Union News

The North Carolina Republican Party criticized a state Board of Elections directive to ban policing or private security at the site of polling locations on Election Day.

The Board of Elections decision is based on the intimidation factor law enforcement may create this year.

"If a voting site and county board cannot control a situation at the polls, partnerships and information sharing with local law enforcement are important to ensuring a swift and appropriate response," Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell wrote in a memo, WRAL reported on Oct. 13. "[But] county boards of elections must be mindful that some voters find a law enforcement presence at the polls intimidating."

Republicans have alleged that this is another attempt from Democrats to enact election regulations without legislative approval.

"This anti-law enforcement rule is not only unprecedented in the state of North Carolina but also contrary to common sense and undermines the ability of law enforcement to do their jobs," the Republican Party said in a statement posted on Facebook. "For example, numerous polling sites are located in schools where school resource officers are required to be in uniform as they provide protection for the school children."

The board also issued guidance prohibiting any law enforcement officers from wearing a uniform either on or off duty at any polling location, Union County NC Republicans said in the post.