Board of Elections Board Meeting 05/05/26

The Harnett County Board of Elections held a meeting on May 5, 2026, focusing primarily on election operations and staffing issues. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a recruitment strategy to increase election poll workers from 15 to a target of 50, with outreach efforts planned to colleges and businesses despite some challenges with local chambers and community colleges. The board also discussed the purchase and deployment of ballot-on-demand printers and laptops, with a recent invoice covering 33 additional printers and 22 laptops, and an annual maintenance and licensing cost totaling approximately $32,000. Additionally, the board reviewed plans for building renovations to improve election office facilities, including kitchen and restroom upgrades, with a conservative timeline of 6 to 8 months for completion. The meeting addressed operational improvements such as enhanced curbside voting assistance, including potential new equipment and signage to better serve voters with disabilities. Motions were passed to approve recruitment efforts and to develop policies for part-time poll worker shifts and curbside voting procedures. No new contracts were awarded during the meeting, but budget allocations and vendor selections related to election technology and facility improvements were discussed.