Board hears repeated complaints about voter confusion between Kill Devil Hills and Colington polling sites

Board members and staff discussed ongoing confusion among voters who incorrectly go to Kill Devil Hills polling locations instead of the Colington precinct.

A board member reported that Mayor John Windley approached her about continuing problems at the Kill Devil Hills polling place, where voters who live in Colington sometimes wait in line and then must be turned away on municipal election day because they are not eligible to vote in that municipality. The board member noted that voters receive voter registration cards that list their correct polling place but said turnover, renters, and mailing addresses that use Kill Devil Hills ZIP codes contribute to confusion.

Kelly, director of elections, said the office can pursue low-cost outreach options: posting notices on the elections website and social media, using sandwich-board signage at precinct entrances on election day, or placing ads. She cautioned that newspaper ads can be expensive and that weather and wind make some temporary signs impractical, but she said the office has heavier metal signs and sandwich boards that could help.

Board members discussed tailoring messaging for municipal elections, where being at the wrong polling location may mean a voter is not eligible to vote in that contest. One member emphasized that for municipal contests, incorrectly located voters cannot be directed to another polling place to cast a municipal ballot and are turned away, which increases frustration.

Staff said they will work with public relations and explore a combination of site signage and online messaging before the next municipal election.