Electoral Board Approves Poll Workers for June 23 Primary After Dispute Over Party Assignments

The Charlotte County Electoral Board voted 2–1 on June 3 to approve the list of Officers of Election for the June 23 primary after a heated discussion about applying Section 24.2-115 of the Code of Virginia to party-affiliated poll-worker assignments. Vice‑Chair Lawrence Clark moved to approve the list as presented; Secretary Robert Bradner seconded and the motion passed on a 2–1 vote.

Registrar Ms. Lambert presented the list of Officers of Election with precinct assignments and paperwork; the Chair, Glenwood Foster, raised questions about the party affiliation of workers and how they were distributed among precincts. Board members told the Registrar they preferred to review her final roster and then approve or disapprove it rather than participate in the selection process.

Board discussion focused on the meaning and intent of Section 24.2-115 (Appointment, qualifications, and terms of officers of election), Code of Virginia. Minutes describe the exchange as "lengthy and sometimes heated," and say the Board reached no consensus on how the Code should be implemented. The Chair told members he would have an attorney at the next meeting to provide legal guidance on the statutory requirements.

The minutes record the procedural details of the vote—Vice‑Chair Clark moved, Secretary Bradner seconded, and the motion carried 2–1—but do not record which individual member cast the dissenting vote. The board then took a separate, unanimous motion to adjourn.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: the Chair will consult legal counsel and the Board will reconvene as needed to follow up on statutory interpretation and finalize any outstanding staffing questions for the June 23 election.