New Hanover County finalizes preparations ahead of election day

NEW HANOVER, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Board of Elections has been preparing for its big day for six months. 

They’re testing voting equipment for accuracy, having site visits, and are recruiting poll workers. 

Kristen Daley is the Voter Education and Communications Coordinator for the New Hanover County Board of Elections. 

She says that the extensive process ensures that, come election day, all results are concise and correct. 

“We also conduct a mock election as well to ensure that all of our equipment gives us accurate results on election day,” said Daley. 

Along with the board, both political parties are pushing supporters to the polls.  

John Hinnant is the Chair of the New Hanover County Republican party.  

He says party volunteers have specific duties for tomorrow. 

“That’s handing out sample ballots, greeting voters as they arrive at the polls, answering questions, voters, if they show up to the wrong polling place Republican volunteers will be able to help you find that quickly,” says Hinnant. 

Chair of the New Hanover County Democratic party, Jill Hopman, says that, for her team, it’s all in the details. 

“The election day itself is a lot more logistical management of polling sites and everything else, so our precinct chairs cover each of the polling sites; they’ve been fabulous. We have an elections committee that makes sure they are prepped in terms of poll observing and outside greeting,” said Hopman. 

Regardless of the party, Daley says voters must vote at their designated polling place, and only those living within the incorporated areas may vote. 

“The only eligible voters to vote in this election are those that currently reside in the municipality. They have to meet a residency deadline, which is 30 days before election day,” said Daley. 

Polls will be open tomorrow from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.