FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections is set to consider revisions that would allow public comment at future meetings.
At its Feb. 6 meeting, the Elections Board unanimously voted to consider updates to its public comment rules when it meets March 5. If approved, the new procedure will take effect immediately.
The proposed amendments allow 20 minutes of public comment for up to 10 speakers who will each have two minutes to address board members.
Vice Chairman Joel Natt suggested the input period be held after the adoption of the minutes but before the old business section on future agendas.
Board Member Anita Tucker proposed the Elections Board implement a comment period that allows speakers to voice their concerns about any election-related topic that is not listed on the agenda.
Tucker had previously proposed following the example of the Forsyth County Commission and Gwinnett County Elections Board, which allow three minutes for speakers to discuss any topic.
The Forsyth County Commission allows up to 10 speakers in two public comment periods at regular meetings.
Currently, the Elections Board only reserves time for public comment on certain agenda items.
In other action Feb. 6, board members voted 4-1 to begin opening absentee ballots cast in the presidential preference primary March 7. Natt cast the dissenting vote.
The Board of Voter Registrations and Elections also set qualifying dates for the upcoming primary and general elections.
The Elections Office will host candidate qualifying from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 4 through 7. Qualifying will run from 9 a.m. to noon March 8.
The qualification period is for the May 21 general primary and nonpartisan general election, as well as for independent candidates in the Nov. 5 general election.
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