Henry County's elections director, Ameika Banks, has resigned in the wake of an internal probe that revealed procedural violations, according to a statement from county officials referenced by WSBTV. Banks, who had managed the elections for several years, stepped down after the review uncovered "several infractions and administrative errors." Though the exact nature of these issues was not disclosed, the county emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity of its elections processes and to seamlessly continue leadership.
The successor, Assistant Elections Director Leigh Phillips, will to immediately take over as the interim director, ensuring there is no disruption to the upcoming election. County Manager Cheri Matthews stated that the county is unwavering in its pledge to uphold a fair and secure election process. "Despite the recent challenges,” Matthews affirmed, “Henry County's commitment to upholding a fair, transparent and secure election process remains unwavering," further mentioning in a report by FOX 5 Atlanta that she is confident in the current election board and transitional leadership.
In response to the findings, Henry County has expressed its dedication to reinforcing training for election workers and rigorously complying with state and local election law. This response is meant to restore public trust and enfranchise voters with the confidence that their ballots will be accurately and securely counted. As per the prescribed protocol, a senior judge from the Superior Court will eventually appoint a new director based on the grand jury's recommendation, ensuring that the process remains grounded in official oversight and accountability.
During this period of transition, the focus will be on magnifying transparency, efficiency, and integrity within the elections office. "We want to assure the public that despite the recent challenges, Henry County’s commitment to upholding a fair, transparent and secure election process remains unwavering," Matthews told WSBTV. The county officials concluded their announcement by encouraging voters to participate in the upcoming elections with full confidence in the system's integrity.
