Below is my prepared public comment on the State Board of Elections (SBE) proposed rule 08 NCAC 20.0103, “Identification of Observers.” I made the comment at an SBE hearing on March 6.
The proposed rule changes for election observers are welcome clarifications and protections from arbitrary removals.
There is one proposal that could use a bit more clarity, however.
On rule 08 NCAC 20.0103, “Identification of Observers,” while while it is generally good for regulations to not go beyond the statute, I think some guidance on the nature, especially the size, of the identification tag would be helpful; perhaps no more than 4 ½ by 2 ½ inches.
Party leaders might take advantage of the rule as currently proposed by having observers wear large, bright tags. This would be a form of silent electioneering inside the voting enclosure. I submit that, generally, election observers should see rather than be seen.
Thank you.
As is usually the case, the actual public comment was slightly different. I will post a link to the recording of that comment when it becomes available.
I was one of five people in the hearing room. The others were two SBE staffers and two journalists. I gave the only public comment. However, see below for how you can leave your own public comment.
How you can learn more and make your public comment on the rules changes
You can find summaries of the observer ID tag and other proposed rules here. That post also has links to where you can leave an online comment. The deadline to make a public comment is April 21.
