# Board of Elections Regular Meeting

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Elections
**Date:** February 11, 2025 3:36 PM EST (2025-02-11T15:36:21-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351

## Summary

The Burke County Board of Elections held its regular meeting on February 11, 2025, focusing on routine administrative approvals and a significant discussion regarding the Board’s upcoming relocation. The session began with the standard approval of the meeting agenda and the minutes from previous meetings held in January. Director Duncan provided administrative updates, including confirmation of an upcoming district meeting on March 28 and his own scheduled speaking engagements regarding recent weather events. The Board also reviewed budgetary adjustments, specifically considering the timing of equipment purchases.

A central topic of the meeting was the Board’s planned move to a new facility at 35 Woodfin. Director Duncan and Mr. Asito reported on a prior meeting with Assistant County Manager Tim Love, noting that county management appeared unreceptive to the Board’s feedback and had already finalized decisions regarding space allocation. Board members expressed concern that the proposed space might not meet the legal requirements for secure ballot storage and meeting locations as outlined in North Carolina General Statutes. There was also discussion regarding the optics of the move, with members emphasizing the need for community awareness regarding potential impacts on election integrity and security.

Regarding financial decisions, the Board voted 5-0 to shift the purchase of voting equipment ("totems") and ballot bags from the next fiscal year to the current one. This decision reduces the fiscal year 2026 budget request by approximately $18,000, contingent upon approval from county financial authorities and the ability to execute the purchase. The Board also noted the importance of ensuring adequate funding to cover moving expenses and potential unforeseen costs associated with the transition to the new space.

No formal public comments were received during the meeting. The Board did not take action on public input, as none was offered. The discussion remained focused on internal administrative matters and the logistical and legal implications of the facility move.

Several follow-up actions were agreed upon by staff and board members. Director Duncan will continue discussions with Assistant County Manager Tim Love regarding the move and budget. Board members agreed to communicate their concerns about the 35 Woodfin facility to the County Commissioners. Staff will prepare a detailed analysis comparing current facilities to the proposed space, focusing on legal requirements, and will submit a formal records request for floor plans and relevant renovation documents. The Board is scheduled to meet again on February 18 at 3:30 PM to further discuss the facility move and develop a communication strategy with county commissioners.

## Agenda

- [CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12155)
- [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12156)
- [PUBLIC COMMENTS – 2 MINS. PER PERSON](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12157)
- [APPROVE/ AMEND AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12158)
- [APPROVE/AMEND MINUTES FROM: 01-14-2025 REGULAR BOARD MEETING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12159)
- [BUSINESS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12160)
- [UPDATES FROM DIRECTOR POLL WORKER CELEBRATION DINNER NCADE DISTRICT 3 MEETING FOR FEBRUARY 13 JEFFERSON GRIFFIN PROTEST UPDATE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12161)
- [BOARD COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12162)
- [OTHER BUSINESS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12163)
- [ADJOURN](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351/item/12164)

## Votes

- Linda Walker made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 7-0
- Beverly Carlton made the motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting for January 14, 2025. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FujMJjp6WW8
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1204/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_packet_2025-02-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351?document=2639)
- [minutes_2025-02-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1351?document=4207)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/849)
- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FujMJjp6WW8)