February 7, 2008

MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland

In Attendance:

Board Members:

Samuel Statland, President

Nancy Dacek, Secretary John Sullivan

Jerrold Garson

Lucia Nazarian

Staff:

Margaret Jurgensen, Director

Sara Harris, Deputy Election Director

Betty Ann Lucey, Registration Manager

Paul Valette, Operations Manager

Marjorie Roher, Administrative Specialist

Renee Adams, Election Aide

Mr. Statland called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

Letter to 17 Year Olds

Mr. Statland reported that a letter is being sent to 17 year olds explaining that if the individual is a registered voter, they are entitled to vote in the Primary Elections if they will be turning 18 by the General Election. Mr. Statland announced that he contacted the Board of Education about publicizing this matter on the P A systems so that 17 year olds are aware that they can vote. Mr. Statland reported that the Board of Education had agreed to make an announcement. Ms. Jurgensen distributed the letter for review and asked the Board for a motion to approve mailing it. A motion was made by Mrs. Dacek to approve mailing the letter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garson and carried unanimously.

Electioneering Signs

Ms. Jurgensen distributed maps showing electioneering boundaries to the Board for review. A motion was made by Mrs. Dacek to approve the electioneering sign maps as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garson and carried unanimously.

Tabulation of Canvass Results

Ms. Jurgensen reported that she participated in an emergency conference call with Linda Lamone, Rob Goldstein, Paul Almirer, Natasha Walker, and Kathy Smothers of Premier. She stated that they are going to send the instructions for the tabulation of optical scan ballots by Congressional District. Ms. Jurgensen explained that the number of optical scanners will be divided by Congressional District in the basement of Board of Elections; noting that one unit would be labeled Congressional District 4, two units will be labeled Congressional District 8, and one unit will be Congressional District 6. Ms. Jurgensen further explained that once scanning is completed, the reports will be uploaded to the server and printed by congressional district, and that information will be faxed to the State Board of Elections. Mr. Sullivan addressed Ms. Jurgensen about the break-down of votes and noted that he would not feel comfortable certifying votes unless they are broken down by Congressional District. Ms. Jurgensen responded that she is not able to give him an answer until the instructions are received from the State. A motion was made by Mr. Garson to separate the absentee 1, provisional, and absentee 2 ballots by the three congressional districts in Montgomery County and, further, that the Board of Canvassers tabulate the votes using a different scanner for each of the congressional districts 4, 6, and 8, thereby producing the State Board Elections required report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan.

A motion was made by Mrs. Dacek to table discussion until further direction is received from the State Board of Elections. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan and carried unanimously.

Election Judge Appointments

Ms. Jurgensen submitted a list of Election Judge Appointments to the Board for review. A motion was made by Mrs. Dacek to approve the Election Judge Appointments as listed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garson and carried unanimously.

Polling Place Review

Mr. Statland asked for a motion to approve target precinct locations. A motion was made by Mrs. Dacek to approve target precincts. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan and carried unanimously. Ms. Jurgensen stated that Board members will receive various locations to visit to verify that judges are performing their duties according to Maryland Law. Ms. Jurgensen distributed checklists that Board members may utilize at polling places. She briefly explained what members should look for noting that they are to introduce themselves to chief judges, check for signs in both languages, look at provisional postings and applications for signatures, and thank judges for their efforts while emphasizing that their job is to enable people to vote. Mrs. Harris noted that members should advise judges that the provisional ballot application has to be signed by voters in two places.

Media Schedule

Ms. Roher stated there are no media assignments at this time. She provided the Board with her contact information and noted that she will be in her office by 4:30 a.m. on Election Day. Ms. Roher reminded the Board to have their cell phones charged and on so she can contact them if needed by 6:00 a.m. She noted problems in the past with reaching Board members when they were needed. Ms. Roher stated that the only item currently on the calendar is the swearing in of the Board of Canvassers at 10:00 a.m. on Election Day, and suggested that they arrive at 9:30 a.m. Ms. Roher then documented the locations where Board members would be on Election Day.

Future Meetings

1. March 17, 2008
2. April 21, 2008
3. May 6-8 MAEO Conference, Ocean City
4. May 19, 2008
5. June 16, 2008
6. July 21, 2008
7. August 18, 2008 – Tentative
8. September 15, 2008
9. October 20, 2008
10. October 30, 2008 – Supply Inspection-Time TBD
11. November 4, 2008 – Election Day
12. November 6, 2008 – 10:00 a.m. – Provisional Canvass Begins
13. November 10, 2008 – 10:00 a.m. – Provisional Canvass Begins
14. November 13, 2008 – 10:00 a.m. – Overseas Absentee canvass Begins

T. December 14, 2008 – Tentative

Adjournment

With no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Garson to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan and carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 3:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marjorie M. Roher

Administrative Specialist

APPROVED BY THE BOARD:

Samuel L. Statland

Board President