HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 4 -a - Presentation on Upcoming Elections and Voting Machines
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 20, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Presentation on Upcoming Elections and Voting Machines
DEPARTMENT: Board of Elections
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rachel Raper, Elections Director,
(919) 245-2351
PURPOSE: To provide an update on upcoming elections and voting machine security.
BACKGROUND: The May 8, 2018 primary election is fast approaching, below are some
highlights concerning this election:
• A list of candidates filed can be found on the County’s Board of Elections website, and
sample ballots will be posted as soon as they become available
• Absentee voting by mail begins March 19
• Voter registration deadline, including party changes, is Friday, April 13
• Early voting begins April 19 and ends May 5. Locations and times are:
April 19 – 20 (Th – F) 9 am – 5 pm *Board of Elections Office Only*
April 21 (Saturday) 9 am – 3 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 23 – April 27 (M – F) 9 am – 5 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 28 (Saturday) 9 am – 3 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 30 – May 4 (M – F) 9 am – 5 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
May 5 (Saturday) 9 am – 1 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 21 (Saturday) 9 am – 3 pm Efland Ruritan Club
Chapel of the Cross
Seymour Senior Center
April 23 – April 27 (M – F) 12 pm – 6 pm Efland Ruritan Club
Chapel of the Cross
Seymour Senior Center
April 28 (Saturday) 9 am – 3 pm Efland Ruritan Club
*Chapel of the Cross is CLOSED*
Seymour Senior Center
April 30 – May 4 (M – F) 12 pm – 6 pm Efland Ruritan Club
Chapel of the Cross
Seymour Senior Center
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May 5 (Saturday) 9 am – 1 pm Efland Ruritan Club
Chapel of the Cross
Seymour Senior Center
• Districts for NC House 50 and 56 have changed for some Orange County voters;
information can be found on the Elections website, in the Board of Elections Office, and
at:
1. Passmore Senior Center
2. Seymour Senior Center
3. Orange County Libraries- main and Carrboro branch
4. Chapel Hill Library
5. RENA Community Center
6. Cedar Grove Community Center
7. Efland Cheeks Community Center
8. Carrboro Town Hall
9. Chapel Hill Town Hall
10. Hillsborough Town Hall
There have been many reports in the media questioning the security of voting equipment. Below
are some highlights as to why Orange County voters can have complete confidence in the
security of the local voting process:
• Voting equipment is not connected to the internet at any point
• The County no longer “modems in” election night results and the DS200 voting
equipment is not equipped with a modem
• The Board of Elections has exclusive use of its facility - all equipment is stored on-site in
a locked room and only accessible to properly vetted personnel
• Only paper ballots are used – the Board of Elections does not use direct recording
electronic equipment in any capacity
• After every election a bipartisan team is required to conduct a hand-to-eye sample
recount in two randomly selected precincts to confirm tabulation of results
• In addition to all equipment being password protected, security seals and chain of
custody forms are required for all sensitive material
• Elections Office staff, precinct officials, and board members are knowledgeable,
thorough, and dedicated to the voting process
FINANCIAL IMPACT: All foreseeable financial impacts were included in the requested FY
2017-18 budget.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
The Board of Elections’ mission is to maintain the integrity of elections, ensure election results
are accurate, and make the election process inclusive for all eligible voters.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the elections update
and provide feedback as appropriate.
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