NCGOP Chairman Whatley Sends Letter to Board of Elections Opposing Proposed Rule Change

May 6, 2021
For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Today, NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley sent a letter on behalf of Republican County Chairs to the North Carolina Board of Elections opposing their proposed rule that would limit the number of poll observers. This public letter comes just before the State Board's public hearing about their proposed rule changes this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. To register to watch the hearing online, click here.

The current statute allows two precinct-specific observers to serve at one time in shifts of at least four hours before being relieved by two different precinct-specific observers. The proposed rule would limit the number of volunteer precinct-specific observers to two for the entire day, which prompted Republicans in the General Assembly to immediately respond with legislation that allows for greater flexibility in the rotation of poll observers throughout the day. 

“The State Board of Elections’ proposed rule would place a substantial burden on the participation of volunteer observers in the election process, which, as we have seen around the country, is key to public confidence in the results of an election,” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. “Election rules should make the voting process open and transparent, but this proposed rule encourages the exact opposite.” 

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