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Charlotte County Electoral Board reviews early voting, orders more polling signs ahead of election
Summary
At its Oct. 6 meeting, the Charlotte County Electoral Board reviewed early-voting and absentee-ballot totals, identified two poll-worker vacancies, reported a state mailing error on voter cards that the state will correct at no cost, and authorized ordering additional polling-place signage.
Chairman Glenn Baker and other members of the Charlotte County Electoral Board met Oct. 6 at the Charlotte County Administration Office and reviewed preparations for the upcoming election, approving minutes from Sept. 1 and authorizing additional polling-place signage.
Virginia Booth, the county's general registrar, presented the registrar's written report and attachments, saying early voting began Sept. 23 and that, as of the meeting, 101 voters had cast early ballots. Booth reported that 240 absentee ballot packets were mailed and 62 absentee votes had been received; five ballots required a signature 'cure' and affected voters were notified. She told the board that the state mailed new voter cards to physical addresses rather than to mailing addresses and that the state will correct the mailings at no cost to the county.
The matter matters because correct voter contact information and staffing affect access and the administration of ballots. Booth also said the office will be short one poll worker in Keysville and one in Wylliesburg and asked the board to seek replacements.
During a review of polling-place accessibility, board members reported that owners or managers contacted so far have become compliant or reported plans to become compliant with ADA requirements; White Oak Grove Baptist Church remains the only location where the county has not yet met with church leadership. Chairman Glenn Baker and Secretary Aubrey Fane said they will meet with the pastor and deacon of White Oak Grove to discuss accessibility.
Booth and Baker reviewed the county's signage inventory and identified shortfalls: four wooden tent signs (needed: eight), 12 'no campaigning' signs, seven handicap-reserved signs, six 'Vote Here' signs, 11 curbside-voting signs and 18 wire sign frames. Secretary Aubrey Fane moved to authorize Baker and Booth to order additional signs as needed for election day; Glenwood Foster seconded the motion, which passed without objection.
The board also reviewed logistics for election day: voting machines will be delivered the day before the election and picked up the day after (Drakes Branch will be set up on election day), poll owners and managers will be contacted to arrange access, and the sheriff's department has coordinated polling-place security. The board said a color-based code will be established with 911 for emergency use. Booth noted that voting machines and electronic poll books have battery backup and that, if needed, paper poll books can be used and ballots stored for later counting. The board said staff will develop a formal emergency plan next year to address situations requiring a polling-place move or shutdown.
In public comment, R. Eubanks praised the board and the registrar, saying they 'are doing a good job.' The meeting ended at 2:56 p.m. after Secretary Fane moved to adjourn and Foster seconded; the motion passed without objection.
