Author: Gary O. Bartlett, Executive Director
There is robust one-stop absentee voting activity in all counties for the 2012 general election. The wait time at some sites is as long as two hours. County boards should take immediate steps to alleviate these delays and facilitate a more efficient voting process for North Carolina voters. These are some suggested recommendations:
- County boards should consider extending one-stop days and times. These changes must be made by unanimous consent.
- If some one-stop sites are being over utilized while others are being under utilized, county boards should consider reallocating existing resources of voting equipment, voting booths, etc. If there is room to set up additional voting booths, please do so.
- Take proactive measures to maximize the time that voters spend waiting in line. Use this time to provide voters with their sample ballot, or determine if they need to update their name or address, or register in person. Voters can use their waiting time to review their ballot or to complete necessary forms.
- Look for other administrative changes that can speed up the process.
Other Reminders
Voter ID
We are receiving complaints about one-stop workers improperly requiring voters to show ID. Only first-time voters who did not provide ID at the time of their initial voter registration in the county, or the ID that was provided did not validate (did not match on name and date of birth) should be asked to show ID when they vote. This is referred to as HAVA ID. Stress to one-stop workers that there is no requirement to show a photo ID under current North Carolina law. One-stop sites must have the document attached to Proof of Residency for Same Day Registrants: Numbered Memo 2012-20 available at one-stop sites. HAVA ID must be distinguished from the ID requirements for same day registration. For same day registrations, the ID presented by the voter must show proof of the person’s current name and address in the county.
Note: if an existing voter is only updating his or her name and address, there is no requirement for the person to show proof of the name or address change. In essence:
| Type of Voter | ID Required? | Proof of Residence? | Photo ID? |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time voter who did not provide ID that could be validated | Yes | No | No |
| Same-day registrant | Yes | Yes | No |
| Update name/address | No | No | No |
| All other voters | No | No | No |
Protecting the Buffer Zone
It is the county board of elections responsibility to control and regulate electioneering at one-stop sites. You must ensure that the appropriate buffer zone is well established and that no one is removing or altering the signage or cones that designate the buffer zone. You should work with the political parties and campaigns to inform them of the buffer zones at each one-stop site. If issues with improper electioneering cannot be resolved with education, you should involve law enforcement.
Check for Improper Ballot Issuance
County boards are required to use barcode scanners at one-stop sites and at precincts on Election Day to ensure that voters receive the correct ballot style.
Limitation on Political Activities by Precinct Officials
Precinct officials should be encouraged to avoid any appearance of impropriety and refrain from engaging in any public communications that support or oppose the nomination or election of one or more clearly identified candidates for public office or supporting or opposing the passage of one or more clearly identified referendum proposals.