Quorum Court advances ordinance to allow countywide vote centers

The Quorum Court of Randolph County read an ordinance authorizing the county to establish vote centers for future elections and advanced the measure to a third reading.

The ordinance, read aloud to the court by a presenter (speaker 2), says the Randolph County Board of Election Commissioners has voted to move from precinct polling sites to vote centers that will allow any qualified registered elector in the county to vote at designated locations. The ordinance cites ACA 7-5-101 and requires the county clerk to certify that secure electronic systems are in place to prevent double voting and unauthorized access.

Court members discussed logistics and location choices for vote centers and staffing concerns, noting examples where a small number of voters can nevertheless require full staffing. A motion to advance the ordinance by title only to third reading was made (Justice Brown) and seconded; the court voiced approval.

Why it matters: moving to vote centers changes where and how residents will cast ballots countywide and requires certification of secure electronic connections by the County Clerk. The court’s action begins the formal review process; implementation details, locations and staff assignments will be addressed in later readings and administrative planning.

What’s next: The ordinance was placed on the third reading. Further hearings or administrative actions will determine the number and locations of vote centers and the certification steps required under ACA 7-5-101.