State and local election boards in North Carolina are facing controversy over perceived partisanship in their decisions. The Granville County Board of Elections recently voted to close an early voting site in a Democratic area, sparking concerns about voter access and potential long lines.

Granville County Elections Board Decision

The board’s decision to close the South Branch site and move the downtown site to the Granville County Convention & Expo Center has been met with criticism from Democratic board members and audience members. They argue that the decision will disproportionately affect Democratic voters and African American voters in the area.

Republican board members, however, argue that the decision is necessary to achieve geographic diversity and that the new site in the northern part of the county will be more convenient for voters. They also cite concerns about parking and pedestrian traffic issues at the South Branch site.

State Board of Elections Decision

The State Board of Elections has decided to bring a complaint filed by Democratic board member Etsil Mason to a hearing, while dismissing a complaint filed by Republican board chair Neal Driver. Mason’s complaint alleges that Driver mischaracterized her tone as hostile and that he asked the election director to fire an employee who had filed a complaint about a hostile work environment.

The State Board’s decision comes as the state and local election boards face increasing scrutiny over their decisions and perceived partisanship. Many voters expect election administrators to strive for nonpartisanship in their decisions, but the appointment of board members by political parties has raised concerns about the potential for partisan influence.

Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.