Board of Elections Pre-Canvass Meeting

Board of Elections Pre-Canvass Meeting Recap: Preparing for Election Certification

On November 13, 2025, the Board of Elections held a crucial pre-canvass meeting to finalize preparations for Canvas Day (November 14th), the formal process of reviewing and certifying election results. This meeting, attended by Board members and key Elections staff, focused on ensuring a smooth and accurate process as the county moves towards finalizing the outcome of this smaller election.

The primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive overview of Canvas Day, detailing the steps involved in reviewing all election data, including absentee, early voting, provisional, and Election Day ballots. Staff presented a supplemental list of UOCAVA (Uniformed, Overseas, Absentee Voters) ballots received and unanimously voted to disapprove one ballot that arrived after the established deadline. Importantly, a "zero abstract" was presented and signed by all board members, confirming that no ballots were disqualified during the initial review process. This document will be notarized and archived, providing a clear record of the election's integrity. The Executive Director emphasized that while this particular election is expected to be straightforward, the meticulous processes reviewed are vital for future elections and ensuring accurate results.

A brief discussion was also held regarding the upcoming State Board meeting on November 20th, ensuring all board members are aware of this important follow-up event. There were no public comments or community input during the meeting, keeping the focus squarely on internal preparations and procedural readiness.

Looking ahead, Canvas Day (November 14th) will be the main event where the Board officially reviews all election data, conducts audits as required, and ultimately certifies the final results. Staff members Bria and Devin will be prepared to make any necessary manual edits to Canvas documents during this process. Gabrielle, Clerk to the Board, will finalize and return the official meeting minutes. The Executive Director underscored that while protests or recounts are unlikely, a thorough understanding of these procedures is essential for future elections. This pre-canvass meeting was therefore a critical step in ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the election certification process, providing residents with confidence that their votes are being carefully reviewed.