Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting | Jan. 28, 2026

Board of Elections Prepares for Upcoming Elections: Recap of January 28th Meeting

On January 28, 2026, the Board of Elections held a meeting focused on ensuring a smooth and transparent absentee ballot process as part of preparations for upcoming elections. The meeting, attended by Board members and key staff including Director Duncan and new Absentee Coordinator Aaron Bell, covered several important topics impacting how your absentee ballots are handled.

A significant decision made during the meeting was the approval of a resolution allowing the Board to begin counting absentee ballots at 2:00 PM on election day. This ensures a timely start to the ballot counting process, providing greater clarity and efficiency as results become available. The Board also approved both the agenda and minutes from previous meetings (January 6th and 15th), solidifying these records for public access.

A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed overview of the absentee ballot review process, presented by Aaron Bell. He clarified different ballot types (civilian and military/overseas), the stages of review (approved, pending, reissued), and explained key procedures. Board members were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the absentee ballot review guide, a resource available on the county website. Discussions arose regarding photo ID requirements for voters over 65, prompting Director Duncan to research and clarify the legal basis for these requirements. A point of clarification also involved how ballots with discrepancies in witness signatures are handled, ensuring accuracy and adherence to election laws.

While there were no direct public comments during the meeting, Director Duncan emphasized a commitment to transparency and providing regular updates on election processes. This includes plans for increased media availability, keeping residents informed about the progress of elections. The rescheduling of an upcoming conference due to ice storm concerns was also announced, with the new dates set for February 5th and 6th. Residents should note that the voter registration deadline is fast approaching, set for February 6th at 5:00 PM.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified to further refine the absentee ballot process. Director Duncan will follow up on a query regarding a PowerPoint presentation from a previous meeting, and new team member Rachel Wonderlich will be presenting at a future meeting. Board members are tasked with signing polybag labels after all ballots have been scanned, and Director Duncan will provide further clarification on photo ID requirements for older voters. The next Board of Elections meeting is scheduled for February 3rd at 3:30 PM.

This meeting demonstrates the Board of Elections’ dedication to ensuring a fair and accurate election process for all registered voters. By focusing on procedural improvements, staff training, and clear communication, the Board is working to maintain public trust and confidence in our elections.