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Charlotte County electoral board prepares for Nov. 3 election; to hire assistants and certify absentee ballots Oct. 28
Summary
The Charlotte County Electoral Board on Sept. 2 approved officer assignments for most polling places, said state‑certified electronic poll books await final approval, planned precinct layout checks for Oct. 22 and scheduled an Oct. 28 meeting to certify absentee ballots; Registrar Goode said he will hire up to four part‑time assistant registrars using budgeted and CARES funds.
The Charlotte County Electoral Board on Sept. 2 advanced several operational steps to prepare for the Nov. 3 general election, approving August minutes, confirming most officer‑of‑election assignments, and setting dates for precinct checks and absentee‑ballot certification.
Registrar Goode reported that nearly all Officers of Election have been assigned for Nov. 3, with only a few slots still open. He said the State has certified Electronic Poll Books (EPBs) and the county is awaiting approval from the State Board before placing them into service; a vendor representative will assist with training.
Assistant County Administrator Monica Elder summarized an Election Security meeting in Meherrin and recommended that Charlotte County convene a work session of all county departments that have a stake in election operations, and that the board compile an emergency contact list for county partners. Elder also confirmed that official Electoral Board meeting dates and registrar voting information are posted on the county website, but that political‑party announcements are not posted there.
Vice‑Chair Lawrence Clark distributed materials tracking special‑session legislation and said he will update the board after the session on laws actually passed. Registrar Goode warned that if legislation mandates ballot drop boxes, the county would need tailored security protocols and said he would coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department to secure any boxes.
On early voting and absentee ballots, Goode said staffing for the first two weeks of early voting has been selected and will continue to be refined; he reported solid response from current OOEs to assist. He described state methodology intended to make absentee‑ballot processing more efficient and said the Registrar’s Office can work with voters to correct envelope problems that would otherwise delay processing; the office’s CAP will handle that process. The board set Oct. 28 at 3:00 p.m. to meet and certify absentee ballots so they are not delayed on election day.
Goode also told the board the office computers run Windows 7 and are no longer supported by Microsoft, creating security risks; he is working with the county to update machines. To ensure polling sites follow the county’s revised security and COVID‑safety layouts, the board scheduled visits to each precinct beginning Oct. 22 at 1 p.m.
Goode announced a state teleconference on election security scheduled for the following morning at 10:00 a.m.; the chair and secretary planned to attend. He said he will employ up to four part‑time assistant registrars, using both budgeted funds and CARES Act funds to support early voting and related processing work.
Procedurally, Vice‑Chair Clark moved that the board enter closed session under Va. Code § 2.1‑3711 to discuss personnel; Secretary Bradner seconded and the motion carried. After returning to open session, the board adopted a certification resolution required by Va. Code § 2.1‑3712 stating only lawfully exempted business was discussed; a roll‑call vote recorded Foster Aye, Clark Aye and Bradner Aye. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous motion.
The board’s next stated procedural date is Oct. 28 at 3:00 p.m., when it will meet to certify absentee ballots.
