New Board Members Appointed to County Boards of Elections | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     The State Board of Elections on Tuesday appointed four members to all 100 county boards of elections — the latest class of elections officials working to administer and safeguard elections.

    "We are happy to welcome new members to North Carolina's elections team," said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board. "Together, we will continue to ensure that our elections are accessible, safe, and secure, and that every eligible vote counts."

    See the list of county board appointees. Every two years, state statute requires the State Board to appoint four members, two from each leading party, to the county boards of elections. Gov. Roy Cooper will appoint the fifth member, who will serve as chair. Board members serve two-year terms, which expire in July 2023.

    The state chairs of the Democratic and Republican parties recommended three registered voters in each county for appointment. The State Board appointed two of those individuals from each party. Each appointment is contingent on the nominee having properly completed an application and agreeing not to engage in prohibited political speech while serving on the county board.

    Campaign Finance Penalties

    In other business, the State Board approved waivers of penalties for the late filing of campaign finance disclosure reports for several candidate and political action committees, while denying waivers for others based on staff recommendations. See staff recommendations.

    State statute permits the State Board to waive a penalty for a late campaign finance report if it determines there is good cause for the waiver. The State Board may waive an entire penalty or reduce a penalty by any amount.

    Approval of Proposed Rules

    Also, after taking public comments into consideration, the State Board approved final versions of rules related to the expiration of political parties, precinct observers, recounts, and campaign finance. Before the rules take effect, the Rules Review Commission will review them for compliance with the requirements in Chapter 150B.

    Prior to Tuesday's meeting, State Board staff held a public comment period and public hearing on the proposed rules. In response to feedback, staff made proposed changes to several rules related to campaign finance reporting, recounts, and election observers. Board members also made additional changes to the election observer and billboard rules.

    Read the full text of each rule considered by the State Board. Final versions of the rules, including the changes made by the board during the meeting, will be posted at a later date.