Chism resigns from Elections Board, announces city run

Stephens County Board of Registrars and Elections member Billy Chism has tendered his resignation from the Board as he prepares to run for a seat on the Toccoa City Commission.

In a letter dated August 14, and provided to WNEG News yesterday, Chism states that he is resigning from the Board of Elections, effective tomorrow, August 18.

He states, “I plan to qualify to run for a post on the Toccoa City Commission on Monday, August 21.” 

Chism references local legislation governing the Elections Board, which states that any seat on the Board of Elections officially becomes vacant as soon as the current board member qualifies as a candidate for public office.

Chism expressed thanks to county commissioners who appointed him to the three-year term on the Elections Board, beginning July 1, 2021. 

He stated, “It has been an honor to serve on this board,” adding that it had been a pleasure working with fellow board members Sean Black, Lori Duke, Fredda Wheeler and Mack Poss. 

Chism, a former reporter at the Toccoa Record, retired at the age of 65 as publisher of the White County News in August of 2016.

Chism currently serves as the chairman of the Northeast GA Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners.