Jesse L. Dowe

This Land Use Plan for Duplin County serves as a comprehensive guide for future long-term physical, social, and economic development over the next twenty years. It addresses key issues through goals and policies across six main themes: housing and neighborhoods, public service and facilities, environmental resources, economic development, transportation, and land use and development. The plan aims to foster sustainable growth, protect natural resources, improve community infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

The Duplin County Board of Elections meeting addressed several key items, including the processing of absentee ballots and the review and acceptance of all 24 ballots. The board discussed early voting plans for the 2026 Primary election, with final plans expected by the State Board of Elections by the end of November or the first week in December. An update was provided on the transition of day-to-day operations to the recently renovated portion of the building. A correction was made regarding the number of counties participating in early voting for municipal elections. The board also noted the number of people who had cast ballots at early voting so far.

The Duplin County Board of Elections meeting included a review and approval of absentee ballots. The board discussed and approved early voting plans for the upcoming Primary election in 2026, deciding to use one early voting site for the Primary and two sites for the General election. The board also approved a specific early voting plan and was informed that 279 voters cast ballots during early voting.

The Duplin County Board of Elections meeting included discussion regarding absentees and upcoming events, specifically an Absentee Board Meeting scheduled for October 28.

The board discussed a proposed resolution to transfer ballot duplication duties for absentees to a multi-partisan team and office staff, but consideration was tabled. The board agreed to cancel the absentee meeting scheduled for September 30 due to no absentees to process. There was a discussion about holding future absentee meetings remotely via phone to acknowledge the absence of absentees, but the board decided to continue holding them in person. The board was informed about upcoming L & A testing on September 25. The board discussed the resignation of legal counsel for the State Board of Elections, Paul Cox. There was also a discussion about the county elections page update process and the possibility of creating a county elections Facebook page.