Board approves agenda and minutes, discusses polling-site logistics, accessibility and training

The Jasper County Board of Voter Registration and Elections approved its meeting agenda and the Feb. 12, 2026 minutes, and then spent significant time on polling-site logistics and training plans for upcoming elections.

The chair announced the agenda was adopted after a motion recorded as moved by Mr. Bond and seconded by Dr. Parker; the board then approved the minutes after a motion moved by Miss Dobson and seconded by Mr. Vaughn. The chair recorded ayes with no nays on the record for both actions.

Staff reported that the gym that had been used at Kingdom Touch Ministry is now occupied by the Boys and Girls Club. "There's enough space for all three of them," a staff member said after the board inspected the space; staff noted tables and chairs would be set up and the site could accommodate three precincts, subject to logistics. The board discussed needing a portable ramp at the exit to ensure handicapped-accessible entry.

Janine, the elections director, outlined facility-use details and training logistics: the club's operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., an officer may be on duty during county use, and staff must provide lists of attendees for screening before they can go upstairs. "It is the understanding that we can use the building. There will be an officer on duty supposedly, when we are here at the hours," Janine said, adding that screening requirements may lengthen training days.

Board members confirmed workshop attendance for five members and discussed hotel logistics. Staff announced candidate filing opens Monday at 12 noon and closes March 30 at 12 noon (filing hours Monday through Friday); the office will publish a final candidate list after the filing period closes. The meeting adjourned; the board set its next meeting for April 9, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.