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Elections director reports 18,229 ballots cast in primary; staff praised for smooth operation
Summary
Rockingham County elections director Paula Seamster reported 10,354 early-voting and 7,875 election-day voters in the 2026 primary, with 97 provisional and 93 absentee-by-mail ballots approved; the board commended staff and noted a packet showing an estimated $7.31 cost per ballot cast.
Paula Seamster, director of the Rockingham County Board of Elections, told members the 2026 primary ran smoothly and provided official counts: 10,354 voters during early voting and 7,875 voters on election day, for a combined 18,229 ballots. The board approved 97 provisional votes and 93 absentee-by-mail ballots.
“Some of the best precinct officials in the state, if not in the nation,” Seamster said, praising precinct officials and staff for their work. She told the board the office had no significant laptop problems on the first day and would update the packet with any recount information.
A board member noted cost figures in the packet and said the combined cost for early voting, election day and recount work out to approximately $7.31 per ballot cast; Seamster said she would include updated recount data in future materials and reminded members the packet is available on the office website under agendas and minutes.
Board members commended Seamster and her staff for managing a heavy turnout for a midterm primary and for accommodating observers during recounts and hearings. Seamster said she will provide more detailed recount information when available.
