Board delays resolution to move New Bethel polling place to Bethany Elementary School

The Rockingham County Board of Elections delayed action on a staff resolution to move the New Bethel precinct voting location from Sharon Baptist Church to Bethany Elementary School.

Paula Seamster, director of the Board of Elections, told the board the Sharon Baptist Church had notified elections staff it would no longer make its facilities available. Staff proposed moving the New Bethel precinct site to Bethany Elementary School, which would be more centrally located within the precinct, and said the change would not take effect in 2025 (the move was proposed to apply in 2026 unless adjusted). Staff also said the school board chair had approved use of Bethany for the new site and that all notice requirements of state statute would be met if the board approved the resolution.

Several board members suggested delaying a decision on New Bethel until staff had a complete picture of other pending precinct changes, noting that subsequent line changes elsewhere might require further adjustments for New Bethel voters. Member Schofield moved to table the resolution so the board could consider other precinct proposals together. The motion to table was seconded, carried on a voice vote, and Member Kohl recorded an abstention.

Director Seamster told the board moving a polling site within the same precinct boundary does not require state-board approval (only precinct-line changes do) but does require the board to meet notice timelines so voters are informed before an election.

The board agreed to revisit the New Bethel location after further discussion of other precinct reconfigurations and maps.

The vote to table the resolution was a voice vote; the board will reconsider the New Bethel proposal after staff completes a broader review of precinct changes.