It is an end of an era. Joanie Weeks, executive director for Swain County Board of Elections Office, retired this week after 37 years serving in the role.
On Monday evening, board members took the opportunity to thank Weeks for her time with the county.
“In all the years I’ve known her, we’ve not always seen eye to eye,” said John Herrin, who has served on the BOE for many years. “But, I cannot remember a more loyal person than Mrs. Weeks. I want to express the deepest appreciate from this board.”
Chuck McMahan, who actually went to high school with Weeks and is currently serving his second term on the board and as chairman, added his thanks as well.
“I hate to see you go. I believe we have a capable replacement. You’ve been a blessing to the county and have helped this county run fair elections for a long time. I’m happy for you, and I wish you success,” he said.
Weeks, in turn, thanked the board.
“I want to thank ya’ll as a sitting board,” Weeks said Monday evening. “You can sit down and work together as a team and that’s a great example for this state and for this country.”
Weeks has a list of projects at home she’s been planning on that are sure to keep her busy in her retirement.
“I’ve had such great people to work with over the years, the people I’ve served with and the people who have worked here,” Weeks said. She added that she’s grateful for the many poll workers and even the voters who she’s gotten the opportunity to serve and work with over her 37 years.
“When you’re appointed this job, you’re here to serve the people,” she said, adding that any political views you might have don’t enter into the equation. Plus, you have to enjoy working with the public.
On the approach to her retirement, Weeks had to negotiate the details of some of her retirement benefits, which led to a dispute and lawsuit against Swain County and the Commissioners. Following an appeal by the county, Weeks settled in the case in February in appeals court.
The county held a small reception at the administration building for Weeks on Wednesday afternoon after press time.
Allman named new director
The past few years have been among the most challenging time to work in an elections office, as elections offices across the state have seen so many changes come down the pipe. This fall’s election could be the most challenging of all as departments adjust to serve the needs of the voters during a widespread public health crisis.
On Monday evening, the elections board first named Judy Weeks, who has served as deputy director for many years, to serve as the interim director.
Questions over the salary led to a closed session discussion for about 20 minutes.
When the board returned in open session, they unanimously approved naming Allman as the new executive director for the elections office pending State Board of Elections approval.
They will begin advertising for the deputy director position, and quickly switched gears Monday evening to discuss plans for this fall’s election.
2020 General Election
The board approved a one-stop plan with hours being Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with the exception of the last Saturday, which will have the hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
The locations for one-stop will be Board of Elections Office and Birdtown Community Center.
“We’ll need more people this election. It’s going to take a lot more people,” Weeks told the board.
Those working at the polls will have to balance meeting the needs of the public during a public health crisis. That means offering more curbside service and more mail in ballots.
According to Allman, the office has already received 90 absentee ballot requests.
“Everybody has a right to vote in whatever way they’re comfortable with,” Weeks said.