Board votes to propose precinct map changes, schedules March 18 public hearing at Anderson Creek EMS

The Harnett County Board of Elections voted on March 4 to advance a proposed precinct map designed to reduce population imbalances in the western portion of Harnett County and to schedule a public input session followed by a special board meeting on March 18 at Anderson Creek Emergency Services.

Elections staff presented revised map options after a series of public input sessions and an online survey. Staff said much of the public comment opposed countywide consolidation but supported targeted changes in the western area to address precinct size and travel distance concerns. The board discussed several alternatives and directed staff to preserve most current precinct lines while making these targeted changes: pull the incorporated Vandercroft area into the central Lillington (Central Harnett/Lillington) precinct, extend a portion of Anderson Creek precinct southward along NC‑210 to reduce an overlarge Anderson Creek precinct, split the Barbecue precinct as presented, and correct a small triangular boundary in Johnsonville to keep neighborhoods intact.

During discussion, staff noted that the changes would not create large population shifts for most precincts; one area the board discussed would add roughly 1,500–2,000 voters where the proposed purple boundary is pulled to the southern border. Staff also described cost implications: an election‑day polling location typically costs about $3,500–$4,000 per site, while an early‑voting site can cost on the order of $40,000 for the full early‑voting period. Board members and party chairs raised staffing and equipment concerns and urged planning for staffing levels if precincts are consolidated.

Board member Claire (name as recorded in transcript) moved to adopt the proposed map as the board’s formal proposal and to schedule a public input meeting and special meeting at Anderson Creek Emergency Services on March 18; the motion was seconded by Mr. Kearns and passed with the board’s affirmative votes. The board instructed staff to post the proposed map and supporting materials on the elections website and to accept public comment through the scheduling period. Staff said they would walk through the Anderson Creek Emergency Services site with IT to confirm accessibility, parking, and security; the site was described as a new fire/EMS facility with adequate parking.

Members agreed to leave other proposed consolidations — specifically, combining East and West Abersboro/Aveburyboro precincts — off this first package because of local opposition and potential downstream effects on other precincts. The board directed staff to finalize the map presentation, post it online, and hold the March 18 public input session at Anderson Creek Emergency Services before making a final decision at the special meeting.

The motion to adopt the proposal, as amended, passed in the meeting; board members also voted to keep the public comment period open while staff posts the final materials online.