State Board of Elections will now make the final determination
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
The Columbus County Board of Elections ended its Monday meeting without a unanimous agreement on where to place early‑voting sites for the upcoming election, triggering a mandatory review by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Under N.C.G.S. § 163‑227.2(g), county boards must adopt early‑voting plans unanimously. When they do not, such as in the Columbus County situation – the State Board then steps in and select the final sites and hours.
The board discussed multiple location options during the meeting, weighing geographic coverage, accessibility, staffing, and budget considerations. Because members could not reach consensus, the county’s proposed plans will now be forwarded to the State Board for evaluation. That review will occur at an upcoming public meeting, where State Board members will consider the county’s submissions, statutory requirements, and any public comment before issuing a final order.
Once the State Board adopts a plan, the final decision becomes binding for the entire early‑voting period. County boards do not have authority to revise or substitute the plan after the State Board acts.
__________________________________________________
Coastal Carolina News is the updated branding for bcdollarsaver.com.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment