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Charlotte Electoral Board reviews March primary turnout and polling-site fixes
Summary
At its April 11 meeting, the Charlotte Electoral Board reviewed March 5 presidential-primary turnout (1,288 in-person voters), reported mail-ballot counts, agreed to expand officer training (including payroll process explanation), and discussed moving the Phenix polling place into vehicle bays and fixes at Drakes Branch ahead of the June primary.
General Registrar Jenni Booth reported at the April 11 Charlotte Electoral Board meeting that the March 5 dual presidential primary and its canvas were completed and that 1,288 voters cast ballots in person during Election Day and early voting. She also gave mail-ballot counts: 42 Republican ballots were mailed with 23 returned and counted, and 131 Democratic ballots were mailed with 72 returned and counted.
Booth said the office is developing a training manual and multiple training options for chiefs, assistant chiefs and other election workers. The board agreed to include a clear explanation in training of how officers’ pay is prepared for approval by the Board of Supervisors after elections, to address concerns about how long it takes workers to receive pay.
Booth told the board the Department of Elections will notify localities of June-primary candidates on or shortly after April 15; notices will be posted in the local newspaper and on the county’s Facebook page and website. She reviewed upcoming deadlines: May 3 — early voting begins; May 28 — deadline to register or change voter information; June 7 — last day to request an absentee ballot; June 8 and June 15 — Saturday early voting; June 18 — Election Day; and June 19 — Juneteenth holiday (office closed unless the board states otherwise).
The board discussed polling-place logistics. Members said the room at the Phenix firehouse used in March will likely be too small for the general election and that polling will likely be moved into the fire vehicle bays; the report noted Fire Chief Bailey indicated that should not be an issue. The board also reviewed a minor problem that occurred at the Drakes Branch polling place, which was resolved quickly; the office plans to use improved signage and possibly an additional staffer to direct voters on Election Day to avoid a repeat.
Booth said the board should expect increased visitation and observers at future canvasses for presidential elections, including possible legal representation at the canvas, based on national party guidance. She also reported feedback from the VEBA annual meeting that Charlotte County appears as well prepared as other counties in the state.
The board reviewed recommended training practices intended to reduce on-site errors: emphasize correct setup of the chief’s table for special-voter handling; provide topic-specific instruction on paperwork and poll books; use small-group sessions so trainers can give more individualized attention; and involve experienced officers in training. The board reexamined the use of signs at Drakes Branch, Phenix and the Charlotte courthouse polling locations.
Procedural business: the board approved the February meeting minutes (motion by Mr. Foster; second by Mr. Fane) and accepted the March 5 canvas meeting minutes after they were read by Mr. Fane (motion by Mr. Foster; second by Mr. Fane), each carried without objection. No citizens offered public comment, and no additional board member comments were recorded.
