Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations & Elections Regular Monthly Meeting March 4, 2025 at 9 a.m. Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections Office 1201 Sawnee Drive Cumming, Georgia 30040 MINUTES Present at the meeting: Barbara Luth, Chairman Joel Natt, Vice Chairman Anita Tucker, Secretary Carla Radzikinas, Assistant Secretary Debbie Stair, Member Mandi Smith, Director Carol Balcome, Assistant to the Director Jill Swain, Supervisor, Voter Registration & Absentee Bryce Wilson, Supervisor, Communications & Training Jamain Whyce, Supervisor, Elections Equipment & Warehouse Karen Pachuta, Jarrard & Davis Max Clavijo, Challenger Ray Moyers, Challenger Stephan Bartelski, Challenger I. Call Meeting to Order Chairman Luth called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance III. New Board Member Swearing In - Judge Weeks-Marisko Judge Weeks-Marisko swore in Debbie Stair to her new term on the Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations & Elections. IV. Adoption of Agenda Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to amend the agenda and move VI. Executive Session to XII A. Motion carried unanimously. Secretary Tucker with a second from Chairman Luth made a motion to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. V. Adoption of Minutes A. Regular meeting of February 4, 2025 Secretary Tucker with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to adopt the minutes as prepared by staff. Motion carried unanimously. VI. Executive Session Moved to item XII A. VII. Public Comments The following people addressed the board: Stephan Bartelski David DeCarlo VIII. Old Business A. June 17, 2025 Special Primary Election and possible July 15, 2025 Runoff 1. Precincts and polling places Director Smith stated Sharon Springs Park Community Building is no longer available to serve as an Advance Voting or Election Day polling place location in 2025 and 2026 due to upcoming construction. She also said Sexton Hall will not be an option for an alternate location due to the construction at Sharon Springs Park. Director Smith reported several locations were considered to serve as a polling location for the 21-South Forsyth precinct but many had conflicts. She stated Sharon Forks Library has agreed to serve as the Election Day polling location for the 21-South Forsyth precinct for the 2025 election year. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Chairman Luth made a motion to reconsider the previously adopted plan for Advance Voting for the 2025 election cycle. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to approve a plan to use Sharon Forks Library as the Election Day polling location for the 21-South Forsyth precinct for the 2025 election cycle. Motion carried unanimously. The Board discussed previous special elections voter turnout and other possible locations for Advance Voting. Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to hold all Advance Voting for the elections in June and July in 2025 at the Elections Office. Secretary Tucker and Vice Chairman Natt asked Director Smith if the Board could delay the decision on Advance Voting until the April 1 meeting. Director Smith said staff would have to start planning for multiple locations instead of one location. The motion failed 2-3 (Natt, Stair and Tucker opposed). Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Secretary Tucker made a motion to discuss the final plan for Advance Voting at the April 1 regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Natt asked Director Smith if a public comment survey regarding Advance Voting could be offered to the public. Director Smith stated it could be done. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Secretary Tucker made a motion for staff to set up an Advance Voting Survey and asked the Board members to send suggestions for the survey to Director Smith. Motion carried unanimously. Director Smith said the board could meet as early as Monday, April 14 to adopt the new 2025 Election Day polling location for 21-South Forsyth precinct after the public notice has run in the legal organ for two weeks. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to hold a special called meeting to approve the new Election Day polling location for the 21-South Forsyth precinct on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 9 a.m. at the Elections Office. Motion carried unanimously. B. November 4, 2025 General Elections 1. Precincts and polling places See previous discussion. IX. New Business There was no New Business. X. Director's Report Director Smith and staff presented the Director's Report. Voter Registrations & Elections Department Director's Report March 4, 2025 Board Members House Bill 837 was not passed during the 2024 legislative session. Additional legislation to clarify the term start and end date of the BRE members will need to be considered during the next legislative session. Board Party Took Office Current Current Member Term Start Term End Barbara Luth Chief Registrar & 04/02/2019* 07/01/2021 06/30/2025 Chairperson Joel E. Natt Republican 02/03/2015* 09/01/2023 06/30/2027 Anita Tucker Democratic 03/01/2022* 09/01/2023 06/30/2027 Carla Radzikinas Republican 04/04/2016* 09/01/2021 08/31/2025 Debbie Stair** Democratic 03/04/2025* 09/01/2001 08/31/2025 **Dan Thalimer submitted his official resignation on November 14, 2024. It was officially accepted by the Board of Commissioner's during their November 21, 2024 meeting. Debbie Stair is scheduled to be sworn in during today's BRE meeting. *Filled the unexpired term of outgoing member Staff Current filled staff/positions: 11 full-time (2 unfilled) and 5 part-time (1 unfilled). Legislation pending/approved bills)/Change to Election Code/State Election Board (SEB) As of February 