Wyatt Thompson sworn in; Patricia Thurman elected vice chair of Irwin County elections board

The Irwin County Board of Elections & Registrations on Feb. 11 voted to relax its agenda so Republican representative Wyatt Thompson could be sworn in and then elected Patricia Thurman as vice chair.

Supervisor Ethan Compton asked the board to change the agenda to allow Thompson’s swearing-in before other business; Representative Patricia Thurman moved the change and Chairman Waymond Harris seconded. The board approved the motion 2-0, and Thompson was sworn in and became a fully participating board member.

Following the swearing-in, Thompson moved to approve the minutes as presented; Representative Thurman seconded and the minutes were approved 3-0. The board then held the scheduled vote to fill the vacant vice-chair seat left by Vice-Chair Hutchinson’s resignation. Thompson nominated himself and Thurman nominated herself. The vote was tied 1-1 and Chairman Harris broke the tie in favor of Thurman on grounds of seniority; Thurman was elected vice chair 2-1.

Chairman Waymond Harris welcomed Thompson to the board and urged members to set partisanship aside in carrying out their duties, noting the board’s history of frequent turnover and saying experienced, nonpartisan appointments have guided prior leadership selections. The minutes record that Thompson will serve the remainder of the term ending in January 2027.

The meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m.; the board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.