BOE Memo Nov 8 - RHH Edits

Ballots Pending Verification and Counting
Following the initial count of ballots cast during Early Voting and on Election Day, approximately 1,750
absentee ballots—an increase from the initial estimate of 1,500—and 1,912 provisional ballots remain
to be processed. The initial estimate of 1500 absentee ballots was based on a rough estimate after visual
inspection of the number of ballots in the intake bins in our secure storage area. The second estimate
was based on information derived from our reports following the processing of most of returned ballots
and a quick count of the remaining ballots to be processed. Some of these ballots do not meet the
statutory requirements and will not be recommended for approval. This revised estimate reflects
ongoing data entry and verification procedures.
Definitions of Absentee and Provisional Ballots
• Absentee Ballots: These are ballots submitted by voters who are unable to vote in person on
Election Day. In North Carolina, any registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in
absentee ballot.
• Provisional Ballots: These are ballots cast when there are questions about a voter's eligibility.
The ballot is held aside pending research into the issue to determine if it should be counted.
Processing of Absentee Ballots
In accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 163-234, all absentee ballots received by the legal
deadline of 7:30 p.m. on Election Day will be reviewed and counted. The Board of Elections has
scheduled a supplemental absentee meeting for Thursday, November 14, to process these ballots.
Key steps in absentee ballot processing include:
1. Receipt and Verification: All absentee ballots are date-stamped upon arrival. We verify voter
signatures, witness information, and photo ID documentation to ensure compliance with
statutory requirements. There are several tiers of review to ensure that only eligible ballots are
recommended for approval.
2. Chain of Custody: Ballots returned in person are logged to maintain a documented chain of
custody. All ballots are securely stored in a designated area.
3. Organization and Reconciliation: Ballots are sorted by precinct and alphabetized to reconcile
voter history with ballots cast per precinct per meeting date.
Processing of Provisional Ballots
Provisional ballots cast during Early Voting and on Election Day are being reviewed to determine voter
eligibility. Valid provisional ballots will be counted and included in the final results.
The provisional ballot process includes:
4. Completion of Provisional Voting Application: Voters complete an application detailing the

reason for casting a provisional ballot.
5. Research and Verification: Election officials investigate the voter's eligibility by reviewing
registration records and other pertinent information.
6. Determination and Counting: If the voter is deemed eligible, the provisional ballot is counted. If
not, the ballot is not counted, and the voter is notified of the reason.
Election Night Reporting
Election Night results included all ballots processed up to that time, encompassing in-person and early
voting ballots. Due to the volume and necessary verification procedures, absentee ballots received after
October 31 were not included in the initial count. Counting absentee and provisional ballots after
Election Day is a standard procedure to ensure all eligible votes are counted accurately.
Canvass and Certification
The official canvass meeting will be held on Friday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. During this meeting, the
Board will certify the election results, including all valid absentee and provisional ballots. Results will be
posted to the State Board of Elections website.
Recount Information
Candidates may request a recount under the following conditions, as stipulated by North Carolina
General Statute § 163-182.7:
• Single-Seat Contests: If the difference between the requesting candidate and the prevailing
candidate is not more than 1% of the total votes cast.
• Multi-Seat Contests: If the difference between the requesting candidate and the lowest
prevailing candidate is not more than 1% of the total votes cast for those two candidates.
Recount requests must be submitted in writing to the Board of Elections by 5:00 p.m. on Monday,
November 18 for contests that fall under the jurisdiction of the county board.
Board Duties and Election Laws
The New Hanover County Board of Elections operates under the authority granted by state law,
including:
• § 163-33: Outlining the powers and duties of county boards, such as conducting elections,
appointing officials, and ensuring compliance with election laws.
• § 163-182.17: Summarizing officials' duties in counting votes, canvassing results, and handling
recounts.
• § 163-166.1: Detailing the Board's responsibilities in providing for a safe, secure, and fair
election process.
These statutes guide our procedures to ensure transparency, accuracy, and adherence to legal
requirements.
Contact Information
For any questions or further clarification, please feel free to reach out to me directly at (910) 798-7287
or visit our office at 1241A Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405.

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Ballots Pending Verification and Counting

Definitions of Absentee and Provisional Ballots

Processing of Absentee Ballots

Key steps in absentee ballot processing include:

Processing of Provisional Ballots

The provisional ballot process includes:

4. Completion of Provisional Voting Application: Voters complete an application detailing the

Election Night Reporting

Canvass and Certification

Board Duties and Election Laws

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