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23 <br /> Assembly at this time requesting something special for Orange County elections would <br /> be, at least, difficult and that a referendum would be a better way to go. <br /> It was noted that 2020 Census information was not expected to be available until <br /> September 2021 at the earliest and that may lead the Group to look at other data, <br /> including voter registration, voter turnout, political affiliation data, etc. It was noted that <br /> population data was the determining factor for voting district parameters and decision- <br /> making. <br /> The Group also discussed the format for its report and who would receive it. Mr. Wilder <br /> shared that there was not a specific report framework and that the format and its size <br /> would likely be dictated by the Group's work and conclusions. Mr. Wilder added that he <br /> believed the report was expected to transmit from the Group directly to the Board of <br /> Commissioners, and that he surmised that the Board of Commissioners would consider <br /> the report, determine a direction, and then pursue opportunities for public input and public <br /> hearing as appropriate before considering any specific actions. It was noted that Group <br /> may want to receive input from the public as its work proceeded. <br /> 3. Review of County's Legal Authority Related to the Election of Members of the <br /> Board of Commissioners <br /> County Attorney Roberts shared information with the Group regarding the legal <br /> parameters under which the Board of Commissioners can change the current framework <br /> and method for electing individuals to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of <br /> Commissioners itself cannot determine how members are elected, the length of terms, <br /> etc. The Board of Commissioners can propose items through voter referendum such as <br /> the number of Commissioners, the terms of office, and how the Chair is determined, as <br /> well as determining the method of election from the four State-authorized methods. Other <br /> changes require North Carolina General Assembly action, including early voting, voting <br /> sites, cumulative voting, absentee voting, and mail-in voting. The Group could discuss <br /> those topics. However, the Board of Commissioners does not have any decision-making <br /> authority in those areas. Attorney Roberts added that he would share this information <br /> with the Group in writing. <br /> 4. Potential Desire for Facilitator to Assist Group <br /> Group members discussed the potential desire for the County to contract with a facilitator <br /> to help guide the Group's meetings and its discussion, consideration of issues and <br /> decision-making processes. Group members noted: the need for an independent person <br /> to guide the Group discussions; the desire to make sure all voices were heard, ensuring <br /> that a majority of Group members did not dominate the discussion or thereby the <br /> decisions made; the desire for the Co-Chairs to be actively involved in the discussions <br /> and have opinions rather than just lead/guide the meetings' activities; the need for a <br /> professional to help the Group figure out how it was going to make decisions; how to <br />