Election officials prepare for Public Service Commission race amid state law deadlines

The Cherokee County Board of Elections and Registration convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss critical topics surrounding election integrity and upcoming electoral processes. A significant focus of the meeting was the ongoing commitment to conducting risk-limiting audits (RLAs) to ensure the accuracy of machine counts during elections. Board members emphasized the scientific nature of these audits, which involve randomly selecting a small sample of ballots for hand counting. This method has consistently verified machine counts with a high degree of accuracy, boasting a 99.6% probability that uncounted ballots would yield the same results.

Board member John highlighted the importance of community involvement in the hand counting process, encouraging residents to participate or observe the audits to foster transparency. He noted that the board had previously conducted counts for down-ballot races, which are typically less scrutinized than top-ballot races, and expressed a desire to continue this practice to enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

In addition to discussions on audits, the board addressed the implications of a state senator's potential resignation and its impact on upcoming elections. The timeline for combining this vacancy with the Public Service Commission election was a key concern, as the board had already ordered ballots and initiated preparations for the June election. Officials clarified that the deadline for the senator's resignation had passed, meaning no additional elections would be scheduled for that position at this time. If a resignation were to occur in June, a special election could potentially be held in September or November, depending on various factors, including compliance with election codes.

The meeting underscored the board's proactive approach to ensuring electoral integrity and transparency while navigating the complexities of state election laws. As the community prepares for the upcoming elections, the board remains committed to engaging residents and maintaining trust in the electoral process.