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Residents and board members press Anson County commissioners over Board of Elections firings, hires and office closure
Summary
Public commenters and a Board of Elections member alleged that the election director and assistant were removed and replacements hired without public votes or standard hiring steps; commissioners debated securing the elections office and asked the state board to investigate. The county set the incoming salaries at previously budgeted levels while asking for clarity from state officials.
A heated public-comments period at an Anson County Board of Commissioners meeting centered on allegations that the county's Board of Elections mishandled staffing changes and that county officials secured the elections office without adequate notice.
Multiple residents and a member of the local Board of Elections raised procedural and transparency concerns. Ross Streeter, who identified himself as serving on the Board of Elections, said two employees had been terminated and that at least two newly hired people were brought in without public job postings, formal applications or standard pre-employment screenings. "There was no public vote for his dismissal," Streeter said of the assistant director's removal, and he asked the board to explain how hires were made and why interview panels excluded some members.
Several public speakers called for an independent review. "We are here to ask for clarity," Judy Little said, urging the commissioners to "conduct a full and transparent review" into the handling of the elections office. Charles Holly pressed the board to avoid conflicts of interest in appointments and to ensure consistent processes.
Commissioners discussed the county manager's decision to secure the Board of Elections building after staff were suspended. County Manager (speaker 14) said he arranged IT and security checks after receiving concerns that personal information at the office might be at risk. Several commissioners said they had not been notified in advance and demanded better communication.
The board also confronted payroll and onboarding issues. HR Manager Lynn Ingram (speaker 8) reported that the prior director's annual salary was $62,263.50 and the assistant's $43,387.50; the State Board of Elections had recommended a higher pay rate, but Ingram said the Board of Elections had informed the county it was not requesting additional funding. Commissioners voted to set the incoming director's starting salary at $62,263.50 and the assistant at $43,387.50, consistent with the county budget. "If those positions need more funds, they must come to us," one commissioner said during debate.
Several commissioners urged the state Board of Elections to respond in person and investigate the process. Commissioner (speaker 2) said the county should consider pausing onboarding until state officials clarify statutory requirements; the chair said the county will ask the state for a representative to answer questions. The board entered a closed session to consult with counsel before resuming open session and continuing agenda items.
The board did not take any formal action to reinstate or reverse the Board of Elections decisions in open session; instead, commissioners directed staff to seek clarification from state officials and to report back. "Public trust is built when institutions follow their own rules," Judy Little said. The meeting concluded with the board asking for a state response and additional information to ensure continuity of elections services while the matter is resolved.
