Rockingham County elections board adopts expanded early-voting schedule for 2026 primary

The Rockingham County Board of Elections voted unanimously Nov. 18 to adopt Option 2 for the 2026 primary early-voting schedule, adding one Saturday of early voting to the state-mandated minimum.

Elections staff presented seven options to the board, with Option 1 following the state minimum (13 days, four sites) and higher-numbered options adding Saturdays and/or Sundays at additional cost. Director Miss Seamster told the board that adding a Saturday would cost about $2,800 and two Saturdays about $5,600; adding a Sunday was estimated at $1,200.

"Option 1 has the minimum requirements from the state board of elections, which includes 13 days of early voting with 4 early voting sites," staff said while reviewing the packet. Dr. Jones said he recommended Option 1 as sufficient but acknowledged compromise was possible: "I would be willing to support option number 2," he said after further discussion.

Board members debated turnout patterns and staffing limits. One member noted that a recent Saturday produced 218 votes — more than most other days at some precincts — and questioned whether the additional cost was justified. Staff replied that the added day could be funded by reallocating planned election-day staffing expenses.

The board attempted an initial vote on Option 1 but failed to reach the unanimous decision required by state rules. After a five-minute recess and further discussion, a motion to adopt Option 2 (the minimum plus one Saturday) was made and seconded; the board then voted in favor and the chair declared the result unanimous.

The director said the board will revisit the general-election early-voting schedule in October 2026, when dates set by the legislature are known.