Irwin County elections board begins consideration of charter changes, schedules training work

The Irwin County Board of Elections & Registrations voted on Jan. 6 to begin a public feedback period and formal consideration of proposed changes to its charter, after questions were raised by a county commissioner and the former county attorney about board structure.

Supervisor Ethan Compton summarized the options under discussion: one proposal reportedly being considered by others would expand the board to five members appointed solely by the county commission; the board’s offered alternative would retain a membership of three but move appointment authority to the county commission as part of a negotiated compromise. Compton said most current board members prefer keeping a three-member board to reduce complexity and the chance of internal discord.

Representative Wyatt Thompson moved to begin formal consideration of the presented charter changes and the board approved the motion 2-0. Compton said the office will solicit feedback prior to any adoption vote in February.

Compton also described upcoming training engagements: on Jan. 7 he will present in Waycross on newly adopted statewide election equipment recap forms developed with Verified Voting and the Secretary of State’s Office; on Jan. 14 he will assist planning the GAVREO conference and prepare a precinct paperwork training for delivery in March. Due to staffing constraints from an assistant’s medical leave, assistant poll manager Lisa Harper will cover opening and closing duties while the office ensures continuity.