by Leah Justice

Polk County officially has a permanent board of elections director as the state approved the county board’s nomination of Karen Lawrence to the position.

Lawrence replaces former director Tracy Waters, who resigned in August.

Polk County Board of Election Chair David Moore received a letter on Friday, Sept. 5 from Kim Westbrook Strach, North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director acknowledging Lawrence’s appointment.

“This letter acknowledges receipt of the Polk County Board of Elections’ nomination of Karen Jackson Lawrence to serve as Director of Elections in Polk County, effective immediately,” Strach said in her letter. “Consistent with my responsibility under N.C. General Statute 163.35 (a) and (b), I approve the appointment. Ms. Lawrence has valuable elections experience that I know will serve her and your county well.”

The county board of elections recommended Lawrence to be the permanent director last Tuesday, Sept. 2 following a special meeting. The board has been holding special meetings since Waters’ resignation to decide on a replacement.

Lawrence was the Polk County Elections Deputy Director since 2004. Moore said following the board’s recommendation her recommendation was based on Lawrence’s experience in elections.

This year’s general election will be held on Nov. 4 with early voting beginning on Oct. 23 and ending on Saturday, Nov. 2 in three locations- the Polk County Board of Elections office in Columbus, the Green Creek Fire Department and the Mill Spring Fire Department.

For more information regarding this year’s election visit the Polk County Election website found at www.polknc.org.