MADISON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS Embassy Suites/Board of Elections Conference Room  ABSENTEE SESSION February 6, 2024 8:20 A.M.  MINUTES CALL TO ORDER  Chair Wallin called the meeting of the Madison County Board of Elections at the Embassy Suites, Hammons Drive in Concord North Carolina to order at 8:20 a.m. In attendance were Jerry Wallin, Motion (JW, DS) to recess the meeting to February 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Suite E, Room 16, 5707 US 25-70 Hwy, Marshall, 28753. The motion passed (3-0) and meeting was recessed at 8:24 a.m. Chair Wallin reconvened the meeting on February 7, 2024, at Suite E, Room 16, 5707 US 25-70 Hwy, Marshall, 28753. In attendance: Jerry Wallin, Chair; Dyatt Smathers, Secretary; Brian Ball Member;  Chair; Dyatt Smathers, Secretary; Brian Ball.  Debbie Ponder, Member; Jacob Ray, Director; and six members of the public.  Agenda:  Motion (DS, BB) to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Members Reports:  Member Ball, Secertary Smathers, and Chair Wallin reported on their experiences at the Winter State Motion (BB, DS) to move agenda item number 11 "public comment" to agenda item number 5. The  Board of Elections Conference. motion passed unanimously (5-0). Public Comment:  Matt Wechtel, Bill Briggs, Michael Garrison, Patrick Ward, and Cheryl Williams all congratulated member Ray Lewis for his years of service to the citizens of Madison County and to the Board of Elections. Each person spoke of the impact that Mr. Lewis's service has had on the board and the community. Each person wished Mr. Lewis well as he considers retiring from the Board at the end of the Primary Canvass. The members of the Board of Elections also expressed their appreciation for  Member Lewis's service and wished him well.  Director's Report:  The director updated the board on procedures that will be taking place during next week's absentee meeting and reported on his experience at the Winter State Board of Elections Conference.  Preparatory Steps to Count Ballots:  The voting equipment was not opened during this Absentee Meeting.  Page 1 of2    NEW BUSINESS  Absentee Ballots' Approval for February 6, 2024, Meeting:  Civilian (CIV) Ballots:  Beech Glen Precinct: Motion (DS, JW) to approve, one CIV Absentee Ballot. The motion passed Walnut Precinct: Motion (DS, JW) to approve two CIV Absentee Ballot. The motion passed  unanimously (5-0). unanimously (5-0).  BALLOT DUPLICATION No ballots were duplicated.  PREPARATORY STEPS TO SECURE COUNTED BALLOTS The voting equipment was not opened during this Absentee Meeting.  Other Matters:  Motion (DS, BB) to approve the following poll-worker. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Election Day:  Nina Crowe Republican Assistant at the North Marshall Precinct.  ANNOUNCEMENIS:  Next Absentee Meeting: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Motion to adjourn at 4:07 p.m. (DS, BB) and motion carried (5-0)  Chair Secretary  Page 2 of2