North Carolina State Board Intervenes in Anson County Elections

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has intervened to stabilize operations at the Anson County Board of Elections following the resignation of director Neva Helms. Executive Director Sam Hayes appointed Gerald Poplin, a former Stanly County elections board member, as temporary overseer and deployed additional state and county personnel to the office.

The move follows a period of leadership instability and mismanagement within the county. A previous director, Sherry Melton, was terminated by the state for gross mismanagement, including interfering with a lawful poll observer and failing to follow ballot-handling procedures. Former deputy director Travis Wilson described the office environment as ungovernable and turbulent, citing security lapses involving sensitive campaign finance documents and a tabulation laptop.

Wilson also noted internal conflicts among county commissioners regarding staffing and pay. The state board is now seeking permanent replacements for the director and assistant director roles to ensure the office is prepared to serve voters.