By Jared Putnam
Staff Writer
The Hayesville mayoral and town council elections are shaping up to be light on campaigning this fall. Each of the four outcomes appear to be little more than a formality, as the July 16 filing deadline passed with only one candidate running for each position.
Councilman Joe Slaton was the lone candidate to file for mayor, while council members Austin Hedden and Lauren Tiger filed to retain their current seats. Outgoing mayor Harry Baughn, who is finishing his second term in the position, filed for Slaton's open council seat.
Baughn endorsed Slaton's candidacy for mayor during the May town council meeting.
"I'm throwing my weight and support behind Mr. Joe Slaton, who's been our mayor pro tem to fill in when I was absent," Baughn said. "I'm very thankful and I think he's been doing a fantastic job and I definitely want to throw my support behind him."
Voters will still have the option to write in other candidates. Hayesville residents who want to register to vote may do so until 25 days before the Nov. 2 election.
The Clay County Board of Elections will occupy a new office space as of Thursday, July 22. The BOE will be located at 75 Riverside Circle, downstairs in the Clay County Community Services Building. Call (828) 389-6812 for details or visit: www.claycountyboardofelections.com.
The State Board of Elections recently appointed four members to all 100 county boards of elections — the latest class of elections officials working to administer and safeguard elections.
“We are happy to welcome new members to North Carolina’s elections team,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board. “Together, we will continue to ensure that our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that every eligible vote counts.”
In Clay County, members appointed were Republicans Paul Rohs and Robert Penland and Democrats Aaron Martin and Kayla Youngblood-Stillwell. On Monday, the governor’s office confirmed Jerry Anderson has been named chairman of the Clay County Board of Elections.
The State Board appoints four members — two from each leading party — to the county boards of elections. Gov. Roy Cooper appoints the fifth member, who will serve as chair. Board members serve two-year terms, which expire in July 2023.
The state chairs of the Democratic and Republican parties recommended three registered voters in each county for appointment. The State Board appointed two of those individuals from each party. Each appointment is contingent on the nominee having properly completed an application and agreeing not to engage in prohibited political speech while serving on the county board.