State Board Rules On Guilford, Watauga Election Disputes

The State Board of Elections has approved two area early voting plans that were passed, despite objections from opponents who wanted more options.

In Guilford County, the state board ruled out Sunday early voting for this year's municipal elections.

The majority of the Guilford board had argued against an early voting calendar that included opening the polls on Oct. 25. But the vote wasn't unanimous, which sent the decision to the state board.

Guilford has never had Sunday early voting for municipal elections. Early voting begins Oct. 22.

In Watauga County, the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone had both requested early voting sites. But again the state board sided with the majority of the Watauga board, who said the additional sites weren't needed.

Boone had asked for a site at the student union on the campus of Appalachian State University. That site was also controversial in the 2014 election.

The dispute went through three courts in the final week leading up to the start of early voting before it was finally approved by the state supreme court.