Overview

Precinct Officials carry out many of the day-to-day tasks of election administration, including polling operations. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-47. Each county has one Chief Judge, two Judges, and various assistants. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of Precinct Officials are:

1. Hearing challenges to registered voters. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-47(c).
2. Tabulating votes. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-47(d).
3. Ensuring the safety of the polling place, including by calling upon law enforcement for aid. “They may order the arrest of any person violating any provision of the election laws…” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-48.
4. Accounting for ballots and other election supplies. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-47(e).
5. Ensure rules on counting, reporting, and transmission are followed. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-182.2.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• Appointed: The Chief Judges and Judges are appointed by County Boards of Elections.  *****N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41(a)*.
• Makeup: No more than one Judge can be of the same party as the Chief Judge. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41(a).
• Term of Office: They serve two-year terms. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41(a).
• Next Appointment: Appointments are made on the Tuesday following the third Monday in August. The next appointments will be on August 19, 2025. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41(a).
• Qualifications and Restrictions: Chief Judges and Judges must be registered voters, live in the county where the precinct they are serving is located, must not hold elected office, and must be able to read and write. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41(a).
• Vacancy: **Vacancies are filled by the Chair of the County Board of Elections. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-41(d).