28, the following bills relating to elections and/or voter registration have dropped during this year's legislative session: HB 633-adds caregivers to list of persons who may submit an abs ballot application for certain electors, HB 661-qualifications for and registration of voters, SB 303-state-wide uniform system of voting equipment, SB 177-related to government transparency and campaign finance, SB 175-prohibits ranked-choice voting, HB 502-preferential treatment to voters with young children, HB 503-SEB may only adopt rules in odd-unnumbered years, HB 480-permanent absentee voter list, HB 481-revises dates when special elections can be held, HB 501-removal of certain SEB members, SB 199-State Ethics Commission shall not accept or reject complaints made against candidates 60 days prior to an election, HB 40-the SOS shall serve as the chairperson of the SEB, SB 214-to provide for casting physical absentee on-request ballots during in-person voting, HB 215-Voter List Integrity Act (removal of SOS from ERIC and other related list maintenance activities), HB 604-authorizes manual recounts, HB 324-perferential treatment during in person voting to certain voters, SB 270-limitations to effective dates of SEB rules, HB 397-municipalities to opt-in to Saturday voting days during municipal elections, SB 271-permanent absentee voter list, HB 414- definition of person' as it relates to government transparency and campaign finance, SB 274-same-day voter registration, HB 426-nonpartisan election of magistrates, SB 14-nonpartisan election of district attorneys and solicitor-generals, and SB 15-provides local legislation for nonpartisan elections for county government authorities. Thursday, March 6, 2025 is cross-over day. Election Information 2025 Election Dates (dates calculated internally based on HB 1312 2024 legislation) Tuesday,June 17, 2025: Special Primary for the Public Service Commissioner (PSC) District 2 and 3 Candidate Qualifying: April 1 through April 3, 2025 (11th week prior to the special primary; duration=2 %2 days) Advance Voting: Tuesday, 05/27-Friday, 06/13/25 (no voting on Monday, 05/26/25 in observance of Memorial Day holiday) Tuesday, July 15, 2025: possible Primary Runoff date, if needed Tuesday, November 4, 2025: City of Cumming Municipal General Election Mayor, City Council Post 1 (Crane) and Post 2 (Evans) Candidate Qualifying: week of August 18 (minimum of 3 days) Tuesday, November 4, 2025: General Election for PSC, District 2 and 3 ) Advance Voting: Tuesday, 10/14-Friday, 10/31/25 (no voting on Monday, 10/13/25 due to the state observed Columbus Day holiday) Tuesday, December 2, 2025: General Election Runoff date, if needed Candidate Qualifying Candidate qualifying for the Public Service Commission Districts 2 and 3 has been set for April 1 (9:00 a.m.) through April 3, 2025 (noon). Qualifying for these contests will take place with the Secretary of State's Office. Candidate qualifying for the City of Cumming Municipal General Election has been set for Monday, August 18 through Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Qualifying hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-131 (a)(1), qualifying fees were set by the City Council at their January 21, 2025 meeting. There are three contests up for election in 2025: Mayor, City Council Post 1 (Crane) and City Council Post 2 (Evans). Qualifying for these contests will take place with the Cumming City Clerk. Polling Places and Precincts and Redistricting All polling places have been notified of the 2025 election calendar. As was discussed in last month's meeting, Sharon Springs Park Community Building is no longer available to serve as a polling place during the renovations at the park. it is estimated that the facility will not be available for at least 14 to 24 months. The project has not been posted for bid yet and it is also unknown how and when the renovations will impact the potential use of Sexton Hall Senior Center as a polling place. Staff are currently reviewing annexations that have taken place by the City of Cumming since 2023. The City of Cumming voting precinct lines will need to be updated prior to their November General Election to accommodate any changes that have occurred. Department of Parks and Recreation As noted above, Sharon Springs Park Community Building along with Sexton Hall Senior Center and the entire park complex are undergoing renovations and construction that are expected to be underway for 2+ years. Ethics Reporting / Candidate Qualifying Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports (CCDR): Reports due following the State Ethics Commission's: schedule. In 2025, candidates and elected officials will follow the Non-Election Year schedule. 2025 CCDR Due Dates-Non-Flection Year June 30 five-business day grace period December 31 five-business day grace period 2025 PFDS Filing Period: Non-Election Year January 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025 Personal Finance Disclosure Statements (PFDS) are financial reports for the previous calendar year. PFDSS do not have a grace period. Open Records Request(s) (ORR) Number in parenthesis indicates the number from the same month last year # received b/w 02/01/2025 - 02/28/2025 6 (6) 2025 Cumulative 8 2024 Cumulative 55 2023 Cumulative 51 2022 Cumulative 109 2021 Cumulative 48 Budget / Finance The Finance Department has scheduled budget training sessions in March. The estimated schedule for first presenting the department's budget to the Finance Budget Team is in late April. Voter Registration Voter Registration Statistics by Status: As of March 4, 2025 Countywide Total registered voters: 186,413 (178,518) Active voters: 171,839 (161,758) Inactive voters: 14,574 (16,760) City of Cumming Total registered voters: 4,894 (4,379) Active