The Rockingham County Board of Elections on Dec. 1 dismissed a protest that challenged city councilman‑elect Paul Dishman’s residency, concluding the protester did not present substantial evidence that Dishman abandoned 515 Church Street in Eden.

Randy Hunt, who filed the protest, argued in opening and closing statements that Dishman had ‘‘abandoned the first domicile’’ and ‘‘lives at 184 Landfill Road’’ rather than at the Church Street address. Hunt introduced city water‑consumption records and other attachments to support his claim; city official Tammy McMichael testified the water records are kept in the ordinary course of business and showed low consumption at 515 Church Street for several billing periods in mid‑to‑late 2025.

Dishman, who testified and submitted 21 exhibits and multiple affidavits, disputed the allegation and provided multiple documents showing 515 Church Street as his address, including a commercial driver’s license, insurance notices, bank and mortgage statements, vehicle title and Social Security paperwork. In closing, Dishman’s attorney Michael Jones told the board, “The record contains absolutely no competent evidence that Mr. Dishman ever abandoned that address,” and urged dismissal.

The board heard live testimony from neighbors and associates who said they had seen Dishman at 515 Church Street, including witnesses who described seeing his vehicle and entering the house for social or repair work. Cindy Adams, who said she has been Dishman’s partner for nearly 15 years and lives at 184 Landfill Road, testified that Dishman “has always loved and lived at 515.” Other witnesses—Keith Owens, John Hutchins, Benny Sexton and Wayne Dunn—testified they had observed Dishman at the Church Street property during afternoons or over many years.

Board attorney Farrell briefed members on the legal standard, telling the board that the burden rests with the protester to present ‘‘substantial evidence’’ that an election was tainted because the winning candidate did not reside in the required precinct. Farrell said residency under North Carolina election law is synonymous with domicile and turns on the person’s intent to make a place a permanent home.

After discussion, a board member moved to dismiss the protest for lack of substantial evidence that Dishman does not reside in Eden Ward 4; the motion was seconded and the board voted to grant the motion. The chair directed that findings of fact be prepared for the record. The board also sustained hearsay objections to social‑media screenshots and held certain GIS screenshots open for later consideration during deliberations.

The board’s action ends the formal protest proceeding; the transcript records the board’s decision and adjournment on Dec. 1.

What happened next: The board directed staff to prepare findings of fact and conclusions to support the dismissal for the record; any appeal would rely on that written record.

Sources: testimony and exhibits presented at the Rockingham County Board of Elections hearing on Dec. 1, 2025.