Public asks board for clarity on decision to remove certain schools as polling places

Summary

A member of the public urged the board to explain why several schools were proposed to be eliminated as polling locations, citing Georgia law 21-2-266 that encourages using schoolhouses when practical; staff said they will provide a written explanation shared with the board of elections and publish it in the minutes.

Paulding County — During public comment at the Dec. 9 school board meeting a speaker identified in the record as Mister Holmes raised concerns about a board request to eliminate multiple schools as voting precincts. The speaker said they had spoken with the board of elections and cited Georgia law 21-2-266, which directs election superintendents to select schoolhouses and other public buildings "wherever practically possible," unless doing so would "substantially interfere" with the building’s use.

Mister Holmes asked who made the decision to remove schools as polling places, what assessment determined they were not usable as polling locations, and asked that the district publish the staff memos or write-up provided to the board of elections so the public can review the rationale. Superintendent Barnett said staff would provide the write-up given to the board of elections and explore publishing it with the minutes to increase transparency.

The board did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; staff committed to follow up with documentation for public access.