Henry County committee appoints Benita Harris as at-large member of elections board

The Henry County Board of Elections and Voter Registration Committee appointed Benita Harris as the board's at-large member at a special called meeting held in late May, the committee said.

County Attorney (unnamed) opened the meeting by explaining the purpose: "We're here tonight to appoint the member at large to the Henry County Board of Elections and Voter Registration," and cited section 4 of the local act that vests the county commissioners with responsibility to form the committee for that appointment.

Vice Chair Robinson nominated Benita Harris for the at-large seat; the nomination was seconded and the motion was approved by a majority of committee members, with one commissioner abstaining. Vice Chair Robinson described the nominee as a long-time county resident and registered voter, saying, "She has been living in Henry County for over 20 years. She is a registered voter. She is dedicated to the process of ensuring that everyone has a voice." Robinson also said, "She has recently retired from the CDC." A commissioner who did not vote in favor said, "I abstain because I do have a personal relationship with, miss Harris, and I don't want to, take a vote and for it to be misconstrued by the public." The abstention was recorded in the meeting minutes.

The county attorney read a resolution into the record that described the committee's authority under the local act, stated that the member at-large serves a two-year term, noted that the prior member at-large had declined reappointment, and said that the motion to appoint (named in the resolution as "Bernita Harris") "was approved by a majority of the members of the committee" and "shall be effective immediately upon the adoption." The committee then voted to approve the resolution.

The appointment fills the single at-large seat on the five-member Henry County Board of Elections and Voter Registration; four other members are party-appointed (two Republican, two Democratic) and the at-large member is chosen by the committee under the cited local act. The committee did not provide further details about a swearing-in date or whether additional background checks or paperwork remain outstanding.

The record contains inconsistent spellings for the appointee: the nomination and several speakers used "Benita Harris," while the adopted resolution text spells the name "Bernita Harris." The committee minutes and the resolution read into the record are the official record; anyone seeking clarification should consult the minutes or the county clerk's office.

No additional motions, referrals or directions to staff were recorded during the special-called session; the meeting was then adjourned.