Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • 10:00 a.m. • Commissioners’ Chambers – David R. Sandifer Administration Building

The Brunswick County Board of Elections will meet on Tuesday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers to continue discussion of early voting plans for the 2026 Primary Election. The Board anticipates working toward a decision on early voting locations and schedule at this meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and the meeting will be livestreamed via Zoom.  Public comments may be submitted in person at the meeting or through the Board’s online public comment portal through 5:00 p.m. on December 1.

Early Voting Location Challenges

The Board of Elections continues to face challenges identifying suitable early voting sites in both the Southport and Shallotte areas. For a location to be viable, the facility must:

• Support 17 days of early voting operations.
• Be a tax supported facility.
• Meet requirements for space, layout, accessibility, parking, and traffic flow.
• Be available to the Board for the full period, not just on select days.

State law provides that county boards should use public buildings for early voting purposes. The State Board of Elections may authorize a non-public building only if “…other equally suitable sites were not available and that the use of the sites chosen will not disproportionately favor any party, racial or ethnic group, or candidate.”

Sites Explored but Determined Not Suitable

Shallotte Area

• Brunswick Center at Shallotte
• Focus Broadband Meeting Room
• Mulberry Park Building

Southport Area

• Moose Lodge
• St. James Community Center
• Duke Energy Meeting Space
• Brunswick Little Theater
• Sacred Heart Church
• Southport City Gym
• Brunswick Center at Southport
• Beach Road Church
• Southport Baptist Church
• Longshoreman ILA Hall
• Bellamy-Joyner American Legion
• Cape Fear Regional Jetport
• Oak Island Presbyterian Church
• Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center

While each location was evaluated, none were able to fully meet the operational, space, or scheduling needs required for a compliant early voting site.

Public Input Encouraged

The Board welcomes recommendations from the community regarding potential early voting sites—particularly in the Southport and Shallotte areas.

Residents may submit ideas in two ways:

• Email: elections@brunswickcountync.gov
• Polling Place Suggestion Form: Available through the Board of Elections website, along with detailed polling place requirements, including space and parking criteria.

Your input helps support accessible, equitable early voting options across the county.