Cherokee County to investigate moving several polling places out of schools ahead of 2026

The Cherokee County elections director reported that staff will begin investigating moving several polling places from schools and an older church into county-owned facilities, saying the changes would improve security, accessibility and control of equipment and could take effect for the 2026 election cycle.

The director (Speaker 4) told the board that the office is considering moving the Tunai precinct from Johnston Elementary School to the South Cherokee Annex; moving the Macedonia Elementary School polling place to “the Buzz”; and moving the Suttellie precinct from Suttellie Baptist Church to the Sutale Fire Station Community Center. The director said Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship will not allow the office to return for the Kellogg precinct, leaving the office still searching for a replacement for that area.

The moves would “be moving us into county government buildings,” the director said, adding that county facilities are preferable for the security of election equipment and to reduce scheduling conflicts with schools. “We try to get out of schools when we can because there's always growing concerns for the safety of the children,” the director said. The director also noted accessibility concerns at Johnston Elementary: although the polling site is ADA compliant, voting in the gym requires a “very long walk for seniors and those with disabilities.”

Board members raised operational and notification questions and expressed support for beginning the investigation now to allow time for voter education. Board Chair (Speaker 1) asked, “How many schools would that leave us with?” The director responded that the office is in roughly 16 schools now and does not expect to exit all school sites.

The director outlined several statutory and administrative requirements the office must follow when changing polling places: issuing new precinct cards to affected voters; posting a 4-by-4 sign at the old location; placing signs and notices at nearby businesses where allowed; publishing notices in the newspaper; and posting updates on the elections office website. “They get a new precinct card. That's a requirement. We have to post a 4 by 4 sign at the old location. That's a requirement,” the director said, adding that posting signs in nearby stores and businesses has become more difficult in recent years.

Board members discussed timing. The director said no location changes would be made before 2026 and that any municipal elections would require the permission of the affected municipalities because the county conducts those elections for them. The director added the office may be able to use county facilities for the June Public Service Commission election if permissions are obtained sooner.

A motion was made and approved directing staff to pursue the suggested facility changes and report back. Board member (Speaker 3) moved that “Anne and the staff pursue these issues and bring back to us a report of what we might be able to do in this regard.” Board member (Speaker 2) seconded the motion and it was approved by voice vote with no roll-call tally recorded. The director said staff would begin work and that Donna will start on a voter education program to notify voters well in advance of any change.

The office emphasized that any move remains contingent on permission from county departments that manage the suggested facilities and on agreement from municipalities for changes affecting municipal elections.

Next steps: staff will seek county permission to use the proposed county facilities, continue searching for a replacement site for the Kellogg area, and return to the board with a report on feasibility and timing.