NC State Board of Elections

Guidelines for Assistance to Voters

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-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

Recently, questions have arisen about the law pertaining to assistance to voters at voting sites. The State Board of Elections will investigate credible allegations of improper assistance.

The following are guidelines regarding assistance to voters:

State and federal law provide disabled and illiterate voters the right to request assistance from a person of the voter’s choice, except for the voter’s employer or agent of that employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union.

There are no legal restrictions on the number of times a person can assist different voters if the voters qualify for assistance and proper procedures are followed.

Who may receive assistance

Any voter, regardless of whether they have a disability, may receive assistance from a near relative. Elections officials should avoid prying questions about the voter’s preference for assistance.

A voter whose disability prevents him or her from entering the voting booth or marking a ballot without assistance, or a voter who is illiterate, may get help from any person, except for the voter’s employer or agent of that employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. Not all disabilities are immediately apparent, but a voter who requires assistance entering the voting booth or marking a ballot due to a mental disability is just as entitled to assistance as a voter whose disability may be easily seen. N.C.G.S. § 163-166.8.

Requesting assistance

A voter who needs assistance must request it from the chief judge upon entering the voting place and identify the person the voter desires to provide such assistance. Certain disabilities may affect voters’ ability to vocalize their request, but federal law still provides that such a disabled voter is entitled to assistance. Elections officials will exercise their best efforts to understand and respond to individual requests for assistance however communicated. State administrative law provides that an election official may prompt the voter if needed if it appears the voter may be requesting assistance.

In many cases, a voter in need of assistance will be accompanied into the voting place by an assistant. Alternatively, the voter may—but is not required to—request the assistance of an election official. If the assistant helps mark the ballot, the assistant is required to mark the ballot as directed by the voter.

Assistants are prohibited from persuading or inducing any voter to cast a vote in any particular way or to vote for any particular candidate. They are also prohibited from communicating to others about how the voter voted.

Script for requesting assistance

The State Board of Elections provides a script for elections officials to use when a voter is accompanied by someone who appears to be an assistant. Elections officials are prohibited from asking the voter to identify or explain the nature of the voter’s disability. The script should be modified if the voter’s disability limits their ability to communicate. See Numbered Memo 2020-16 for the script.

Intimidation of voters

Voters have a right to freely enter the voting enclosure without fear of intimidation or harassment. It is a federal crime to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a voter with the purpose of interfering with the right of the voter to vote. Photographing or videotaping voters for the purpose of intimidation is prohibited. Observers will be ejected from the polling place if they interfere with or communicate with voters. See Numbered Memo 2020-30 for additional information.

Authority of county board of elections

It is the duty of the chief judge or one-stop site manager to ensure peace and good order at the voting place, which includes the duty to remove observers who intimidate or harass voters, and persons who unlawfully attempt to assist voters. If the chief judge or one-stop site manager needs additional support, they are to contact their county board of elections.

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Franklin Co. Announces New Convenience Site Hours

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

With the ending of Daylight Savings Time on November 1, 2020, Franklin County Convenience Sites will close at 6 p.m. beginning Monday, November 2, 2020.

All sites are open during these hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with the exception of the Timberlake Road site, which is open on Thursday as well.

The updated schedule of 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. will be observed until Monday, March 15, 2021, when Daylight Savings Time resumes. For reference, the schedule can be located online at https://www.franklincountync.us/services/solid-waste.

For additional information, please contact Lee Bodenhamer, Solid Waste Director, at (919) 496-5002.

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Kim Denton Appointed Franklin County Manager

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners appointed Kim Denton as County Manager at their October 19 meeting. Denton has served as Assistant County Manager since December 2017 and will take the lead as County Manager November 1, 2020, upon the retirement of long-time County Manager Angela L. Harris.

“I appreciate the confidence the Board of Commissioners has placed in me,” Denton said. “My knowledge of the County’s important objectives will help ensure continuity.”

As Assistant County Manager, Denton has led the County’s Broadband Action Team, as well as directly supervised several departments and worked with Department Heads on accomplishing a number of Departmental projects. She has worked with the County Manager as a member of the Budget Team and helped interpret and shape policy. Denton directed the Facilities Review and Space Assessment Study to assess the condition and future objectives for County facilities.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and County staff to address the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Denton.

