Rockingham County board adopts Bridge Street Rec Center for Eden early voting

The Rockingham County Board of Elections voted unanimously June 16 to return early voting for the Eden area to the Bridge Street Recreation Center, citing familiarity with the location and a city offer to provide county'owned space.

Ms. Hemster, the elections director, told the board that complaints about the prior Eden City Hall site included a steep approach, stairs, long walking distances and limited parking. She said staff explored alternatives such as the former Eden mall (a paid venue), the fire department (also fee'based) and the Eden library (parking congestion), but that the city manager told the county that Bridge Street would be available for the primary.

"If we own it, it's yours if you want to use it," Ms. Hemster said, describing the city manager's offer and the staff'level review of options.

Board members acknowledged no perfect site exists but said Bridge Street offered a workable compromise. Dr. Jones moved to adopt Bridge Street for Eden early voting; the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Several members said they want clearer rules about electioneering and parking. Mr. Sams and staff said the board can designate parking areas for voters and reminded members that the county controls where electioneering may occur inside the polling location'adjacent area but not on city property; the board agreed to ask the city to enforce any restrictions on fence signage.

The board instructed staff to proceed with Bridge Street as the Eden early voting location for the upcoming primary and to continue coordinating with the city on signage and parking arrangements.

The board adjourned after additional business.