Bladen County Board of Elections has fifth member

ELIZABETHTOWN — Full strength, and all sworn in.

The Bladen County Board of Elections got its final member appointed this week. Patsy Sheppard, who served the last two-year term, has been reappointed. She fills the spot originally designated for Hakeem Brown, who decided in June he would be unable to serve.

Sheppard, a Democrat, was sworn in prior to Tuesday’s special called meeting of the board. The panel of three Democrats and two Republicans finalized the list of poll workers for the upcoming municipal elections.

Serving with Sheppard are Chairwoman Louella Thompson and Deborah Belle, all Democrats; and Republicans Michael Aycock and Emery White. All five have served since 2019. Sheppard, as allowed by law, had continued on the board until the fifth spot was determined to be her in a decision by the state Board of Elections.

Early voting begins Oct. 14. The weekday dates are Oct. 14 and 15, from Oct. 18-22, and from Oct. 25-29. Hours each weekday are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., sans a one-hour lunch break. On the final Saturday, Oct. 30, the hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Election Day is Nov. 2.

Voters will be choosing municipal leaders in Elizabethtown, White Lake, Bladenboro, Dublin, Clarkton, Tar Heel and East Arcadia. There is also an alochol measure, commonly referred to as liquor by the drink, for White Lake voters.

The board does not meet again until its September meeting, which is set for Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.