Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting | Feb. 10, 2026

Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting Recap: February 10, 2026

On February 10, 2026, the Board of Elections convened a meeting to discuss preparations for upcoming elections and address several key issues related to absentee voting. This recap summarizes the meeting's main points, decisions, and what residents should know about upcoming elections.

Preparing for Upcoming Elections & Addressing Challenges: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to ensuring a smooth process for upcoming elections. The Board confirmed that early voting will commence on Thursday, February 13th, with the Director planning a Facebook Live event at 11:00 AM to promote participation. A concerning issue was raised regarding 19 absentee ballots sent on January 13th to a VA facility that initially went missing. Through investigation with the USPS and VA, these ballots were successfully reissued and received, preventing any disruption to voter access. The State Board was also notified of this incident, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. Residents should be aware that the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is February 17th at 5:00 PM.

Key Decisions & Internal Procedures: The Board approved a modified agenda after removing an item related to a cancelled registration. They also voted to approve voter intent for one duplicated ballot, ensuring accuracy in vote tabulation. A discussion regarding how information requests should be handled was tabled for further review and consideration of existing policies, highlighting the Board’s commitment to establishing clear procedures. The minutes from previous meetings were approved with a clarification regarding information requests, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ensuring all board members have access to necessary details.

Updates & Transitions for Residents: The Board received updates on several important transitions impacting residents. The county is moving to a new website calendar (Civic Plus) and text alert system (RAVE), both designed to improve communication about election-related information. Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the new Civic Plus website calendar for timely updates and notifications. These changes will streamline information delivery, ensuring residents stay informed about deadlines, polling locations, and other crucial details.

Discussion Highlights & Ongoing Concerns: A recurring theme throughout the meeting was a desire to balance transparency and access to information with respecting the authority of election staff. Several board members voiced concerns about potential micromanagement and emphasized the importance of allowing the Director to effectively manage election operations. A discussion also arose regarding access to detailed budget information for permanent staff, reflecting a desire for greater visibility into financial matters related to elections.

What's Next & How to Stay Informed: The Board will reconvene on February 17th at 3:30 PM, relocating to 50 Cox Avenue. The public is welcome to attend this meeting and future meetings at that location. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to the new Civic Plus website calendar and watching for updates on RAVE, which will be implemented before the general election. The Lunsford appeal will also be heard by the State Board on Wednesday, February 11th at 10:00 AM and streamed online.

This meeting underscored the Board of Elections’ dedication to ensuring fair, accessible, and secure elections for all residents. By staying informed through the new communication channels and participating in upcoming events, citizens can play an active role in the democratic process.