Rep. Jasperse requests a review of Election Board appointments
News, Politics, State & National February 24, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – At February’s Pickens County Commissioner’s meeting, Rep. Rick Jasperse, who was unable to attend, sent a letter of concern regarding the process of appointing board members to the Pickens County Board of Elections.
Rep. Rick Jasperse
Initially, Chairman Kris Stancil requested a review by the state to ensure Pickens complied with current state law. Due to time constraints, Jasperse focused on the Airport Authority, the Library Board, and the Elections Board. Out of the three, Jasperse concluded that issues need to be addressed concerning the Pickens County Board of Elections.
“Upon examination of the local Board of Elections we have found an issue with how they are appointed. Currently, two members of the Board of Elections are appointed by the chairman of the county Democratic Party, and two by the chairman of the county Republican Party. These four members then appoint a chairperson,” said Jasperse in a letter to commissioners.
Jasperse would sight a 2018 case from the Georgia Supreme Court that ruled non-governmental parties had no authority to appoint government officials. Jasperse urged commissioners to reexamine how the two political parties in the county appoint members to the board without county oversight.
To see the letter in its entirety, click here.
William Bell, an elections board member, stated that he was eager to make sure Pickens was in lockstep with state law while trying to offer voters a smooth process in future elections. Furthermore, he feels confident that the board and both political parties, alongside the county, can find common ground moving forward.
“It’s something the board [Pickens County Board of Elections], and I look forward to discussing with commissioners in the coming future,” said Bell.
Chris Mora, Vice Chairman of the Pickens County Republican Party, welcomes the change. While Mora admits the party hasn’t discussed the issue, he, like Bell, is hopeful that proposed changes will make for a better voting experience.
“I kind of think it’s a good thing. I’m behind it,” said Mora. “I think it brings back control to the community because if we get someone in there, that’s rogue and does whatever they want, there’s nothing we [the Pickens County Republican Party] can do.”
The Pickens County Republican Party and Rep. Jasperse have been openly disappointed with the management of last year’s election. While solutions have been tossed around in committee hearings, it leaves some questioning whether it time for a more significant change at the board of elections office.
Commissioners honor Rob Jones
In other news, the Pickens County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation to Robert “Rob” Jones and Sloan Elrod. Flanked by his family, Jones was given a United States flag that was flown his last day as commissioner. The county’s recognition humbled both men.
Early voting in Pickens has long lines but going smoothly
Election 2020, News October 15, 2020
Photo by Susan Kirkland
Sheralle Brindell , a member of the board of elections, stands by absentee ballots that are waiting to be processed.
Early election
Early voting is going smoothly despite long lines and up to an hour wait.
“The only issues we’ve had were with the state system. The servers bogged down and we couldn’t process voters very quickly on the first two days, but the state had that fixed and the system works great now,” said Julie Roberts, supervisor of elections.
She said voting in person at 83 Pioneer Road is up to 910, but she anticipates that between now and Oct.30, they will amass many more.
Prior to early voting, the elections office had received between 2,000-2,500 ballots. Roberts said. She anticipates a lot more than that number by the end of early voting on Oct. 30.
“I expect we will have 7,500 votes prior to election day,” she said.
Board meeting
Counting absentee ballots
At October’s board meeting, the board approved advertising they would process absentee ballots early. They will open the envelops and stack groups of 25 ballots together to make feeding them into the counter easier.
They have scheduled to use Superior Court Judge Brenda Weaver from Oct. 27-Oct. 30 to process the ballots. The processing will be witnessed by three people.
“Judge Weaver will select one and I’ll select two,” said Julianne Roberts, supervisor of elections.
WATCH VIDEO OF THE MEETING HERE
Roberts said that members of the board of elections should check that there is only one ballot per envelope.
“There is only one oath per envelope and it has to be signed,” she said. “The exception is for military families stationed overseas.”
Cell phones will not be allowed in the courtroom while ballots are processed.
Registering by mail
Roberts went on to say that some voters have been flagged for not having proof of identity and registered by mail.
“I’ve reached out to them to see if they can email us a copy, but pay attention to see if they have that flag.”
FIND YOUR PRECINCT HERE.
Concerns over voting machines
Roberts said while there have been concerns about the voting machines, she is confident the software issues have been dealt with.
“There were discovering candidates disappearing on the ballots,” said Roberts. “But this was before our system was tested and we didn’t see any of those issues.”