Rockingham County board explains polling‑place moves and reports early‑voting increases

Rockingham County elections staff on Feb. 17 outlined changes to several early‑voting and election‑day polling locations and reported that early turnout through the fourth day was higher compared with the same period in 2024.

Director Paula Singer told the board that, as of the reporting time, the county had 2,828 total early voters. Singer provided site‑by‑site totals and said the county is ahead of comparable early‑voting days in 2024 at many sites. "Right now, we have 2,828 total voters that was as of 3 third," Singer said while reviewing the comparison.

Staff listed a series of location changes for early voting and election day: Eden early‑voting moved from the Eden Library to Eden City Hall; one Reidsville early‑voting location moved to Penrose Mall; Draper election‑day voting moved to Mill Avenue Recreation Center; Eaton election‑day voting moved to Douglas Elementary School; several precincts were renamed after boundary changes. The director explained precinct names must change when lines are moved to rebalance populations.

Board members raised accessibility concerns after a voter fell during the first day of early voting at Eaton; staff reported they had made contact with the voter, who is recovering. The board also reviewed the cost to mail updated precinct cards for recent boundary and location changes; staff said the mailing cost was $11,426.80 and that postage will require a budget amendment.

The board asked staff to continue monitoring turnout after the election and to present a comparison report on the agenda at a future meeting. The board set follow‑up budget meetings to ensure necessary line‑item adjustments for postage and staffing.