Problems voting at Warren Wilson College

Problems associated with redistricting force students to use provisional ballots.

Posted 7:09 p.m. Nov 5, 2012 — Updated 7:09 p.m. Nov 5, 2012

Mark Binker

RALEIGH, N.C. — For years, the students and faculty of Warren Wilson College voted in the same county commissioner and state legislative districts.

But as the Mountain Express was the first to report, redistricting divided the campus. Now some of those who live in campus find themselves in House District 114, where Democrat Susan Fisher is running unopposed, and House District 115, where Democrat Susan Wilson faces Republican Nathan Ramsey.

Unfortunately, for voters who live on campus, the college's address -- 701 Warren Wilson Road -- isn't specific enough to determine in which district they should vote.

Roughly 1,000 voters who used the campus mailing address have been told they need to supply a more specific location. Many of those voters will case provisional ballots, which means the local Board of Elections will examine them during the vote canvass the week following the election.

According to the State Board of Elections, 85 voters who cast ballots before the issue was caught have been contacted to re-cast their vote. Votes cast during the early voting period can be pulled and spoiled if there is a problem.

"This is part of our failsafe policy," said Gary Bartlett, the state elections director.

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