Our office is responsible for conducting all elections held in Beaufort County. Locally, we administer Federal and State election laws. Our principal functions include establishing election precincts and voting sites, appointing and training precinct officials, preparing and distributing ballots, voting equipment, canvassing and certifying the ballots cast in elections, and investigating any voting irregularities. We maintain voter registration for Beaufort County and provide public information on voters and elections.
Each County in North Carolina has a Board of Elections. It is a five-person board which is appointed every two years by the State Board of Elections. North Carolina General Statute 163-30 states “In every county of the State there shall be a county board of elections, to consist of five persons of good moral character who are registered voters in the county in which they are to act. Members of county boards of elections shall be appointed by the State Board of Elections on the last Tuesday in June, and every two years thereafter, and their terms of office shall continue for two years from the specified date of appointment and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Four members of county boards of elections shall be appointed by the State Board on the last Tuesday in June and every two years thereafter, and their terms of office shall continue for two years from the specified date of appointment and until their successors are appointed and qualified. One member of the county boards of elections shall be appointed by the Governor to be the chair of the county board on the last Tuesday in June and every two years thereafter, and that member's term of office shall continue for two years from the specified date of appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Of the appointments by the State Board, not more than two members of the county board of elections shall belong to the same political party.