New Hanover Election town hall focuses on absentee voting and other election concerns

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Just days after North Carolina began sending absentee ballots to voters for the November general election, New Hanover County election officials met with residents to answer questions and address concerns about the voting process.

The event was part of the Trusted Elections Tour, hosted by the North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe and Secure Elections.

New Hanover County Board of Elections Chair Jamie Getty, Elections Director Eric Navagh and board member Derrick Miller answered questions about absentee voting and other aspects of the election process.

The discussion covered a range of topics, including what happens if a voter dies after casting an early ballot, concerns about federal agents at polling places and what voters can and cannot do with an absentee ballot.

Navagh also addressed potential challenges to absentee and mail-in ballots, saying the county is monitoring developments but will continue following the rules established by the state.

“The process still continues on with the laws that the State Board has set forth,” Navagh said. “Any sort of changes that are made at the federal level will then have to go through the State Board of Elections for any changes that come to our current process. So at this point in time, we’re continuing to operate under the same laws that have been set forth prior.”

North Carolina began mailing absentee-by-mail ballots to voters who requested them on Sept. 4. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Navagh also discussed state-level changes made last week involving absentee ballots, including requirements for properly sealing the ballot envelope.

State election officials say voters must seal their completed ballot in the ballot container envelope before placing it inside the return envelope. The ballot also must be witnessed by two people or a notary, and voters must provide a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID or complete a photo ID exception form.

Navagh said voters who do not properly seal the required envelope could have their ballot rejected and receive a replacement ballot.

Election officials are encouraging voters who cast absentee ballots to carefully follow the instructions included with their ballot packages to avoid problems that could delay the counting of their ballots.

Under current state rules, the voter’s county Board of Elections must receive absentee ballots by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.