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The Dare County Board of Elections could name a replacement for departing election director Michele Barnes as early as this week. Barnes suddenly resigned from the post on July 24. Although uncertain, a source indicated with the election less than 100 days away, naming an interim replacement is likely.

Barnes initially said only “it was time” regarding the reason she resigned her post, but later released a statement. The written statement sheds little light on her sudden resignation. The statement read, “Over the past five years as Dare County’s Director of Elections, I am proud to have successfully managed Dare County through three municipal elections, four primary elections, two second primary elections and three general elections. I could not have accomplished this without the dedication of my staff and precinct officials. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and wish much success to future elections.”

At the Tuesday, July 28 meeting of the Dare County Board of Elections, Barnes was present as the board added two additional Saturdays to the early voting schedule. Early voting for the November 3 presidential election begins in North Carolina on Thursday, October 15 to Saturday, October 31. The election board added Saturday October 17 and Saturday October 24 to the early voting schedule.

The election board still needs about 60 poll workers to work polling stations during the election. That will become a priority for the election board and new director.

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Dare County elections director resigns