Letter to the Editor: Dec. 25, 2023

This letter is in response to the "Eddy County Auditor Resigns" article and her resignation due to the added election challenges regarding the recent controversial issue of voting machines.

In the last several elections, I have been the Election Inspector and worked part time under the supervision of Patty. Our county has been very fortunate to have such a competent, knowledgeable, trustworthy and dedicated Auditor as Patty.

The election preparation begins in the spring of each election year under the directive of our Secretary of State’s office. It begins with training, many deadlines and phases of testing with the final testing by the Election Board to ensure the processing and results through our election machines are accurate, which is all the responsibility of our county auditor. This process ensures to you, the Citizens of Eddy County, the Election Results are accurate with all the checks and balances, which in itself is a huge responsibility and very stressful without added challenges.

The article states the integrity of Eddy County’s election and concerns were not directed at Williams or anyone who oversees elections in Eddy County or elsewhere. As the Election Inspector, it was my responsibility to oversee, verify and sign off on all election official documents which were entrusted to me, which I took very seriously. Thank you to our county auditor and the county commissioners for the opportunity and your trust in me to serve as the Election Inspector for the past elections.

Whether intended or not, the election integrity concerns made and supported by some community individuals have already significantly affected one election official. Sadly to say, due to the added election challenges, our County Auditor Patty Williams has resigned.

Secretary of State Michael Howe, on Plain Talk last week, answered questions about North Dakota’s election process and stated it is “extremely secure.” Also, when he was questioned about what is happening to local election officials around the state, he stated “I’m extremely concerned,” and “Whether it’s an auditor in a small county or people running for the legislature.”

Thank you, Patty Williams, for your dedicated years of service to the citizens of Eddy County as our county auditor.

Arlene Holtz

New Rockford, N.D.