Board discusses security upgrades and Beaverdam precinct work; electrical work due Jan. 15

The Oglethorpe County Board of Elections and Registration discussed facility and security preparations for the upcoming election cycle during its Jan. 8 meeting.

Chairman Beverly Nation asked for an update on a planned Homeland Security visit and reported that physical security measures remain under consideration. The board noted plans to install bars on windows, add security lighting and equip the precinct with panic buttons; installation timing was described as "in the near future."

Marilyn Huff-Waller told the board that electrical work at the Beaverdam Precinct is expected to be complete by Jan. 15, 2024. That work is tied to preparing the precinct for equipment and voting operations, including testing and early-voting readiness.

The board also scheduled a security briefing from an Oglethorpe County sheriff’s officer (Taft) for the next meeting on Feb. 5, 2024, alongside additional Logic & Accuracy testing items and new poll-pad training.

No formal decisions or funding authorizations for the security measures were recorded in the transcript; the board’s discussion indicated planning and coordination remain ongoing.