Prior to service with Franklin County Government, Denton served over six years in the Franklin County Clerk of Court’s Office as Assistant Clerk working in the Estates and Civil Departments. Her previous experience includes over ten years in the telecommunications industry working with the company now known as CenturyLink, holding positions in Accounting, Marketing and Regulatory departments. She is also an avid supporter of a number of volunteer organizations in Franklin County.

Denton graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University. She is a native of Franklin County where she currently resides with her husband, Thomas. She has two sons, Mark and Edward.

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

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C. Boyd Sturges, III Appointed Lead Franklin County Attorney

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed C. Boyd Sturges, III as lead County Attorney from the firm of Davis, Sturges & Tomlinson Attorneys at Law of Louisburg on October 19, 2020.

Mr. Sturges’ experience with the County includes work on special projects, most notably Maria Parham’s expansion into Franklin County after the unexpected closing of Novant Health in 2015. As a result of negotiations, Maria Parham Franklin opened in October 2018 to serve Franklin County residents.

In addition to his private law practice, he is currently serving his fourth term on the Louisburg Town Council. Mr. Sturges has been lead counsel for the Franklin County Board of Education since 2005 and also serves on the Board of Trustees of Louisburg College and the Tar River Land Conservancy.

Mr. Sturges received a B.A. from Wake Forest University in 1991 and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1995 with a Juris Doctor Degree. He is a native of Franklin County where he currently resides with his wife, Cindy Sturges, North Carolina Superior Court Judge. He has one daughter, Olivia.

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

NCDOT

Resurfacing Projects Awarded for Vance, Franklin and Warren Counties

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-Press Release, N.C. Department of Transportation

Thanks to five new contracts awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation, totaling more than $17 million, nearly 120 miles of area roadway will be resurfaced.

  • Under a $3.5 million contract, Carolina Sunrock of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 17.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Durham County.
  • Under a $2.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Franklin County.
  • Under a $3.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Vance and Warren counties.
  • Under a $3 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 11.6 miles of state-maintained roads throughout western Wake County.
  • Under a $4.1 million contract, Fred Smith Company of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 30.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout southern Wake County.

This work can start as soon as March 15, 2021, with most of the projects completed before the unofficial end of the paving season in mid-November, and all roads done by the end of July 2022.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

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Franklin Co. Plans Drive-Through Veteran’s Day Celebration

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County will soon honor the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country at the county’s annual Veteran’s Day celebration. Due to social distancing measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the celebratory event will look a bit different this year. A drive-through meal is scheduled from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at Crosscreek Charter School, 100 East River Road in Louisburg.

This year Veterans will enjoy prizes and a packed lunch for two as they drive through, courtesy of the Justice Volunteer Fire Department and many other sponsors. Please note social distancing will be practiced and masks and gloves will be used in serving our Veterans. No one will need to leave their vehicle to receive their meal and prizes.

The events of 2020 have presented us with challenges, however, Franklin County still intends to celebrate the men and women who served along with their spouses who stood with them.

For additional information, please contact Brenda L. Wilkins, Veterans Services Officer, at (919) 496-1939.

Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink

‘Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink’ for Breast Cancer, Mental Heath Awareness

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-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Join us on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, for Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink, a two-session virtual event to increase awareness around breast cancer and mental health in Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Vance and Warren counties.

Session One: Community Presentation & Panel Discussion

Learn information about Breast Cancer and ways to increase awareness from Guest Speaker, Estena Bradley, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. Immediately following the presentation, learn about available resources from local agencies, health providers, and regional influencers.

Session Two: Secondary Trauma & Self-Care

Individuals who work in various helping fields often do not recognize their potential to experience secondhand trauma. This training is designed to help those working in the field recognize the symptoms of secondary trauma and how to take care of themselves during times of stress.

To Register:

Session One: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Community Presentation & Panel Discussion (Click here)

Session Two: 2 to 3 p.m.
Secondary Trauma & Self-Care (Click here)

For more information or to submit questions for the panel, contact Monae Davis at monae.davis@cardinalinnovations.org

Louisburg Christmas Parade

Louisburg Christmas Parade Set for Dec. 6

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

The Town of Louisburg will host the 2020 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg on Sunday, December 6 beginning at 3 p.m.

