1. Declaration of a Quorum Present
2. Call to Order (Roll Call)
a. All BOE members present: Jack Noa, David Kennedy, Johnny Varner, Ken Cochran, Gala Sheats; BOE
3. Pledge to Flag
4. Adoption of Agenda
5. Approve of minutes from June 18, 2024 and June 21, 2024 (approved)
6. Public Comments
a. Dwayne Scherit (sp?) – submitted a challenge for some voting records. Not making accusations. Requesting these voters be removed who do not respond. (general comments- nothing specific)
7. Directors Update
a. Hall Co. has a different, more transparent process regarding audits. Hall Co. counts only once to find initial errors. Some other counties count and recount to get Election Night Results. Counting once reveals any errors so we can adjust our quality control process.
b. Tom Braatz (Election office staff member)- gave handouts with data. Reflects 3 audits. RLA – risk limiting audit. March PPP, May Primary, June Run-off- includes early voting, voting day ballots, and absentee ballots. Catching errors in real time. One large error. Most others were 1 or 2 errors. Republican Party wanted full audit. Will do also in Nov. We’ve learned a lot in this process. Dr. Janice Johnson came from the state BOE to observe our process. She came on invitation.
8. Business
• Hearing regarding voter challenges
o Dwayne Scherit (sp?) stated he had challenges. (8 challenges). Elections Director responded. Each individual voter was researched. No valid reason found to uphold the challenges. Voters will remain on the list except for those who requested to be removed. Board voted to dismiss the challenges based on failure of burden of proof (NCOA).
o Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales and Use Tax referendum. Board of Commissioners met in May with all Hall Co. cities. The referendum will take place on Nov. 5. A 6-year program listed in IGA. BOE has to call the referendum. 1- Order for the call. (approved). 2- Call of the Election document – alerts the public (approved). 3- Notice of Special Election- alerts the public, will run in the newspaper for 5 weeks (approved).
o HB 1268 – new homestead exemption referendum (2023 vs 2025), Apply to get 2025 exemption based on 2023 instead of 2025 because home prices have increased so much (approved as written). Annual increase 3% thereafter. (approved)
o HB 1270- Same as HB 1268 – but applied to school tax. Annual increases 3% thereafter. (approved)
o HB1269 – Same as previous – for City of Gainesville. – City of Gainesville has approved these documents. Hall Co. would be acting on behalf of City of
Gainesville. (approved)
o HB 1271- same as HB 1270 for schools. (approved)
• Early Voting locations and hours for Nov. 2024 were confirmed. No changes from previously approved hours and locations.
o The same as other 2024 elections.
o 7 locations – 2 weeks (8:00-5:00, plus two Saturdays, 8-4. Third week 7:00-7:00. • Consider and discuss the adoption of a Policy Procedure regarding HC Voter Challenge. oMoving this topic to the next meeting. Need to meet with county attorneys.
• Public Comments for items NOT on the agenda.
o Sammy Smith- share a couple of observations. 1- 1300 vote differential between the two questions on the runoff elections. 2- Absentee ballots -3 only had one question on the ballot.
o Director responded- non-partisan ballot, Party affiliated ballots had two questions. The non-partisan ballot had only one question. Sammy’s issue was
explained/resolved.
o Gentleman who didn’t state his name – Analyzed elections of random events, gave BOE a handout with his name and address, Senate State District 49 had wiggle that should not be there; Pit controller issue – said one was manipulated. 21.3% error rate. He said it was noted in Tom’s data also.
o Frank R. – expressed appreciation for BOE staff
o Tom Talbot- Political activist. Attended State BOE meetings.
o Richard Schroder – Revoke the use of machines if they’re not accurate. 110% registered voters with 100% registered voters- from Dr. Jan – HC is the 9th worst in the state. Director responded – Active voters, inactive voters throws off the percentages.
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