Club Hears About Election Law Changes

Bill Henderson was the guest speaker at Newport Rotary on Monday evening, September 23, 2013. Mr. Henderson, a lifelong Newport native son, is the Democrat (minority) member of the Carteret County Board of Elections, and former Chairman of the Board. He is the owner of H&H Electric. He was invited by Rotarian Bevin Wall to speak on the subject of upcoming changes to elections laws in our state.

Rotary Club Secretary Joe Garner with Guest Speaker
Bill Henderson from the Carteret County Board of Elections

After making it clear that the recent legislative changes did not effect the upcoming 2013 municipal elections, Mr. Henderson outlined recent changes to election law including changes to Early Voting, Voter ID, Provisional Ballot and the Straight Party Ticket. The club members were very interested in the details of several of the changes, to which Mr. Henderson ably provided detail and examples. He stated that his philosophy was to make try to make it easier for people to vote but that it was also important that people have confidence in the system, and the concept of Voter ID may provide such confidence. He stressed that the mandate of the County Board of Elections was to follow the law, as may be changed from time to time. More information may be seen on this topic in this article from WRAL.com entitled Q&A: Changes to NC Election Law.

Sharon Howard prepared delicious snacks. Secretary Joe Garner filled in for Pres. Pam Wall who was ailing.