Accomack Supervisors vote to move Rue District polling place

Following a public hearing Wednesday, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously  to relocate the Rue District #502 polling place — a move prompted by several concerns raised by the county’s Electoral Board.

At a meeting on March 19, the Electoral Board formally requested the change, asking that the polling location be moved from Metompkin Elementary School to the Mary Nottingham Smith Cultural Enrichment Center.

According to a February 3 email from Registrar Angel Shrieves, the current setup at Metompkin Elementary poses multiple challenges. The designated voting room is reportedly too small to adequately accommodate voters, equipment, and election officials — even jeopardizing voter privacy.

Additional issues include inconsistent building access points, temperature control problems, and poor cell phone service. Election officials have also reported frequent disruptions by school staff on election days, as well as a general lack of preparedness at the site, despite regular advance notice.

The Board Action initiated a 30-day public comment period, as required by state law. That window opened on April 22 and closed on Wednesday, May 21.

On Wednesday night, the Board held a public hearing on the matter, another step required under Virginia law. No one signed up to speak for or against it and six written comments, all in favor were filed.  An official public notice will now be issued, triggering a 30-day waiting period during which affected individuals may challenge the change in Accomack Circuit Court.