The New Hanover County Board of Elections is responsible for conducting all Federal, State, and local elections held within the County. This Board is governed by the rules and regulations set forth in the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 163 and other applicable statutes for special proceedings. The department manages and maintains the voter registration database for the County and surrounding municipalities, and processes absentee voter applications.
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All candidate filings are directed through this office. It is this Board's responsibility to administer the Campaign Reporting Act, which ensures candidate compliance with campaign finance laws. The department establishes all election precincts and is responsible for recruiting and training precinct officials. The Board investigates irregularities and holds preliminary reviews and hearings on formal complaints.
This department also formulates the ballot and contracts for the printing of the ballots. To ensure proper performance of the voting equipment used in the precincts, this department provides inventory, maintenance and storage for all voting equipment. This department informs the citizens of upcoming elections through public notices and issues certificates of election.