Title
Recommendations by the Hampton Electoral Board Concerning Polling Place and Precinct Changes
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
This item is to brief City Council regarding recommendations from the Electoral Board Concerning Polling Place and Precinct 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 Electoral Board further requested that the City Attorney negotiate an appropriate agreement with Hampton University for use of the Convocation Center as a polling place. The General Registrar has initiated preliminary discussions with Hampton University, and it appears they are amendable to the proposal.
Although the Electoral Board may propose such changes, the Code of Virginia requires that precincts and polling places shall be established by ordinance of the governing body. See Va. Code § 24.2-307. Furthermore, the Code prescribes requirements for the composition of precincts (including size and geographic boundaries) and limitations on the timing of precinct or polling place changes prior to a primary or general election. In addition, any polling place change must undergo a “certificate of no objection” review by the Office of the Attorney General before it may be implemented.
The presentation will review in greater detail the background that led to the Electoral Board’s recommendations, as well as the legal process and other issues for council’s consideration when determining whether to proceed with these requests.
Recommendation:
Rec
Briefing only.