Submitted by KeungHui to the N&O website http://projects.newsobserver.com/tags/rosa_gill

The executive committee of the Wake County Democratic Party has named Wake school board chairwoman Rosa Gill to fill the state House seat being vacated by Dan Blue.

Gill narrowly defeated Bernard Allen Jr. this evening, picking up 21 votes, one more than needed for the District 33 seat. Gov. Bev Perdue still needs to appoint Gill but under state law she has to take the Democratic Party's choice because Blue is from that party.

The school board will now have to pick a replacement for Gill's District 4 seat, which covers Southeast Raleigh. The other eight members will appoint a replacement to finish out Gill's term, which expires November 2011.

Call 919-857-9345 for more information
E-mail your questions to: elections@co.wake.nc.us

QUALIFICATIONS
(excerpts from North Carolina General Statutes 163-41):
"Persons appointed…must be registered voters and residents of the county in which the precinct is located, of good repute, and able to read and write."
"No person shall be eligible to serve as a precinct official…who holds any elective office under the government of the United States or of North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof."
"No person shall serve…who is a candidate for nomination or election."
"No person shall be eligible…who holds any office in any state congressional district, county or precinct political party or political organization or who is a manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party…"

HOW APPOINTED
Precinct election officials are recommended by the political parties and appointed by the Board of Elections for two-year terms beginning in August of odd-numbered years. Each voting place is staffed with a CHIEF JUDGE, two JUDGES and two ASSISTANTS. The Chief Judge is of the same political party as the Governor, whenever possible. There is one Judge and one Assistant from each political party. Only one member of a family may serve as a precinct election official within that same precinct.

CHIEF JUDGE
The CHIEF JUDGE is the head official and is in charge of contacting the voting place custodian and the other officials to make arrangements for each election. The Chief Judge is also responsible for handling election day activities and problems, as well as picking up election day supplies prior to each election and for returning all supplies the day after the election.

JUDGES
The JUDGES work closely with the Chief Judge and are responsible for conducting the election in the event of the Chief Judge's absence. They must sign all official documents and serve on a panel to resolve any challenges. The Chief Judge assigns all other duties.

ASSISTANTS
The ASSISTANTS serve when needed and at the discretion and direction of the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge assigns all duties.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
There are approximately five elections scheduled in each two-year term. Special referenda and bond elections may also be called for. The Chief Judge and two Judges are required to work every election. Assistants are called when needed.
Elections are always held on Tuesdays.
All polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Officials must be in the voting place at 6 a.m. and remain until all votes have been counted and documents signed – usually 8:30 or 9 p.m. Officials must remain at the voting place for the entire day.

SPECIAL TRAINING
GS 163-46 requires all officials to attend training sessions conducted by the Board of Elections prior to each major primary and general election. The Chief Judge and Judges are issued a Precinct Election Officials' Manual at the required training session. They receive training concerning specific issues affecting the upcoming election. Precinct election officials are paid to attend these training sessions in addition to their election day compensation.

COMPENSATION FOR OFFICIALS (updated for 2003)
Election Day Monday
Set-Up Training Pick-Up & Return of Supplies
Chief Judge $ 130 $ 20 $ 20 $ 60
Judge $ 120 $ 20 $ 20
Assistant $ 115 $ 20 $ 20

ELECTION DAY CHECKLIST FOR OFFICIALS
Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers for optimum comfort to account for varying polling place temperatures.
Leave your campaign buttons, political jewelry and political slogan T-shirts at home.
Discussion of politics is not permitted while working at the polls.
Arrange for enough food and drinks for the entire day.
Smoking is not permitted in the voting enclosure.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
The Wake County Board of Elections always needs capable precinct election officials. If you would like more information on becoming a precinct election official, contact the our office by phone at 919-857-9345 or by e-mail at elections@co.wake.nc.us

As you can see, your precinct election officials work long hours in demanding conditions to ensure fair and accurate elections. The next time you vote, be sure to thank your election officials for serving!

In accordance with the Plan of Organization, Section 3.09, I am convening the Committee on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 6:00 at the Wake County Commons, 4011 Carya Drive. Registration will begin at 5:00.

Sincerely,
Jack Nichols
WCDP Chair

Blue picked to fill Malone's empty seat
By: Amy Thorpe
News 14 Carolina

RALEIGH – N.C. Rep. Dan Blue will fill the vacant senate seat left by the late N.C. Sen. Vernon Malone.

Wednesday, the State Senate District Executive Committee elected the Wake County Democrat. Experience won out in the race, with more than 80 Wake County elected officials choosing Blue to fill the spot.

"I want to tell you I sincerely and truly thank each and every one of you,” said Blue after the results were announced. “I want to thank you even more because I had so many friends in this race.”

Eight candidates had thrown their hats into the race, but the field narrowed to three when several withdrew from the race and others weren't formally nominated.

Voters chose Blue in a landslide over Bernard Allen Jr. with the State Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, and business owner J. Mills Holloway.

"There's nothing else we could have done that we didn't do,” said Allen of his race. “Rep. Blue, he was speaker of the House. I will work tirelessly to support the party and things he's trying to accomplish.”

Everyone agreed, no matter which candidate won, that they had to be focused on the election when the term expires next year to keep a democratic majority in the State Legislature.

"We'll try to do the very same things in our campaign 2010 that we did in 2008; and that is to engage all the citizens," Blue said.

After the election, Blue said he was headed to the Legislative Building to get some work done after making a pit stop to celebrate.

"I have to go home, kiss my wife, celebrate briefly, then get back to work," he said.

Blue's election to the State Senate now goes to Gov. Bev Perdue for approval.

Malone represented District 14, including east Raleigh and east Wake County for seven years. He died unexpectedly last month at the age of 77.

Dear Fellow Democrat:

It is my sad duty to convene the State Senate District Executive Committee (“Committee”) to replace our loyal friend and public servant Senator Vernon Malone. Vernon would tell us, “Don’t hold back,” so we must move forward.

In accordance with the Plan of Organization, Section 3.09, I am convening the Committee on Wednesday May 6, 2009 at 6:00 at the Wake County Commons, 4011 Carya Drive. Registration will begin at 5:00.

Click here to download the Senate 14 packet.
This packet updated April 29th

Jack Nichols
Chair
Wake County Democratic Party

Listed are the State Executive Committee members elected by the Wake County Democratic Party at the Wake County Democratic Party Convention held on April 18, 2009.

Click here to view the full list.

The chairs for the precincts that have been organized this year can be found at:
http://www.wakedems.org/precinctchairs

The "Precincts" list on the navigation bar on the left are from last year and are being updated.

There are still some precinct meetings planned, the list will be updated when those precincts announce their chairs.