Jackson Election Commission Searching For New Administrator

Jackson County is searching for a new elections administrator.

Clay Thaxton left the position for a new job opportunity after eight years in the role. Election Commission Chair Jim Pappas said applications are due by noon Wednesday at the county courthouse.

“We would like to have somebody that has pretty near the same qualifications that we currently have,” Pappas said. “The commission is going to meet on the 22nd, and we are going to go over our itinerary of candidate reviews.”

Pappas said an upcoming election year and possible redistricting makes finding the right candidate an important task. Pappas said the commission will set a time frame to fill the role after the Thursday meeting.

“Everything is going to be fair and above board as it should be,” Pappas said. “Everybody has a chance at it. Since it is a county position, we want it to be open for everybody.”

Pappas said the administrator would have a plethora of duties such as submitting election results and setting up election sites. So far, seven have applied to the position, Pappas said.

“They coordinate with the state election commission,” Pappas said. “They make sure all the equipment is working correctly in conjunction with the election equipment vendors. They maintain voter roles and coordinate that with the state commission, also. They report daily to the state of all activities going on in the office also.”