Retiring registrar thanks council, says challenges are ahead

FRANKLIN — St. Mary Registrar of Voters Jolene Holcombe formally offered her resignation to the Parish Council on Wednesday, with thanks to the council, a few tears and a caution about challenging times ahead for her successor and her colleagues.
Holcombe’s resignation will be effective Aug. 6. She has worked in the Registrar’s Office since 1974 and has served as registrar since 1998.
“I’ve spent my entire adult life serving the voters of St. Mary Parish …,” Holcombe said. “There have been good times and bad times. Through it all there have been elections, elections and elections.”
The registrar maintains voter registration records, and Registrar’s Offices are sites for early voting
The 2020 election season was the most challenging of her career, she said.
COVID-19 led to changes in election schedules and rules, including some expanded early voting opportunities.
More challenges are ahead, Holcombe told the council. They including redistricting of political subdivisions based on the 2020 Census, changes in election laws and new voting equipment.
She talked about another challenge, too: “the hostile political atmosphere that pervades our country.”
Holcombe asked the council to consider appointing her chief deputy, Byron Stelly, as her successor. Stelly has a political science degree from LSU and is studying election administration through Auburn University.
The appointment will have to wait. State law forbids the appointment of a successor while the incumbent remains in office. The council will have until Nov. 4 to make its choice.
Holcombe said voters will have choices to make Oct. 9, when five tax propositions will appear on St. Mary Parish ballots.
The deadline to register is Sept. 8 by mail or in person, or Sept. 18 using the Geaux Vote app. Early voting will be Sept. 25 through Oct. 2, excluding Sunday, Sept. 26.
Council members stood to applaud Holcombe as she left the lectern Wednesday.