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Clerk relays Secretary of State guidance on poll safety; board debates name tags and cameras
Summary
Clerk reviewed Secretary of State guidance that state police handle elections and that local presiding officers should notify the clerk if non‑local agents (for example ICE) appear; the board discussed permanent name tags and whether body cameras or police should be used at polling sites.
The clerk presented guidance from the Secretary of State’s office on poll safety and how to respond if non‑local agents appear at polling locations. The clerk said local police are aware of election locations and that state police have responsibility for elections; if a presence of outside agents (such as ICE) occurs the presiding officer should notify the clerk and the Secretary of State’s office.
"At this point, they're not planning on being at any of the polling locations as a presence... but I just want all of us to be aware that if there is a presence of ICE agents or anybody beyond our local police that are just checking in, the presiding officer should definitely know. You should call me, and I call the secretary of state's office," the clerk said.
Board members asked whether presiding officers may wear political‑message apparel or what identification they should use; members discussed ordering more permanent name tags for BCA members and whether to explore body cameras or extra police presence for the November election. Several members expressed concern that an overt police presence could be intimidating and suggested meeting with the police chief after this election cycle to develop a plan.
The clerk also clarified that when registering voters staff should not ask for proof of citizenship; the registration form asks registrants to self‑attest to citizenship and age and there is a separate form only when residency needs verification.
