Candidates Ask State To Take Control Of Rockingham County Board Of Elections

A group of political candidates has asked state officials to take over the Rockingham County Board of Elections, following the dismissal of a deputy director.

A mostly Democratic alliance of candidates signed a letter requesting the state take “immediate control” of the county's elections board, saying it's not adequately staffed to run a “fair and trusted” election.

The News & Record reports the Rockingham County board last week dismissed senior deputy director Amy Simpson, further weakening an already short-staffed office.

The decision to oust Simpson, a Democrat, was voted on following a closed session discussion. Board members have not commented on the reason for her dismissal.

The legality of that 4-1 vote was questioned by six of the county's Democratic candidates and one Libertarian.