Thank you: Coosa’s smooth election process
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Food for Thought
Judge of Probate Richard Dean
I am sure everyone is aware this past Monday was Veterans Day. There were multiple events in and around Coosa County to celebrate our veterans. I appreciate all the people who organized and attended these events.
Veterans Day is a reminder that we have many, many good people who love this country. It is also a reminder there have been many sacrifices to defend our nation and the principles for which it stands. Thank God for our United States and all our veterans for their service.
Moving on. Thank goodness the elections are over for ‘24! I have heard some people are already talking about the mid-terms in 2026. Good grief, give us a break. This is going to be a short column because as I am writing it, we are in the midst of closing out the 2024 election.
Coosa County had a 63.03 percent voter turnout. Alabama had a 58.55 percent turnout. Christa has our Coosa County election results covered. Therefore, I am not going to repeat that information in this column. Things went very smoothly at all Coosa County polling facilities; thank God.
Things went well for us because we have some fantastic citizens who work at our polling facilities. Most voters have no idea about the behind-the-scenes work required to conduct an election. Although our polling officials receive a small fee (less than minimum wage), they do it more as a public service than for the pay.
Polling officials must attend a mandatory school that takes about three hours. The day before the election, they spend two or more hours posting all the required notices, arranging and setting up their respective polling facilities. On election day, the polling officials arrive around 6 a.m. to unseal and prepare all the election equipment to be ready to open the polls at 7 a.m.
After the polling facilities close at 7 p.m. and all voters are gone, the polling officials must then officially close the polls. During this process they run the election tapes and insert many required items in specific envelopes to return to the courthouse. Then they must account for all ballots, box up and seal all voted ballots in boxes, seal the provisional ballot box, and pack up the equipment. Then they assist the inspector in loading select equipment, all voted and unvoted ballots and other materials for the inspector to bring to the sheriff at the courthouse.
When things arrive at the courthouse, the sheriff and his deputies assist with unloading the vehicles. Then everything is sorted and envelopes delivered to the judge of probate, registrars, media, and major representatives as appropriate.
The judge of probate then opens select envelopes for him and his staff to start the election-night-returns (ENR) process. The entire ENR process is witnessed by the Coosa County Democratic and Republican Party chairpersons, Christa Jennings of “The Coosa County News” and any other media representatives who wish to attend, any Independent candidates on the ballots, and some elected officials. Any citizen may attend and watch the process through the probate office service windows. This is a critical time and requires a lot of attention to detail with no distractions.
I greatly appreciate everyone who worked to make our Coosa County elections a success. First the Board of Registrars staff: Beatrice Reichert, Carla Presley and Roger Littleton. Then Sheriff Howell and his deputies, EMA Director Sheldon Hutcherson, our polling officials, Circuit Clerk Anita Spivey, Revenue Commissioner Debra Lamberth (served as an appointing board member), Coosa County Administrator Amy Gilliland and her staff, and “The Coosa County News” staff.
In addition, the Coosa County Democratic Party Chair Vanessa Owens and Republican Party Chair Chuck Bradley. I fill their emails with all kinds of election notices and information. They are a tremendous asset in helping me disseminate information to not only their candidates, but also to our voters. They are paid nothing and have huge responsibilities.
There are no words to adequately express my appreciation to our Probate Office Election Manger Beth Stroud and Chief Clerk Pam Weathers. If it wasn’t for them, I would go bonkers and our elections would be a fiasco. They work tirelessly with a dedication that is unmatched. In addition, I must occasionally pull our tag office personnel, Administrator Rebecca Lewis and clerks Sheila Rainwater and Tasha Lee, to assist with election related items. They always willingly assist wherever and whenever we need them to work election tasks. Without doubt, I have the best team anywhere!
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our citizens. Coosa Countians are great people, and I love them. As my family and I traveled around the world, when we talked of “home,” it was always Coosa County. We never even considered not coming back to Coosa County. I thank the great people of Coosa County for giving me the opportunity to not only serve, but also to continue as your judge of probate. It is, without doubt, one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had.
Finally, I need to thank my family. Especially my wife, Jackie. She is heavily involved in our community and our county. She is constantly on the run with the church, fire department and other community/county functions and activities. Most importantly, she puts up with me and covers for me when I have to miss family functions. She also represents me at many county events when multiple events are occurring at the same time. She is a great supporter and sounding board. I am truly blessed.
Until next month, stay safe and God Bless.
