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Harnett County board faces public pushback over proposed precinct mergers and delays decision
Summary
Residents urged the board to delay precinct mergers, citing confusion and lack of data; the director said state approval is required by Jan. 17 for changes to affect the upcoming primary, and the board agreed to study proposals further and defer action.
Residents and community members pressed the Harnett County board to delay proposed precinct mergers, arguing the changes could confuse voters and should wait until after the 2026 election cycle.
During public comment, Craig Martin of the Central Littleton precinct said, “I’m here today to speak against the possible precinct merger,” and added his concern that recent board actions appear to “fall lock and step with what Riley is doing,” a comment expressing distrust of decisions perceived as directed from Raleigh. Rebecca Brock, a local resident, told the board she was “very happy to see” a proposal to make Overhills High a permanent polling place at Anderson Creek Fire Department but urged the board to wait until 2027 for broader precinct changes so voters are not confused.
Director comments explained the practical constraint: any merger that the board wants to take effect for the primary requires state board approval so voters can be notified by Jan. 17. The director told the board the timeline is “really short” for changing precincts ahead of the primary and recommended either proceeding immediately or deferring until 2027. Frank Farmer, speaking for Buies Neals Creek, urged the county to consider adding precincts rather than merging them, noting an approximate comparison the board discussed: Wake County averages about 3,800 registered voters per precinct while Harnett’s figure is “about 6,900.”
After discussion the board did not adopt any precinct mergers at the meeting. Members agreed to study costs and impacts and to postpone final decisions into the spring or consider action in 2027, giving staff time to assemble data and offer clearer cost and access analyses. The director also offered to brief the board in January on registration and list‑maintenance processes to improve members’ understanding of operational implications.
The board’s next scheduled meeting is Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m., when the issue could be revisited if the board directs additional work by staff.
