other materials needed to operate an early voting location. (If physically unable, the county should work to accommodate so the site is otherwise staffed with someone who is able to do these things.) •Ability to work as part of team and take direction. •Availability to attend county board trainings. •Ability to reliably work needed shifts. •Ability and desire to work as an impartial election official who will treat all voters with fairness and respect. 12. May a party chair submit untrained individuals to receive preference over experienced workers? The statute requires early voting officials to be appointed from the lists of names submitted by the parties. It does not authorize the parties to decide when, where, and in what role an appointee serves. See the answer to the prior question for more information about recommendations for communicating with the county party chair to help ensure sure they recommend successful early voting officials. 13. What happens if the chief judge, judge, or assistant does not show up for a shift at an early voting site? Who will appoint their replacement? See Section 4 of this memo regarding vacancies. 14. Is it permissible to appoint multiple individuals to serve as chief judge and judge so that the county board staff can then assign them daily (always ensuring partisan balance, where possible) with staff assigning days and shifts as needed and according to the worker’s availability? Yes. G.S. § 163-166.35(a1) does not prohibit a county board from assigning multiple individuals to serve in the same roles, or from assigning the same individual to possibly serve in multiple roles, provided the partisan balance requirements are met when officials are staffing an early 14 voting site. If the county board chooses to appoint early voting officials in such a manner, staff are responsible for ensuring that each site is appropriately staffed, that partisan balance requirements are met where possible, and that officials serving understand their roles and responsibilities. Item # 4d Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget Discussion Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N/A Summary: At the December 9, 2025 meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Elections, staff presented for discussion and review shared four possible enhancement requests for discussion purposes as a part of the FY 2026-2027 budget development process. Enhancement requests are meant to include new positions, new services or enhancement to services in the budget. Three of those requests were carry-over from unfunded FY 2025-2026 requests. Staff have continued to review and analyze the requests for a formal recommendation. After careful review, staff is recommending the following enhancement requests for submission to the overall New Hanover County FY 2026-2027 budget process: •Administrative Technician (1 New Full-Time Position): This position would assist with various aspects of the elections process, including voter registration, absentee-by-mail administration, logistics coordination, and election preparation activities, in support of the Board’s statutory duties under Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Specific duties and assignments for this position would be finalized by a future permanent Elections Director. •Upgrade to EVS6300: This would upgrade the current voting system from EVS 5240 to EVS 6300, providing improved system functionality, greater operational efficiency, and enhanced usability for election administration. The upgraded system operates on a current and supported operating system (Windows 10), improving system performance, reliability, and long-term supportability. In addition to the enhancement request submission, staff will submit the continuation budget by January 23, 2026. The continuation budget includes line items that support the continued operations and functions of the department without adding new positions, services or enhancements to services. A draft of that continuation budget is included as an attachment to this agenda item. While staff do not anticipate any significant changes from this draft to what will be submitted into the budget process, it may be adjusted as new information becomes available. Documents Included: Draft FY 2026–2027 Continuation Budget Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary This page intentionally left blank. New Hanover County Board of Elections Draft Continuation Budget As of 1/8/26 *Some line items are determined by New Hanover County Finance and Human Resources. For purposes of this presentation, those line items have been left at the FY26 budget amount. 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2027 Actual Actual Actual Actual 1/12/26 Budget Draft Budget SALARIES AND WAGES 500,615.07 544,050.52 518,471.28 298,615.84 618,928.84 618,928.84 * CASUAL PART TIME SALARIES 270,681.62 439,020.69 386,985.20 155,327.76 358,240.00 343,656.00 OVERTIME PAY (OTP) 8,399.98 8,898.96 18,227.95 6,142.69 11,187.00 11,187.00 * CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE - - 690.00 185.00 105.00 600.00 SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES 43,571.95 45,594.73 53,768.45 24,561.02 50,075.00 50,075.00 * RETIREMENT-LOCAL GOVT EMPLOYEE 60,889.13 71,487.88 73,309.98 43,822.45 94,625.00 94,625.00 * GENERAL 401-K MATCH 12,501.77 13,824.01 13,409.35 7,618.69 16,486.00 16,486.00 * MEDICAL INSURANCE EXPENSE 73,541.16 76,655.55 68,137.24 34,694.72 102,492.00 102,492.00 * LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE 837.73 941.16 893.77 496.95 1,122.00 1,122.00 * CONTR SERVS 221,815.09 183,527.18 177,221.75 130,600.43 216,891.16 181,377.85 LEASE EXPENSE - 48,134.63 23,786.93 25,617.42 50,003.00 44,911.61 SUBSCRIPTION SOFTWARE 6,045.70 16,260.17 16,668.52 3,638.92 18,012.00 11,462.00 RENT 125.00 86,381.50 66,539.00 33,982.00 157,715.00 75,600.00 ADVERTISING COST 1,392.60 5,303.26 1,699.13 1,253.09 6,000.00 3,000.00 CELLULAR EXPENSE 14,114.79 17,003.54 15,029.92 6,639.55 17,819.00 17,819.00 POSTAGE EXPENSE 32,742.90 50,142.28 77,467.04 14,079.75 84,820.00 78,673.33 M&R-EQUIPMENT 53,397.75 65,460.94 68,167.58 70,239.00 76,233.00 86,939.79 PRINTING 61,867.99 87,160.80 128,622.40 23,455.94 136,450.00 136,450.00 PRINTER-COPIER COSTS &SUPPLIES 8,689.91 6,008.40 26,604.58 11,675.64 69,254.00 39,127.00 SUPPLIES 33,669.66 38,490.29 20,030.54 31,057.38 27,592.00 30,696.83 SUPPLIES-COMPUTER&OTHER 58.98 71.04 3,429.17 20,208.73 22,482.00 4,965.92 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 129.99 - 90.00 319.40 125.00 137.50 EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENTS 1,660.19 3,167.84 2,277.62 1,805.25 1,866.00 2,368.55 TRAINING & TRAVEL 3,864.56 5,842.92 9,953.39 4,621.30 4,311.00 10,580.12 INSURANCE&BONDS 23,435.48 28,503.54 - - - - PRINCIPAL ON LEASED ASSETS 3,891.97 3,947.59 23,210.13 - - - INTEREST ON LEASED ASSETS 142.91 87.29 123.82 - - - 1,438,083.88 1,845,966.71 1,794,814.74 950,658.92 2,142,834.00 1,963,281.34 This page intentionally left blank. Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 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 # 5 This page intentionally left blank. Regular Meeting New Hanover County Board of Elections January 13, 2026 Subject: Closed Session Chairman Statement Prior to Closed Session: I move that the Board enter into closed session, under N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143-318.11(a(3 and (a(6 to discuss personnel matters and receive legal guidance. Applicable Statutes and/or Rules: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(a(3 and (a(6 Summary: Closed session is required to discuss personnel matters and receive any legal advice from counsel, either from the county attorney’s office or from newly selected outside counsel under §§ 143- 318.11(a(3 and (a(6. Board Action Required: Discuss as necessary Returning to Open Session: I move that the Board return to open session, under N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143-318.11(a(3 and (a (6, to conduct business remaining before the Board. Item # 6 This page intentionally left blank.