AGENDA DATE: 4/2/2025
TITLE:
Title
Proposed Change of the Branchlands Polling Place Location
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule a public hearing and seek public comment and a certification of no objection from the Virginia Attorney General on an ordinance to establish the Harvest Church of God as the polling place for the Branchlands Precinct in the Rio Magisterial District
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Eddy, Davis
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Virginia Code § 24.2-307 requires that the Board of Supervisors establish polling places by ordinance. County Code § 2-101(E) currently establishes the Hillsdale Conference Center as the polling place for the Branchlands Precinct in the Rio Magisterial District. The owners of the Hillsdale Conference Center informed the General Registrar and the Albemarle County Electoral Board in November 2024 that their facility could no longer be used as a polling place.
In addition, Virginia Code § 24.2-129 requires that prior to moving a polling place, the governing body solicit public comment on the proposed change for at least 30 days or obtain a certification of no objection from the Virginia Attorney General.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: The Albemarle County Electoral Board investigated many polling place locations for the Branchlands Precinct and recommends that the polling place be relocated to the Harvest Church of God at 1025 Rio Red East. The Church meets all of the Code and convenience requirements and has agreed to serve as a polling place. The attached map (Attachment A) shows the former Hillsdale Conference Center location and the proposed new Harvest Church of God location.
The County Attorney has prepared a proposed ordinance (Attachment B) for the Board’s consideration to reflect this polling place change. The County Attorney has also prepared a proposed resolution (Attachment C) that would also direct staff to both solicit public comment on the proposed change and seek a certification of no objection from the Virginia Attorney General, pursuant to Virginia Code § 24.2-129.
BUDGET IMPACT: The adoption of the proposed ordinance would have minimal budget impact, as new voter notices would be generated and mailed by the Voter Registration and Elections staff and would not need to be outsourced.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment C) both:
a) to schedule a public hearing on May 7 to consider the adoption of the proposed ordinance (Attachment B);
b) to direct staff to solicit public comment on the proposed change for at least 30 days; and
c) to direct staff to seek a certification of no objection from the Virginia Attorney General.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Map
B - Proposed Ordinance
C - Proposed Resolution