Beaufort County Limited Voting Method Committee Meets | Eastern North Carolina Now

For immediate Release:

    Washington, NC:     Beaufort County Limited Voting Method Committee

    Following the invocation and pledge of allegiance Commissioner Brinn outlined to the members the mission statement of the committee. The mission states, "The current "limited voting" method of electing Beaufort County Commissioners has come under fire by a sizable portion of the electorate. It shall be the mission of this committee to synthesize the feelings of the electorate as to the desirability and feasibility of changing the method. This committee will examine various alternative methods of electing County Commissioners while ensuring adequate minority and demographic representation."

    The committee then discussed the voting rights act of 1965. Commissioner Brinn said the following, "I felt it to be very important for us to all understand the voting rights act of 1965. When the county was sued and the method changed this was a major part of why we have the current method of electing commissioners. It was also very interesting to see on the same day that the US Supreme Court will be hearing next week Shelby County, Alabama versus Holder. This case was brought by Shelby County near Birmingham and it contends that the act has outlived its purpose of protecting minority voters. Several justices have already indicated that the act is unconstitutional. So it will indeed be interesting to see how this plays out in the US Supreme Court over the next few months. Should the act be done away with Beaufort County will be able to make our own decision locally on how we elect our Commissioners without interference from the federal government."

    The committee members had time to introduce and get to know the other members better during the first meeting. "I felt it important for everyone serving on this committee to know each other and find common ground to work together on this issue" Brinn said.

    Brinn then directed the committee to read the 2003 study done on this issue. He has asked the members to report back on the pros and cons of the proposal from that study. Brinn said, "We are going to look at the 2003 and 2007 study and find what could work from these studies. Then when we are done have our 2013 proposal submitted to the Commissioners for consideration."

    Committee member Greg Dority said, "It's refreshing to see an elected official follow through on his campaign promise. I am confident that Commissioner Brinn's leadership will generate a more fair and balanced method of electing our County Commissioners. Right now, there is tremendous desire by the people to see what is perceived as an unfair voting method replaced with a system that is more equitable."

    The meeting was adjourned until its next meeting on Thursday March 21, 2013.

    For Further Information: Commissioner Gary Brinn (252) 943-8048