voters: 4,500 (3,923) Inactive voters: 394 (456) Pending voters Total: 748 Pending age 154 Pending verification 54 Pending missing/incomplete/incorrect information 207 Pending citizenship 333 Challenged voters Total: 33 Felon 33 Voter challenge 0 Cancelled voters Total: 205 Deceased 141 Felon 0 Hearing 0 Mentally Incompetent 0 Moved out of county Not available Moved out of state 60 No Activity for 2 General Election cycles 0 Not verified 0 Voter requested 4 Notes: **An MOC report is not currently available in GARViS. Voter Registration Activities Routine voter registration processing and list maintenance activities are ongoing. Voter Challenges The voter challenge pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-229 submitted by Stansilaw Debczynski on Sunday, September 22, 2024 was withdrawn by the challenger via email on February 7, 2025. In the December 2024 regular monthly meeting, the BRE voted to set the date for those voter challenges that were submitted pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-230 for the November 2024 General Election and were upheld by the BRE for March 4, 2025. There are three challenges applicable and they appear on today's BRE agenda. Additionally, the BRE voted to set the date for any voter challenges submitted by February 7, 2025 for March 4, 2025. To date, no additional voter challenges have been submitted. Election Equipment / Supplies Routine charging and inventory of the touchscreens and printers are complete. Routine charging and inventory of ballot scanners, UPS units, and Poll Pads are ongoing. S&T/Software/Hardware Building Update The generator for the building is currently not operational. According to Public Facilities they are currently waiting on quotes for the repairs to the radiator. As of an update on March 3, Public Facilities is waiting on replacement parts which are estimated to arrive in 4 to 61 weeks. Public Facilities has been advised of the 2025 election calendar. Disaster Recovery Training/Outreach The Director and three Supervisors attended a Regional Meeting in Cherokee County with other counties in our region. Also in attendance was Blake Evans, the Elections Director for the Secretary of State's office and David Greenwalt, the Southeast Election Director for KNOWINK. The Director, Assistant to the Director, and three supervisors attended a PCard training hosted by the Procurement Department. Staff is in the process of updating poll worker training materials for the 2025 election cycle. Calendar for Poll Worker and Outreach Upcoming Events Communications Department web page views: 1,173 Press releases issued: 0 Social media posts: 0 Billboard messages: 0 Calendar of Upcoming Events 2025 March 4 BRE regular monthly meeting April 1 BRE regular monthly meeting May 6 BRE regular monthly meeting May 26 Memorial Day; county holiday; offices closed T,5/27-F,6 6/13 Advance Voting for the 06/17 Special Primary (includes Sat: 05/31 & 06/07, & Sun: 06/01) June 3 BRE regular monthly meeting (meeting to be held in CMR at. Admin Bldg) 06/17 Special Primary Election Day F, 06/20 Pre-Certification meeting M, 06/23 Certification meeting July 1 BRE regular monthly meeting July 4 Independence Day; county holiday; offices closed M, 07/07-F, 07/11 Advance Voting for the 07/15 Special Primary Runoff, if needed T, 07/15 Special Primary Runoff Election Day, if needed F, 07/18 Pre-Certification meeting M, 07/21 Certification meeting August 5 BRE regular monthly meeting September 1 Labor Day; county holiday; offices closed September 2 BRE regular monthly meeting October 7 BRE regular monthly meeting T, 10/14-F, 10/31 Advance Voting - 11/04 General Election & Special Election (includes Sat: 10/18 & 10/25 & Sun: 10/12) November 4 General Election Election Day F, 11/07 Pre-Certification Meeting November 10 BRE regular monthly meeting (Monday) M, 11/10 Certification Meeting (to be held in conjunction w/the regular monthly BRE meeting) November 11 Veteran's Day; county holiday; offices closed M, 11/24-W, 11/26 Advance Voting for the 12/02 General/Special Runoff, if needed November 27 & 28 Thanksgiving: county holiday; offices closed December 2 General Election Runoff Election Day, if needed F, 12/05 Per-Certification meeting for 12/02 Runoff, if needed December 8 BRE regular monthly meeting (Monday) M, 12/08 Certification meeting, if needed (to be held in conjunction with the regular monthly BRE meeting) December 24 & 25 Christmas; county holiday; offices closed (Wednesday & Thursday) Respectfully Submitted, Mandi Smith Director, Voter Registrations & Elections XI. Hearings Pursuant to Georgia Election Code O.C.G.A. 21-2-229 Previously Considered Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-230 A. Hear challenges to the qualification of voters and their eligibility to vote pursuant to Georgia Election Code O.C.G.A. 21-2-229 = February 26, 2024 Clavijo Challenge = 10 names on the list (challenges pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-230 previously upheld on March 5, 2024) Challenger Clavijo was present. He stated he did not present any new evidence and does not personally know anyone on the list. He said he researched inactive voters to see if they were registered to vote in another state. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Chairman Luth made a motion to submit into the minutes the list of challenged voters and evidence with the additional information provided by staff. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Natt asked Challenger Clavijo if he had been paid to submit his challenge. Challenger Clavijo stated he was not paid. Secretary Tucker with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to dismiss from the challenge voter #1 Carolyn Harding. Motion failed 2-3 (Luth, Natt and Radzikinas opposed). Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Chairman Luth made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #1 Carolyn Harding. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #2 Christian Bohnstedt. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #3 Karl Bohnstedt, Jr. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #4 Anand Purohit. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #5 Heidi Shafer. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #6 Brady Yeater. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #7 Richard Mancine. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #8 Mark Stomp. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #9 Beth Gonzalez. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #10 Jorge Gonzalez. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). B. Hear challenges to the qualification of voters and their eligibility to vote pursuant to Georgia Election Code O.C.G.A. 21-2-229 = June 6, 2024 Moyers Challenge - 13 names on the list (challenges pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-230 previously upheld on July 2, 2024) Challenger Moyers was present. He stated he did not present any new evidence and does not personally know anyone on the list. He said he researched who sold property in Forsyth County and then researched if they purchased property in another state or were registered to vote in another state. Secretary Tucker asked Challenger Moyers if he was 100% sure the people are the same as those presented with evidence on the challenged list. Challenger Moyers stated he is not 100% sure. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to submit into the minutes the list of challenged voters and evidence with the additional information provided by staff. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Natt asked Challenger Moyers if he had been paid to submit his challenge. Challenger Moyers stated he was not paid. Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #1 Michael Cohee. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #2 James Garrison. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #3 David Hill. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #4 Candace Hudson. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #5 Joshua Hudson. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #6 Eric McCoy. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #7 John Morrell. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #8 Kay Morrell. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #9 Craig Samples. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #10 Jason Scanlon. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #11 Ankur Trivedi. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #12 Tejal Trivedi. Motion carried 3- 2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #13 Brian Zavitz. Motion carried 3- 2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). C. Hear challenges to the qualification of voters and their eligibility to vote pursuant to Georgia Election Code O.C.G.A. 21-2-229 = August 30, 2024 Bartelski Challenge - 5 names on the list (challenges pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-230 previously upheld on September 16, 2024) Challenger Bartelski was present. He said the names on the challenge came from the NCOA list and then he looked for further evidence they were no longer residing in Forsyth County. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to submit into the minutes the list of challenged voters and evidence with the additional information provided by staff. Motion carried unanimously. Director Smith stated the current residents brought in the challenged letters of the first two voters on the list and stated they did not live at that address. Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #1 Dennis Nowik. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Luth with a second from Vice Chairman Natt made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #2 Mavis Nowik. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #3 James Burns. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). Chairman Luth with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to uphold the challenge and remove from the rolls voter #4 Erin Lamaitis. Motion carried 3-2 (Stair and Tucker opposed). The Board discussed the timeline of registrations for voter #5 Bob Horton. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to postpone the hearing for voter #5 Bob Horton until the April 1, 2025 regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously. XII. Recess Regular Meeting Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Assistant Secretary Radzikinas made a motion to recess at 10:31 a.m. for 15 minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved from VI. A. Executive Session The Board entered into Executive Session at 10:45 a.m. Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Member Stair made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session at 11:14 a.m. and call the regular meeting back to order. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Natt stated the Board received a legal briefing and there were no votes taken. Vice Chairman Natt asked Director Smith if we got in writing the Advance Voting Agreement from the City of Cumming. Director Smith stated we did have the agreement in writing. XIII. Adjournment Vice Chairman Natt with a second from Secretary Tucker made a motion to adjourn at 11:16 a.m. Motion carried unanimously. The above and foregoing minutes are hereby certified as being correct and ordered recorded. Today's Date: April 1, 2025 Bsh Barbara Luth, Chairman doel E. Natt, Vice Chairman Iucha Anita Tucker, Secretary aibu - L Carla Radzikinas, Assistant Secretary Dabonh tain Deborah Stair, Member