The Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Clarendon County approved several policy and election-preparation measures during its regularly scheduled April meeting Monday, including plans for early voting in the June primary, poll worker approvals and the creation of a new public records committee.
The board met April 27 at Clarendon County Council Chambers and addressed preparations for the upcoming May 12 Clarendon County Council District 2 special election and the June 9 primary.
Among the most significant actions, the board voted unanimously to hold early voting for the June 9 primary election — as well as any subsequent primary runoff — only at the Board of Voter Registration and Elections office at 3 S. Church St. in Manning.
Chairman Edward Gamble III said the board had previously explored expanding early voting to additional locations in Summerton, Turbeville and the Jordan area, but members ultimately decided to delay that plan until staffing and logistics could be more fully addressed.
“It is a goal of this board to get it done, make it easier for the public to vote,” Gamble said, noting the expansion would not be ready in time for the June primary.
The board also corrected the date and location of its special called canvassing meeting for the May 12 District 2 special election. Members voted unanimously to hold that meeting May 15 at the elections office rather than County Council Chambers. The sole purpose of that meeting will be to convene as the board of canvassers and certify the results of the special election.
Director Robert Adams reported that early voting for the May 12 special election began Monday with 44 voters casting ballots on the first day.
“So far, no issues, no problems,” Adams said.
Adams also said poll worker training was held last week in three separate sessions, with an additional training planned for Thursday for any newly approved workers. He said the office is also continuing to review old ledgers in an effort to identify and recruit more poll workers, a process he described as slow but ongoing.
The board approved 62 previously approved poll managers and poll clerks to continue serving in the May 12 special election, the June 9 primary, any possible runoff and related elections. After returning from executive session, members also voted to approve five of six new or previously deferred poll worker applicants and defer one application.
In another unanimous vote, the board authorized the transfer of $8,100 from its salaries line item to equipment and repairs to purchase 60 folding tables for use at polling places during elections.
The board also adopted two new internal policies and created a standing Public Records Committee as part of what members described as efforts tied to recommendations from the South Carolina State Election Commission.
One new policy requires that all poll manager, poll clerk and other poll worker training reimbursement requests be reviewed and approved by the board and supported by proper, complete and accurate training documentation before payment is approved. Another policy states that all board officers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and clarity of agenda materials before publication.
Members also approved the formation of a three-member Public Records Committee to review meeting minutes and other records for compliance with legal and procedural requirements before those records are brought back to the full board for approval. New member James Pierson was appointed chair of the committee, with interim Secretary Mary J. Ardis and board member Michael Streath also agreeing to serve.
During chairman’s remarks, Gamble thanked Streath for helping connect the board with Central Carolina Technical College’s welding program in Sumter to build secure equipment cages. Gamble said the cages are expected to cost less than $700 each, compared with commercial bids ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 per cage.
The board later approved a motion to accept the job description for a training coordinator/clerk position as presented by Adams before adjourning.
