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Elections board to keep Gracewood polling location through 2026 despite planned HVAC work
Summary
The board voted to continue using the Gracewood Gym (East Central Regional Hospital) for November elections and a possible December runoff even though renovations will leave the building without heat; staff will pursue temporary heating approvals or relocation alternatives before November.
The Richmond County Board of Elections voted to continue using the Gracewood Gymnasium at East Central Regional Hospital as a polling location through the November 2026 election and a potential December runoff, despite notice from facility management that HVAC renovations will leave the building without heat in December.
Director Travis Doss said he received a letter from Greg Hoyt, director of hospital operations for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health, allowing the elections office to remain at Gracewood through November and the December 1 runoff "under these caveats." Doss told the board, "There will be no heat," and said any temporary heating would require prior approval from the facility; he said he was exploring options including portable generators or other temporary measures but cautioned about electrical loads and safety.
Board members noted the site serves roughly 3,500 voters in precinct 601 and emphasized that changing a large, well‑known polling place close to an election risks voter confusion. One member suggested staff explore using portable generators to power heaters that would not be tied to the facility electrical system.
Action taken: A board member moved and the board seconded a motion to remain at Gracewood for the November election and the December runoff "pursuant to the conditions contained in the letter from Mr. Greg Hoyt." The motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will continue looking for alternative sites for precinct 601, investigate temporary heating approval and generator options, and return with recommendations at the August meeting.
