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Lincoln County votes to remove election judge; commissioners call for clearer rules on neutrality
Summary
After reports of social-media posts and other conduct, Lincoln County commissioners voted to remove an election judge and discussed the need for clear, consistent standards and written policy governing judges' conduct and removal.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted May 27 to remove a contracted election judge after county elections staff reported social-media posts and other comments that officials said jeopardized the appearance of neutrality. Commissioners said they had received allegations about additional judges and asked elections staff to forward documentation to support any further removals.
"When you're in that position, it's the perception being in that position," one commissioner said, urging consistent treatment and adherence to county policy. The county elections official said the office had received multiple reports and asked the board to treat other cases consistently if they proceed. A human-resources commenter at the meeting recommended clear progressive-discipline language and warned that removal without documented policy and prior notice could create legal risk.
Commissioners and staff discussed legal distinctions between appointed county employees and contracted election judges, noting some judges now work under contract and may not fall under the county personnel policy. The board instructed elections staff to provide evidence for other alleged incidents and directed the clerk and county attorney to advise on the legal authority and process for removal. The motion to remove the named judge passed; commissioners said they would parcel out any additional actions after receiving documentation and legal guidance.
No names of the removed judge were read in open session; the board instructed staff to notify the affected individual and to return to the board with any further cases for legal review.
