1. Declaration of a Quorum Present- yes
2. Call to Order (Roll Call)
a. All BOE members present: Jack Noa, Ken Cockran, Johnny Varner, and Gala Sheets were present. Justin ______ was also present (attorney?
3. Pledge to Flag
4. Adoption of Agenda – adopted unanimously
5. Approval of minutes from Dec. 3, 2024
6. Public Comments specific to Agenda items – none
7. Directors Update– Lori Wurtz
Odd number years include the following tasks:
– Municipal elections
– clean up of addresses in cities having elections and not have elections
In 2025 we’ll devote a lot of time to policy writing.
Want to have some policies written around some of our procedures.
Busy redistricting – determine if our current districting lines are in the right place.
Statewide Hall Co. is going to continue to lead the way with redistricting improvements. Have been in meetings with other counties. In initial stages of planning to do a redistricting project with 15-25 other counties. This doesn’t get a lot of traction in the General Assembly. We focus on it in odd numbered years. We will be stepping out to lead the way with redistricting. Some counties have 1 or 1.5 employees to run their election offices.
There are state resources that some counties aren’t even aware of. They may not be able to check all the boxes on running an election office. Our committee members will be reaching out to bordering counties. Lori was formerly chairman of redistricting committee. Some districts don’t know about the state resources to make sure voters are in the right district. When voters aren’t in the right district, some areas are having to redo their elections. Make sure everyone knows how to have their margin of errors is less than 1%.
Updated numbers for Hall Co.:
Active voters = 143,165
Inactive voters = 11,778
Eligible voters = 154,943
That’s a lot but hope to do some outreach this year. Working on a calendar and will share before or at the next meeting.
8. Business
Paige Thompson- early voting locations and hours for 2025
a. She presented options.
b. June PCS primary; Nov. final election for PCS
c. Municipal elections; possible special elections
d. City elections- will know these by Aug.
e. Usually have 7 early voting locations. She recommends 3 locations. Voted and approved with an additional Sat. added. Mon. – Fri. for 2 weeks at G’ville Civic Center. On the last week add two more locations.
f. Flexibility in case of catastrophic issue. Need to know ASAP so we get on their calendar. Have to stick with what is advertised.
g. Motion made to accept early voting schedule. Unanimously approved. Public Comments – none
9. Comments from the Board and Chairman
Ken Cochran commented on President Jimmy Carter and how he was ahead of his time valuing elections and making sure they are free and fair. Board complimented Elections staff.
Next meeting- Feb. 11, 2025
10. Executive Session (not needed) Meeting concluded in about 20 minutes.
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