Title
Recommendations by Hampton Electoral Board Concerning Precinct and Polling Place Changes - Question and Answer Session With Electoral Board
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Purpose: To allow an opportunity for members of the Electoral Board to respond to questions from City Council about proposed precinct and polling place changes.
Background: During its meeting on January 29, 2025, the Electoral Board voted to recommend that City Council approve (i) certain precinct boundary changes and (ii) relocation of the East Hampton precinct polling place from Phoebus High School to the Hampton University Convocation Center. The proposed changes are summarized in a document entitled, Proposal to Alter Voting Precincts in Hampton, VA for Future Elections, which is included as an attachment to this item.
The City Attorney and General Registrar presented the Electoral Board’s recommendations to City Council during the February 26, 2025, City Council Work Session. During the presentation, Council members raised several questions about the proposal. Accordingly, the Mayor and Vice Mayor requested that members of the Electoral Board attend a future work session to answer questions. Those questions include, among others:
• Why did the Electoral Board think the proposed changes are necessary?
• Were there complaints or other concerns about any of the precincts or polling places proposed for change?
• Has there been a cost-benefit analysis regarding the proposed consolidation of certain precincts? Will such consolidation result in a cost savings for the city?
Next Steps: Following the question-and-answer session with the Electoral Board, City Council will have the following decision points:
• Does City Council wish to consider some or all of the precinct boundary changes proposed by the Electoral Board:
o If yes, Council should (i) identity which changes it would like to consider and (ii) direct staff to verify that the proposed boundary changes comply with all applicable legal requirements and return to Council with draft ordinance amendments for further consideration and/or final action.
o If not, no action is required by Council.
• Does City Council wish to consider relocating the East Hampton Precinct polling place from Phoebus High School to the Hampton University Convocation Center?
o If yes, Council should direct the City Attorney’s Office (i) to contact Hampton University to confirm their consent and to develop an appropriate agreement for use of the Convocation Center as a polling place and (ii) to return to City Council with a proposed ordinance amendment for final action.
o If not, no action is required by Council.
Discussion:
Impact:
Recommendation:
Rec
If City Council decides to proceed with either or both of the Electoral Board's recommendations, the changes should not be effective until 2026 so that voters do not experience any midyear changes between the 2025 primary and general elections.
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