The Gwaltney Community Building, located at 2218 Sharpe Mill Road in Hiddenite, has previously served as an election day voting site for this precinct; however, this facility plans on closing at the end of 2023.
“The Gwaltney #1/#2 precinct lies in the northeastern part of Alexander County,” stated Patrick Wike, Alexander County Elections Director. “The rural nature of this part of the county provides a limited number of suitable facilities that can serve as a viable voting site.”
Wike continued, “We are incredibly grateful to all 10 of the facilities that have opened their doors to serve as election day voting sites. Elections would not be possible without the hospitality of each of these facilities that provide a venue for neighbors and members of the community to cast their ballot.”
He said the Board of Elections primarily uses tax-supported buildings as voting places; however, due to Alexander County’s rural nature, finding suitable tax-supported buildings within all 10 precinct boundaries is not always possible. To establish suitable sites, the Board of Elections has had to rely on permission from privately-owned facilities and churches.
An election day site typically entails a three (3) consecutive day commitment. This consists of delivery and setup on the Monday prior to election day, use on Election Day, then time to pick up equipment the day after election day. In 2024, this commitment would entail 6 total days out of the year for the primary election and general election.
Any privately-owned facility or church interested in serving their community as an election day voting site is encouraged to contact the Board of Elections at (828) 632-2990. A privately-owned facility or church may charge a rental fee for the use of its premises as a voting location.