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Rockingham County elections board swears in members, schedules special meeting after state issues rules
Summary
At its July 22 meeting in Reidsville, the Rockingham County Board of Elections administered oaths to four members and announced a special called meeting to address recently issued state rules; no details on the rules were provided in the meeting.
Rockingham County Board of Elections members were sworn into office and the board announced a special called meeting to respond to newly issued state rules during a July 22, 2025 meeting at the Rockingham County Governmental Center in Reidsville.
The board swore in four members in a public ceremony administered by Abner Bullen, Clerk of Superior Court. The members sworn were Dawn Powell (chair), Dr. Bert Jones, Ophelia Wright and Thurman Hampton. Director Paula (last name not provided in the transcript) and family members attended; a fourth-grade student, Adrianne Neal of Wentworth Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The oath each member recited included language to “support the Constitution of the United States” and to “bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina,” and to execute the duties of their office “to the best of your knowledge and ability,” followed by the customary “so help you God.” After the swearing-in and brief board remarks, the board adjourned on a motion that was seconded and accepted by voice vote.
Why it matters: the board said it will hold a special called meeting to address rules the state issued “yesterday,” a development the chair said requires prompt consideration by the county elections staff and board. The meeting did not include details about the state rules, and the board said the date for the special meeting would be announced on social media.
Board members used their remarks to express commitment to administering “free and fair elections.” Dr. Bert Jones said, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve,” and emphasized the county’s role in providing free and fair elections. Ophelia Wright welcomed the new chair, saying she would “hand over the reins” and looks forward to continuing work with the board.
The chair told those present that the state had issued rules the previous day and that the board would schedule a special called meeting to address them before the board’s next regularly referenced meeting date. The chair said staff will publicize the special meeting date on social media; no written rule text, citation, or formal board action on the rules was provided at the July 22 meeting.
Formal actions taken at the meeting were limited to the administration of oaths for the named members and a motion to adjourn. No votes on policies, budgets, contracts or changes to election procedures took place during the session.
The board did not provide further specifics about the state rules at the meeting. Members and the director said the public would be notified about the special called meeting and any subsequent agenda items once staff and the board have had time to review the state guidance.
