We want to commend the Union County Election staff and board for their conscientious handling of our complaint on a long-time practice that violates election regulations. Because of their concern for equitable and fair elections, the issue has been resolved in the manner befitting the community spirit found in a smaller, rural county.

When we became aware that Union County Elections have previously included one particular non-partisan voter guide, to the exclusion of all other non-partisan guides, we provided the elections director and board with a letter outlining our concerns that, (1) the physical presence of such guides violates election regulations, and (2) that the Board of Elections may not distribute or place such guides inside a polling place.

After consideration of our complaint, Union County Elections has removed the voter guides from their official materials for Tuesday’s election.

Individual voters may, of course, take any literature they wish into the polling place, but must remove it when they leave. We encourage all voters to avail themselves to the wide range of voter guides and information produced in order to cast informed ballots.

We believe our stated concerns have been correctly addressed and the Elections Board has reinstituted proper election protocol that assures election integrity throughout Union County.

Carolyn Conner, UCRC Chair