Fayette County; board of elections; revise composition

New rules for Fayette County election board

The law sets Fayette County’s election board at five members. Each must live in the county, be an eligible county voter, and be at least 21. County leaders appoint four members from party nominees, with two seats for each of the two leading parties. Party rankings depend on statewide votes for General Assembly candidates in the most recent general election. County party chairs nominate candidates, and their county executive committees approve them. The nominations must be certified through an affidavit filed with county leaders. County leaders appoint the fifth member without a party nomination and certify appointments to the superior court clerk. For the fifth seat, selection must start at least 30 days before the term begins or within 30 days after a vacancy. Certification is due at least 20 days before the member takes office. It must include the member’s name, home address, and confirmation of proper selection and appointment. If required party nominations are missing, county leaders must appoint the fifth member immediately and certify within five days. Regular terms last four years and start February 1 after the prior term ends. Members remain until their appointed successors qualify. Current members finish their terms. The current county-selected member’s successor comes through the party-nomination process. As a special starting rule, the initial fourth and fifth members also come from party nominations, one from each party. Their terms end January 31, 2028. The law takes effect upon the Governor’s approval, or upon becoming law when approval is not required.