Board rejects bylaw amendment 3-2; approves meeting-calendar adjustments and elects new secretary

At its meeting the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration debated proposed amendments to its bylaws intended to clarify when officer elections must be deferred when board membership changes are "imminent or pending." Board member Debbie introduced the amendment and said the text was intended only to clarify an existing practice and to ensure newly appointed board members had a chance to participate in selecting officers during their incoming term. Debbie said she had incorporated language from Robert's Rules of Order and sought to prevent the board from electing officers without newly appointed members present.

Several board members expressed concern with the amendment's wording, particularly the clause that would read, as proposed, that when changes are imminent or pending "officer elections should be deferred until the full board is properly constituted." Board counsel Daniel warned the terms "imminent" and "pending" are broad and could unintentionally prevent the board from filling officers in time-sensitive situations. One board member suggested changing the word "should" to "may" to preserve the board's discretion. After discussion, a motion to approve the proposed bylaw changes failed on a 3-2 vote.

The board then moved to administrative calendar items. Members considered six additional dates tied to the SD 35 special election cycle — including precertification and certification meetings and tentative runoff dates — and discussed moving precertification and certification start times from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for convenience during the holiday weeks. After discussion the board voted 5-0 to add the six dates to the calendar and to set the pre-certification and certification meetings for the November and December election actions to start at 4 p.m.

The board also reviewed a proposed written policy for public comments at meetings (document labeled Exhibit F). Board member Kendall walked through the policy language, which would establish signup procedures, time limits and decorum expectations and preserve virtual public-comment options. Members asked for a clean, consolidated version that incorporates changes discussed (including moving virtual sign-up language to match the office's existing practice and a firm but narrowly scoped rule on comments directed at individual board members). The board voted to table final approval and scheduled the policy for consideration at the upcoming certification meeting.

Finally, the board filled an open officer seat. After a motion and nomination process the board elected Reggie Turner as secretary to serve the remainder of the current term; the vote was unanimous.

Votes at a glance

- Bylaw amendment (clarify when officer elections may be deferred): failed 3-2. - Add six meeting dates and move precertification/certification start times to 4 p.m.: passed 5-0. - Table public-comment policy for final edits and adopt at certification meeting: passed 5-0 (motion to table carried). - Elect Reggie Turner as board secretary (fill vacancy): passed 5-0.

Ending

Board members directed staff and counsel to prepare revised language and materials for follow-up: (a) counsel and staff to advise further on the bylaw language if the matter is revisited; (b) staff to publish the updated calendar and to request any state-level exceptions if needed; and (c) staff to post a clean public-comment policy incorporating the edits discussed for the next meeting. The newly elected secretary will assume duties immediately.