Board votes to ask delegation to split eight oversized precincts, requests funds for voting equipment

The Chair moved March 26 that the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections recommend the legislative delegation split eight precincts and that the delegation be asked to provide funding for the additional voting equipment needed for new precincts. The board approved the motion unanimously, with the Chair stating, “I make a a motion that, our board of elections recommend to the legislative delegation that they split these 8 precincts effective 01/01/2026.”

The reprecincting committee listed the eight precincts and current voter totals, noting several exceed the statutory 1,500‑voter guideline. Committee Chair Beverly Dorr said the committee’s recommendation would be forwarded to the legislative delegation if the State Election Commission does not notify the General Assembly by April 1. Directors and board members pressed for clarity about staffing and equipment costs; the Director confirmed the board will include a funding request to cover voting machines and noted additional certified staff or poll workers may be required for FY2026 implementation. The board recorded the formal motion to recommend the splits and to request equipment funding and voted to approve the recommendation at the March 26 meeting.