Please comment on the proposed rules below on poll observers to assure that our poll observers are treated fairly, with respect, and we can verify transparency and accountability of our elections. Thank you!
Members of the public may comment on the rules in any of the following ways through 11:59 p.m. April 21.
Online: Public Comment Portal: Permanent Election Observer Rules
Email: rulemaking.sboe@ncsbe.gov
Mail: Attn: Rulemaking Coordinator, PO Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611-7255
Information and links to the proposed rules are available below:
1. Challenge to the Appointment of an Observer (08 NCAC 20 .0101) (PDF) describes the process for county boards of elections to hear challenges to an observer for good cause, and for appeals of those challenge decisions. Observers (N.C.G.S. § 163-45.1) requires such a process to be established. Drafts/08 NCAC 20 .0101 Challenge to Appointment of an Observer - amend for SBE.pdf
-- "good cause" for challenging an observer is not defined either in the statute or in the proposed rule- it should be defined in the rule
2. Appeal of Removal of an Observer from a Voting Site (08 NCAC 20 .0102) (PDF) describes the process for the party that appointed an observer to appeal the removal of an observer from a voting site. Observers (N.C.G.S. § 163-45.1) requires such a process to be established. Drafts/08 NCAC 20 .0102 Appeal of Removal of an Observer from a Voting Site - for SBE.pdf
-- Appeals for both the early voting site removal and the election day precinct removal of a poll observer should both be expedited as in paragraph (b)2.; delays in appeal hearings potentially harm the party's ability to provide sustained poll observer coverage.
3. Identification of Observers (08 NCAC 20 .0103) (PDF) requires every observer serving at a voting site to wear an identification tag to inform voters and election officials of the observer’s role in the voting place. Observers (N.C.G.S. § 163-45.1) authorizes such an identification requirement. Drafts/08 NCAC 20 .0103 Identification of Observers - for SBE.pdf
-- Oppose badge identification by Party Affiliation or Candidate Campaign; the statute did not require identification by party, only as a Poll Observer; identification by party could prejudice voters; officials at the election site are not identified by Party- same should apply to Observers
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