Over the past five years in North Carolina, there have been nearly 60 changes in leadership at county boards of election. Low pay, harassment, and increased security responsibilities are just some of the contributing factors to the high turnover.
Surry County Director Michella Huff has weathered the storm. And she says a recent hire — bringing her staff total to five full-time employees — has left them in a good place heading into November’s general election.
Last month, Surry County Commissioners approved the new hire for the Board of Elections office by a 3-2 vote. The goal is to help cover added responsibilities brought about by new legislation. Making voter IDs for folks without a driver’s license or photo identification; updating training information; and new procedures for processing absentee by mail ballots — all of these additional steps take time and resources.
Director Michella Huff says although they're now well positioned for the upcoming general election in November, challenges remain. Much of her time is still spent addressing the concerns of local election deniers in this red county.
"We all want people to trust us, and to trust the process," says Huff. "But it’s becoming more the norm that they do not. And that’s hard when you give it your all and you give it 110%, but in the end, a majority of your population or your demographic still doesn’t believe or trust the process."
Another focus for the new hire will be educating people throughout the community about election procedures. Surry County's second primary election takes place on May 14.