Minutes 02-02-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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36 • Constitutional and statutory requirements and voting rights law; • Proportionality • Equity • Uniformity • Simplicity/clarity • Maximizing voter engagement The Advisory Group's assessment should incorporate, to the extent possible, anticipated population distribution changes based on the 2020 census. The Advisory Group may consider options that require enabling legislation; however, it must present to the BOCC options that do not require such authorization. Commissioner McKee asked if there are any issues with the portion of the charge relating to the number of commissioners, and if that is an issue that would have to go to the legislature. He said he does not want to go to the legislature. John Roberts said there are only four options that would be allowed, without going to the legislature. He said the current practice is one of those 4 options, leaving 3 others remaining. He said he would have to research whether changing the number of Commissioners would require legislative action. Commissioner Fowler referred to the first paragraph, and said it does not include all possible choices. She said she would prefer to list all choices, or list none, and wants to avoid bias. Commissioner Greene said it is clear this is not an inclusive list, and leads with a set of suggested possibilities. She said the charge leaves room for the committee to come up with broad ideals, but within those ideals there should be things the County can accomplish without going to the legislature. Commissioner Dorosin said his intention was to list the things the advisory group could consider without the County going to the legislature for the authority. He said the number of Commissioners was changed last time there was an elections advisory group, so he kept it in the charge for the new group. Commissioner Bedford said she liked the charge, and asked if the advisory group would share recommendations with pros and cons of each. Commissioner Hamilton said she would prefer the group not to give a recommendation, but rather just present options with pros and cons. She said she wants to avoid any bias. Commissioner McKee reiterated his desire to avoid recommendations that require going to the legislature. He said it would be unwise to go to the legislature. John Roberts said the Board can consist of any number of Commissioners, but no less than 3, and does not require legislative action. Commissioner Dorosin said the committee should do a broad assessment, and there may be recommendations that requires legislative approval, but the Board could decide to do it or not. He said nothing is off the table at this point, and there is a public education piece to this process. Chair Price agreed that she did not want to see a formal recommendation from the advisory group, but pros and cons. She said if the group has suggestions, she would like to know that, but not a formal recommendation. Commissioner Fowler nominated Nicholas Batman, a student at UNC. 5 Commissioners voted yes. Commissioner McKee nominated Brian Crawford. 7 commissioners voted yes Commissioner Greene nominated Jonathan Weiler. 6 commissioners voted yes. Chair Price nominated Alicia Reid. 6 commissioners voted yes. Commissioner McKee nominated Kathy Arab. 7 commissioners voted yes.