The Sumter County Board of Elections met on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Board Room. Newly appointed Board of Elections member and former Elections Supervisor Randy Howard was present.

Once the meeting was underway, Dr. Shirley Latimore stated that the position of chair was open.
“The floor is open for nominations for the position of chair.”

Carson Walker nominated Howard, Rhonda Reddick nominated Latimore, and Howard nominated Reddick. Walker voted for Howard, Reddick and Dr. Valerie Roberts voted for Latimore, and Howard voted for Reddick. After Latimore was elected chair, the Board voted on vice chair. Reddick was elected vice chair.

Afterward Latimore addressed the Board with several updates, including a reminder concerning executive sessions.
“Executive sessions are closed, and information and discussions during these closed sessions is not for anyone outside of executive session.”

Latimore also mentioned continued efforts to solve the discrepancy on the invoicing of the Americus elections. Latimore had previously updated the Board of Commissioners, stating the City of Americus had been invoiced less than the actual cost that the Board of Elections incurred during the election. The City of Americus paid the $16,519.40 that they were invoiced, which was $6,226.47 less than the total cost incurred.

Latimore also mentioned that the position of Elections Supervisor remained unfilled. Latimore also was recognized by the Secretary of State for her service during the Elections for her work during the mass staffing shortage.
“I Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State, of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim, Dr. Shirley Latimore, as an outstanding Georgia Citizen. May this outstanding citizen be afforded every courtesy as a good will ambassador from Georgia in her travels to other States, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever she may hereafter travel or reside. Thank you to your service to our State. In testimony thereof, I hereunto set my hand and afflict the seal of my office at the State Capitol in the City of Atlanta this eight day of December A.D. 2023.”
Latimore responded to the recognition.
“I would like to say that it was not just one person. I would like to give recognition to the ladies in the office, also to the board members that stepped up, as well as the surrounding Counties that assisted in this.”

The Board then reviewed the December 2023 Budget.
Walker made a motion to approve the budget, which was seconded by Reddick.

After the meeting, Latimore discussed the recognition she had received.
“It was an honor.”

She stressed her dedication to the Board of Elections and the election process.
“I take my oath very seriously.”