Dare County elections board approves one absentee ballot, reviews tabulator and key election deadlines

Dare County — The Dare County Board of Elections reviewed and approved one absentee ballot returned by mail, observed sealing and chain-of-custody procedures for the tabulator, and heard a director's report reiterating upcoming election deadlines and staff training plans.

Kelly, the board's elections director, told members the office had mailed 54 civilian absentee ballots, one overseas and one military ballot — 56 total — and that one had been received back for review. "We have sent out 54 civilian ballots, 1 overseas and 1 military. 56 total and 1 received back," Kelly said. Board members inspected the ballot and voted to approve it for scanning.

The board completed routine procedural business before the absentee review. An unidentified board member moved to approve the meeting agenda as presented and Unidentified Speaker 3 seconded; the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. The board also voted to approve the Jan. 20, 2026 meeting minutes.

During discussion, members raised concerns about postal processing times when absentee mail is routed through Richmond, noting instances of longer transit. One member asked Kelly to check how long the returned ballot had taken to arrive so the office could advise voters to mail early "so it doesn't get delayed and then not counted."

Kelly led members to the tabulator to demonstrate chain-of-custody steps. She pointed out that the ballot bin was empty, that the top of the machine had been sealed and that officials would initial the zero "public tape" that documents the machine's starting count. "Everyone just everyone deserves their chance," Kelly said while describing the steps staff follow to secure ballots and the machine.

In a director's report, Kelly said logic-and-accuracy testing was completed on Jan. 23 and reiterated key dates for the primary election: the election is listed in equipment configuration as 03/03/2026; the last day to request an absentee ballot is Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.; the voter registration deadline is Feb. 6 at 5 p.m.; and early voting runs Feb. 12–28. Kelly also announced the next absentee meeting will be at 3 p.m. on Feb. 3 and said precinct official and chief judge trainings will be held in Buxton and Manteo, with main sessions Feb. 4–5 in Manteo; those trainings are not open to the public. Kelly said a short informational video about the primary has been posted to Dare County's publications and Facebook.

The meeting closed with members sending best wishes to absent board member Sandy Markland for recovery. An unidentified member moved to adjourn the Dare County Board of Elections at 3:20 p.m.; the motion was seconded and approved.

Votes and formal actions taken at the meeting included approval of the agenda, approval of the Jan. 20 meeting minutes, approval of the absentee ballot for scanning, and adjournment. No contested items or policy decisions were made.