BOC discusses creation of election board

“I think the time has come,” said Cross of the proposed change to an election board. “I think it’s to the county’s advantage to do this.”

Commissioner Stanley Thomas questioned how much the establishment of an election board would cost.

Cross said election board members in other counties typically make $25 to $50 per meeting. He said it would be up to the BOC to determine how much the election board members would be paid and how often they would meet.

“I think this (establishing an election board can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it,” noted Cross, who also noted that the recent Madison County Grand Jury recommended the establishment of an election board.

Thomas said he wants to see “sound figures on where we’re going to be” with an election board.

Those numbers could be discussed Nov. 5 when the board again discusses the matter.

County commission chairman Anthony Dove pointed out that the establishment of an election board will require approval of local legislation by the Georgia General Assembly. He said the change would also require public hearings.

In an unrelated election matter, Cross informed commissioners that some counties are doing away with voting at precincts and having all votes cast at a central location, such as a county government complex.

He said this has led to big savings in election costs for those counties. Commissioner Jim Escoe noted that many people don’t vote early and prefer to go to their precinct.