Lessons Learned, Red Flags, and Future Issues Don Wright December 2014 Elections Director Conference

The North Carolina Way of Administering Elections A mandated mix of the major parties holding election offices on the State, County, and Precinct level. Assures integrity of the officials. Instills trust in the voters and candidates. Insures familiarity among those that differ politically which encourages fairness, a commitment to the common good, and good will.

Confidentiality and “Going Off the Record” Never breach confidentiality unless ordered by a superior or a court. “Off the record” allows a person to fully understand an issue in a way that allows the issue to be resolved in the best matter. May allow you to learn that there really is no differences in a issue and help resolve the matter. Allows necessary “venting”.

Fellowship is a Benefit of the Job Election folks need all the friends they can get. Elections folks are public service oriented, we are not in it for the money or a less stressful job. We can be more constructive and direct in helping a friend. The friend will be more responsive to valid help, suggestions, and directions. We feel more free being totally honest with a friend.

We All Have and Will Make Mistakes WHEN IN DOUBT>>>CALL!!! Except where there is intention to hide error or to do wrong, nobody is publically thrown under the bus. PLEASE…..Counties quickly point out concerns to the SBE staff. The public sees us as “one”, let’s act like it.

When Mistakes Happen Step 1…Cringe. Admit something went wrong. Vent in a non-public way. Get it out of your system. Step 2….Reverse Engineer. Figure the goof out, so the mistake will not be repeated. Make the event a teachable moment, not a habit. Step 3….Accept. We are human and err. Notify us and others that need to know. Step 4….Prepare a Comeback. Become a better Director/CBE member as a result of the incident. Thanks to Raleigh Attorney Bettie K. Sousa for use of this 4-step outline.

Buffer Zone Violations The most irritating issue for CBE’s. Violations are not criminal. Does GS apply to one-stop sites? Who has time to police the buffer zone? Measuring the zone boundaries. Signs at the locations. The political parties may be able to help.

The Unaffiliated Highest growing segment of voter population Effects resource poll for both parties 1. Party workers 2. Election official appointments Representation in election administration? New parties? Rise of unaffiliated/write-in candidates?

Voting Location Lookups and CBE Websites The CBE’s are responsible to make sure there is a operating link to their CBE website on the SBE website. The CBE’s are responsible to make sure the voting location pictures are accurate. Don’t forget to make the change. It is time for social media…young adults have that expecation.

Shadow CBE’s Political advocacy groups from both sides of the political spectrum with their own agendas try to duplicate election administration functions of the SBE and CBE’s to prove points. Be positive and not lash out. Educate and inform. Listen for valid points and constructive suggestions. Respect in order to obtain respect.

It Is Becoming a Profession. Must be able to understand and use IT. Salaries are improving somewhat. Future GS (c) actions. Directors/staff willing to move for better pay and opportunity. Certifications such as CERA from the Election Center. CBE Members, you get what you pay for. CBE Directors and Staff, you may know more than Board, but they are still in charge and are due respect and for you to follow their desires.

USPS and the NVRA How will the NVRA verification and confirmation procedures work with the limited mail delivery and soaring postal costs in the future? Who needs paper mail? How can we use to confirm and verify? Absentee voting by mail? Role of mail in challenge's, protests, and other election processes.

Electronic Voting THERE ARE MAJOR SECURITY ISSUES Access of all voters to e-voting devices. Ability of all voters to use e-voting devices. Voter changes. Backup?

Voting Systems Aging of current systems. DRE replacement. Vendors. Understand the requirement that CBE’s need SBE approval. Accessibility features. EAC certification.

2016 NC Presidential Primary § Primary to be held; date; qualifications and registration of voters. On the Tuesday after the first Monday in May, 1992, and every four years thereafter, the voters of this State shall be given an opportunity to express their preference for the person to be the presidential candidate of their political party, except that if South Carolina holds its presidential primary before the 15th day of March, the North Carolina presidential preference primary shall be held on the Tuesday after the first South Carolina presidential preference primary of that year………..

Effect of Voting Prior to Election Day Mail-in absentee voting Number of One-stop sites Hours of One-stop sites Consolidate precincts when possible Voting Centers Lines

What is on your Mind?