Parade entry begins at the intersection of North Main Street and Smoketree Way. The parade will move south on Main Street, continue past Louisburg College, and turn onto Wade Avenue/Johnson Street for disbandment.

Applications (click here) to participate in the parade are now being accepted. Interested participants should submit their application by mail or drop off at the Town of Louisburg at 110 West Nash Street, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Entries postmarked by November 20 will be considered for inclusion based on the number of entries needed for each category. Accepted entrants will be notified prior to the parade.

For additional information on the parade, including cost, float requirements and drop off/unloading instructions, please click here.

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Franklin County Library Update

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Libraries are currently and indefinitely closed inside to the public in order to ensure materials are properly quarantined before release.

Staff is making every effort to ensure materials are disinfected, quarantined and handled appropriately before and during any transaction. Doing so requires storing items in quarantine for 72 hours which puts a premium on available space that circumvents browsing by the public.

Hands-on acquisitions from the shelves by appropriately masked and gloved library personnel are safe, however, so we offer curbside delivery of materials to meet your needs. Patrons may select and put items on hold via the online catalog or by calling Franklin County libraries to request specific material or ask that personnel curate selections.

Items are also available through the NC Cardinal consortium, and many additions to online resources for all ages have been made. Online resources require the barcode number from the patron’s card and the patron’s PIN. If you are unsure about your information, call your library for assistance.

Franklin County Public School students have access to online resources using their Department of Public Instruction issued student identification numbers and a PIN. Content appropriate collections are available at e-inc and NC Kids as well as NC Live.org. Libraries are working with the Charter schools to assist students with access.

One of the services provided by libraries is making copies for patrons. Patrons may email documents or bring a USB and have copies made from its contents. Staff will also scan and email documents for patrons or send a fax.

Other useful services available include mail-in voter registration forms. Wi-Fi is available on the premises from 6 a.m. through midnight and item return via Book Drop is available near the entrance to each building. Standard check-out of material is handled at the curbside.

Exact change and personal checks are accepted tender for transactions requiring payments. Appointments are required for curbside item pick up and strongly encouraged for copy, print and fax services.

Visit http://franklin.nccardinal.org/eg/opac/home to reserve items online and for direct web access to the Library Catalog.

Email materials for print services to:

Louisburg: franklinlibraryprints@gmail.com

Youngsville: youngsvillebook@yahoo.com

Bunn: bunnbook@yahoo.com

Franklinton: franklib@yahoo.com

Curbside services:

Louisburg: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 496-2111 for an appointment.

Youngsville: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 556-1612 for an appointment.

Bunn: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 12 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 496-6764 for an appointment.

Franklinton: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 494-2736 for an appointment.

For additional information, please contact Director Holt Kornegay at (919) 496-2111.

COVID T-Shirt Contest

F-G-V-W Opportunity Holding COVID-19 Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

Franklin-Granville-Vance-Warren Opportunity presents a COVID-19 Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must live in Franklin, Granville, Vance or Warren County to be eligible.

Participants are asked to design a t-shirt with a message that will encourage more individuals (youth in particular) to wear masks, wash their hands, stay six feet apart and get tested if exposed.

Prize categories include elementary school (K – 5th grade), middle school (6th – 8th grade) and high school (9th – 12th grade).

Prizes:

Grand Prize: PS4 Gaming System

First Place: $100

Second Place: $50

Third Place: $25

Each first-place winner’s school will also receive $200.

Rules:

  • Complete Student Entry Form (click here). Please fill out the entry form completely.
  • Artwork should express the importance of wearing a mask, washing hands, etc.
  • Must include a catchphrase for artwork (ex. Be safe, Wear your mask, etc.).
  • Clearly label your artwork on the back with the student’s name, school name and grade level.
  • Securely attach entry form to artwork.
  • No frames.
  • No multidimensional work.
  • Artwork size should be no larger than 8.5 x 11.
  • Entries should be a drawing or a painting done in pencil, markers, colored pencils or acrylic.

Submission Deadline:

All submissions must be postmarked by Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Mail completed entry form and artwork to:

Franklin-Granville-Vance-Warren Opportunity

COVID-19 Awareness Art Contest C/O Felecia Coleman

PO Box 1453

Henderson, NC 27536