Electoral Board hears redistricting timing and Saxe polling-place options, schedules budget workshop

The Charlotte County Electoral Board on Feb. 15 received an update on redistricting and discussed options for relocating the Saxe polling place ahead of the Democratic primary.

Heather Harding, the interim general registrar, told the board that the Board of Supervisors has prepared a tentative redistricting plan that will be subject to a public hearing and a final decision 30 days after the hearing. Harding said the schedule for that process "will take us beyond the date set for the Democratic Primary," meaning precinct lines may not be finalized in time for the primary.

Board members discussed the local impact. Glenwood Foster reported progress searching for a new location for the Saxe polling place. During that discussion Eugene Wells of Drakes Branch suggested the board contact the head trustee at Shiloh Church to request permission to use the church one last time for the Democratic primary; the secretary will make that contact.

On election administration logistics, the Board of Supervisors approved purchase of printers to match the new poll books; the Electoral Board's secretary will complete the procurement process. Interim General Registrar Heather Harding said she has a list of Democrats willing to work the polls but needs the Republican list; Foster agreed to provide the Republican list and Fane said he would confirm the Democrats' list is complete.

The board scheduled a called budget workshop for 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at the temporary registrar's office at 117 La Grange Ave.; the proposed 2022–23 budget is due to the county administrative office on Feb. 24. The meeting will be announced on the county website and is open to the public.

No formal vote was taken on redistricting or the Saxe polling-place during the meeting; the board recorded the updates and assigned follow-up tasks.