Forsyth County Officials Will Begin Search For New Elections Director

The director of the Forsyth County Board of Elections has resigned. Steve Hines is leaving his post after only a year on the job.

Hines submitted his resignation letter Thursday. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, he told officials he is taking an elections job near his hometown of Kinston, which will allow him to be closer to family.

The Forsyth County Board of Elections selected Hines in July 2014 after a six-month search for a new director. The previous director, Rob Coffman, was fired in January 2014 based in part on errors he made with an election recount.

In his resignation letter, Hines thanked the elections board for its support during his time as director. In the last year, he proposed changes such as replacing the county's aging elections equipment and requiring more training for poll workers.

An interim director will be appointed.

The board of elections says it will meet next week/this week to discuss Hines' resignation and the board's plans to move forward.