John Leatherman stated to the Salisbury Post (June 11, 2026) that his “greatest concern” was consistency with what other counties were doing so our voters wouldn’t be “confused.” Our voters are not confused by what other counties are doing. What they are confused about is why the Republicans seem to be doing everything they can think of to limit which citizens get to vote.

The Board of Elections has an important job to do for the citizens of Rowan County: Provide for free and fair elections in a manner that all voters can access their right to cast a ballot for the candidates of their choice. The state rules mandate that the local BOE provide early voting on a schedule between 13-17 days that is agreed upon unanimously.

At their meeting of June 10. Plan E, the proposal with 17 consecutive days (including 5 weekend days) the Republicans on the board refused to offer any reasoning for voting no. When Plan C (which includes 3 weekend days) was proposed, it also was shot down by the Republican members. No reasons given.

When any organization has differences of opinions, it is time to compromise. That is not a dirty word, or a “leftist ideology.” That is common sense. It means both sides may need to make some concessions. It is how we get things done. It is coming to agreement by mutual concession.

By offering Plan C, (the plan with three weekend days) Democratic Party representatives DeeDee Wright and Evelyn Medina showed they were willing to make some concessions so the board could move forward towards unanimous. Republican Party representatives Dave Collins, Elaine Hewitt and John Leatherman showed no interest, offering no explanation and no alternative. Instead, they seemed to follow the order of the state BOE Chair to push the calendar issue to the state level for a decision.

Now two people from the board, Elaine Hewitt for the Republicans and Evelyn Medina for the Democrats, have to take a full day away from their work and other responsibilities, use expensive gas to travel to Raleigh, probably eat lunch out, experience wear and tear on their vehicles, just to make their case to the state BOE. This is a total waste of human and financial resources when the issue could well be decided right here in Rowan County if the Republicans were willing to make some compromises.

John Leatherman stated to the Salisbury Post (June 11, 2026) that his “greatest concern” was consistency with what other counties were doing so our voters wouldn’t be “confused.” Our voters are not confused by what other counties are doing. What they are confused about is why the Republicans seem to be doing everything they can think of to limit which citizens get to vote. Reducing weekend voting days to only one Saturday, the final day of Early Voting, will disenfranchise those whose work schedules, transportation availability and other reasons will limit lower income and elderly voters. It will also add to the workload of the election judges and volunteers that make the process run smoothly, and could create longer lines at the three early voting sites.

More weekend days for Early voting benefits all voters, regardless of party affiliation. I urge Rowan BOE to find consensus before sending your two members to Raleigh.

Eileen Hanson-Kelly lives in Salisbury.