Each election has a variation for workers
Director inserts humor in sessions
Eric Ferreri, Staff Writer, N&O, Published: Nov 07, 2006 12:30 AM
DURHAM - When it comes to running an election, Mike Ashe seems to know everything.
Without looking, Durham's elections director can tell you that the types of identification a citizen can show in order to vote are explained on page 52 of the elections manual.
He knows -- again, with no manual in sight -- that information on the five signs that must be posted at all polling sites is found on page 9. At the bottom of the page.
And he knows the value of a joke. Which is why, during the several training sessions he held in the two weeks before today's elections, Ashe repeatedly stressed the most important thing all poll workers must remember.
"Never, never turn anyone away for any reason," he says.
"Why?" he asks.
He slides a three-word phrase onto his overhead projector, and the 50 or so folks in the room erupt in laughter.
"We're not Florida," it reads.
In all, about 350 people will staff Durham County's 56 voting precincts today. There's a lot of white hair in this crowd, a lot of experience that Ashe rewards with commemorative lapel pins. Dozens have worked the polls for at least 20 years. Nine have put in at least 32 years. Still, they troop in each year for their mandatory brush-up course.
"There's always something a little bit different," said Connie Hinshaw, 69, a 36-year veteran of Election Day. "It helps remind me of things maybe I haven't thought about."
This year, poll workers need to know which variations of "Steve Monks" will get the write-in candidate an official vote. Monks, a local lawyer, has emerged as a long-shot candidate in the highly anticipated election featuring controversial incumbent Mike Nifong and County Commissioner Lewis Cheek, whose name is on the ballot but has already said he won't take the job.
Lest poll workers not be sure of what scribbles count for a Monks vote, Ashe has made a list of 16 possible variations, including 'Mok," "Steve" and "Munk".
"It's an election," Ashe points out. "Not a spelling test."
Ashe is half-comedian, half master-of-ceremonies during these training sessions, which he seasons with more than a pinch of patriotism. All volunteers recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the outset and later stand to recite an oath of office. Ashe directs all this with effervescence and a constant smile, an American flag tie -- one of at least 15 that he owns -- splashing a tasteful black suit.
A woman asks about a voting form. Silly question, apparently. A half-dozen voices immediately begin answering, the volume rising until it becomes impossible to hear anything.
Ashe quickly brings everyone to silence.
"OK," he says. "Everyone got it right!"
Though a stickler for the rule book, Ashe allows church and state to intersect just briefly as he puts in his request for a smooth Election Day with no glitches or vote-counting controversy.
"Let's all say a group prayer," he announces. "We don't care who wins district attorney. We want someone to win by a whole bunch!"
http://www.newsobserver.com/145/story/507188.html
Former assistant DA files complaint
By John Stevenson, The Herald-Sun
November 6, 2006 10:19 pm
DURHAM -- Former Durham Assistant District Attorney Ashley Cannon confirmed Monday that she has filed a sexual-harassment complaint against someone in her old office.
She said the complaint was filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Raleigh, which oversees judicial operations statewide. This could not be confirmed with the administrative office Monday evening.
Cannon said one element of her complaint was that District Attorney Mike Nifong failed to take action when she informed him of the alleged harassment.
Nifong had no comment.
Cannon would not name the person who allegedly harassed her or provide any further information.
Friday was her last work day at the Durham District Attorney's Office. She began a new job as an assistant prosecutor for Orange and Chatham counties on Monday.
"I really don't want to get into the details of it," Cannon said of her complaint. "It's something that needs to be handled by the AOC. I can't discuss it further. I'm just starting a new job."
Cannon's complaint marked the second time in a year that a Durham court official was accused of sexual harassment.
Late in 2005, former Public Defender Bob Brown was suspended and then resigned for alleged harassment against one of his assistant attorneys. The woman claimed Brown bothered her with numerous comments, gestures and actions -- but no actual touching.
Meanwhile, Cannon's former boss -- Nifong -- is up for election today in a campaign that has been marked by acrimony and virulence.
A veteran of 27 years as a Durham prosecutor, Nifong faces challenges from local Republican Party Chairman Steve Monks and County Commissioner Lewis Cheek, who has said he would not serve if elected.
Monks and Cheek are running on an unaffiliated basis. Cheek's name will be on the ballot, but Monks is running on a write-in basis.
If Cheek polls the most votes, Gov. Mike Easley would appoint someone to serve in his place.
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