QUALIFICATIONS
(excerpts from
North Carolina General Statutes 163-41)
"Persons appointed…must be registered voters
and residents of the county in which the precinct
is located, of good repute, and able to read &
write."
"No person shall be eligible to serve as a
precinct official…who holds any elective office
under the government of the United States or of
North Carolina or any political subdivision there
of."
"No person shall serve…who is a candidate for
nomination or election."
"No person shall be eligible…who holds any
office in any state congressional district, county
or precinct political party or political
organization or who is a manager or treasurer for
any candidate or political party…"
HOW APPOINTED
Precinct election officials are recommended by
the political parties and appointed by the Board
of Elections for two-year terms beginning in
August of odd-numbered years.Each voting place is
staffed with a CHIEF JUDGE, two JUDGES and two
ASSISTANTS. The Chief Judge is of the same
political party as the Governor, whenever
possible. There is one Judge and one Assistant
from each political party. Only one member of a
family may serve as a precinct election official
within that same precinct.
CHIEF JUDGE
The CHIEF JUDGE is the head official and is in
charge of contacting the voting place custodian
and the other officials to make arrangements for
each election. The Chief Judge is also responsible
for handling election day activities and problems,
as well as picking up election day supplies prior
to each election and for returning all supplies
the day after the election.
JUDGES
The JUDGES work closely with the Chief Judge
and are responsible for conducting the election in
the event of the Chief Judge's absence. They must
sign all official documents and serve on a panel
to resolve any challenges. The Chief Judge assigns
all other duties.
ASSISTANTS
The ASSISTANTS serve when needed and at the
discretion and direction of the Chief Judge. The
Chief Judge assigns all duties.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
There are approximately five elections
scheduled in each two year term. Special referenda
and bond elections may also be called for. The
Chief Judge and two Judges are required to work
every election. Assistants are called when needed.
- Elections are always held on Tuesdays.
- All polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30
p.m.
Officials must be in the voting place at 6:00
a.m. and remain until all votes have been counted
and documents signed - usually 8:30 or 9:00 p.m.
Officials must remain at the voting place for the
entire day.
SPECIAL TRAINING
GS 163-46 requires all officials to attend
training sessions conducted by the Board of
Elections prior to each major primary and general
election.
