Monroe City election commission authorizes two absentee counting boards, pre‑processing and inspector appointments for Nov. 4 election

The Monroe City Election Commission on Oct. 6 approved a package of actions to prepare for the Nov. 4, 2025 general election, including establishing two absentee counting boards, authorizing pre‑processing of absentee ballots, delegating administrative duties to the clerk treasurer, approving the list of election inspectors and scheduling the public accuracy test.

The measures are intended to speed vote tabulation and give the clerk flexibility to manage staffing and logistics. Clerk Treasurer Lavoie told the commission the delegation resolution "basically allows me to do my job ordering ballots, setting up public accuracy testing" and other routine tasks needed to run the election.

The commission first voted to establish two absentee counting boards (item 55‑17) so tabulation can be split across crews and to reduce the risk of late‑night retabulating if errors occur. Commissioner Hader moved the resolution and Commissioner Felder supported it; the motion passed with an affirmative voice vote.

The commission approved a resolution delegating certain duties to the clerk treasurer (item 55‑15) so the clerk can place orders for ballots, schedule public accuracy tests and otherwise manage election preparations without convening a special commission meeting. A motion to approve the delegation passed by voice vote.

The commission then authorized pre‑processing of absentee ballots (item 55‑18). That authorization permits election staff to process portions of absentee ballots on the Saturday before the election and to continue counting on election day; the commission’s action referenced state law limits and allowed processing on any of the eight days prior to election day (Monday, Oct. 27 through Monday, Nov. 3, 2025). Commissioner Richard Mayes moved the item, supported by Commissioner Stringham; the motion passed.

The commission approved a resolution delegating authority to the clerk treasurer to appoint additional election inspectors as needed for the November election (item 55‑16). The clerk explained that the delegation avoids the need for special meetings to replace inspectors who fall ill or withdraw. A motion to approve that delegation was made and approved by the commission.

The commission also approved the appointment list of election inspectors (item 55‑19). Commissioners discussed balancing party representation and noted a pending co‑chair appointment in Precinct 1; the clerk said the delegated authority will allow staff to finalize any partisan co‑chair substitution where needed. Commissioner Felder moved the inspector list, supported by Commissioner Hader; the motion passed.

Finally, the commission scheduled the public accuracy test for Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. at Monroe City Hall and identified at least four commissioners to serve on the test. The public accuracy test is distinct from internal pre‑accuracy checks staff performs; the commission emphasized the public test will review all ballots in a randomly chosen precinct and exercise the vote‑tabulation software. A motion to hold the public accuracy test passed by voice vote.

No recorded roll‑call tallies were given in the transcript for the commission motions; each contested item passed by the unanimous voice votes indicated at the meeting. The clerk and commissioners emphasized the actions are procedural and intended to make tabulation smoother and to preserve the ability to respond if replacements or retabulating are necessary.

The commission adjourned and the council work session that followed began on schedule.