A look at the future of the New Hanover County Board of Elections after director's abrupt retirement
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Just weeks away from Election Day, the New Hanover County Board of Elections is without a leader.
Rae Hunter-Havens, the board’s director for over eight years, announced her retirement – effective immediately – during a meeting Tuesday night. Hunter-Havens cited health concerns as the explanation and declined an interview after the announcement. Her deputy director, Caroline Dawkins, had also recently stepped down.
“Rae was a very dedicated employee, and we will miss her, but staff turnover happens, and we are focused on this election,” said Jamie Getty, the chair of the elections board.
Hunter-Havens’ retirement added another layer to an already-turbulent 12-month stretch for the board. Last year, the board opted to self-impose a deadline to count nearly 2,000 mail-in absentee ballots, leaving those votes uncounted -- and races in flux -- for over a week after the election. That controversial decision drew rebuke from the state board of elections and county leadership.
https://www.wect.com/2025/10/09/look-future-new-hanover-county-board-elections-after-directors-abrupt-retirement/