HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-24-2026 HCBOE Board Meeting Minutes AbsenteeHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
ABSENTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 24,2026
6:30 P.M.
Present: Board Chairman Danny Moody, Members: Allison Fenderson, Betsy McCormick and
Russ Ugone
Staf'f: Director Claire Jones and Assistant Director Sarah Rathke
Call to Order
Mr. Moody called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
The Board reviewed lhe minutes from February 17,2026, Absentee Meeting. Mr. Ugone made a
motion to approve both sets of minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fenderson and carried
unanimously.
Budget
Ptty Discussiott
Mrs. Jones presented a document titled "Compensation Adjustment Information" and highlighted
stafls current pay, historical information, and other relevant factors.
Following leng(hy discussion, the board directed Mrs. Jones to incorporate an expansion request
into the budget for a one-time bonus of$2,000 per employee to be granted following the
November 2026 General Election and to conduct further research regarding pay grades.
Early Voting Update
Bullots
Mrs. Jones indicated that on the first day ofEarly Voting at the Erwin location, electron workers
made an error and provided the wrong ballot style to three voters. The board directed her to
contact the voters and address the incident accordingly.
Erw,in
Mr. Moody brought forth a complaint from a Republican Observer regarding inconsistencies in
the procedures being followed by poll workers during voter check-in at the Erwin Early Voting
Site.
Further, staffpresented written testimony from the ChiefJudge ofthe Erwin location and Mr.
Day provided further information as relayed by the ChiefJudge. Numerous members ofthe
public provided extensive feedback regarding the complaint; discussion ensued.
Mr. Moody instructed staff to remind election workers ofthe proper statutory procedures and
covered additional concems regarding public perception. Whereupon, it was determined that the
ChiefJudge named in the complaint was not scheduled to work any further early voting days and
therefore the issue was closed.
Absentee Ballot Review
Mrs. Jones presented 27 absentee ballots for review. Following review, Mr. Day moved to accept
three absentee ballots with accompanying ID Exception Forms. Mrs. McCormick seconded the
motion, and it carried unanimously.
Following review, Mrs. McCormick made a motion to accept 24 absentee ballots submitted with
ID. Mr. Ugone seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Mrs. Jones presented one Military Overseas duplicated ballot and following review, Mr. Ugone
made a molion to approve. Ms. Fenderson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Upon insertion ofthe ballots into the scamer, one ballot had been damaged in transit and Mrs.
Jones stated that the damaged ballot must be duplicated, reviewed, and tabulated at the next
meeting.
The members completed required paperwork and indicated that a total of58 absentee ballots have
been cast for this election.
Adjournment
Mr. Day made a motion to adjoum the meeting. Ms. Fenderson seconded and the motion carried
unanimously. The meeting was adjoumed at 7:54 P.M.
Mrs. Jones noted lhat the Pre-Election meeling will be held the following Monday, March 2'd,
2026 at 6:30 P .M.
Approved BY:
Moody,Rickie Day, Secretary
.lr(- J-- y\4. C^(
Allison Fenderson, Member Betsy McCormick' Member
Russ Ugone. Member