Members of the Carter County Election Commission welcomed two new representatives to their ranks on Monday morning.

This year is a reorganization year for the county’s Election Commission, and as such its members were up for re-appointment. In April, the Election Commission learned that appointments for three of its members were on hold with the state.

The State Election Commission appoints members of the county’s Election Commission based on the recommendation of the County Republican and Democratic Party chairs along with recommendations by the county’s elected representatives in the State Legislature.

Junior Stanley was selected by the State Election Commission as a representative of the Republican Party, and Ramon Sanchez was chosen by the State Election Commission as a representative of the Democratic Party.

Stanley was in attendance at the meeting and said he was looking forward to the chance to serve. Sanchez was not in attendance at the meeting, but fellow Democratic representative and Election Commissioner Millard Garland told the group Sanchez was out of town due to work.

Stanley takes a seat on the Election Commission previously held by Bud Whitehead, who has been suffering severe health issues recently.

“We certainly hope he gets back to health,” Election Commission Chairman Doug Buckles said of Whitehead during Monday’s meeting.

Sanchez will fill the seat previously held by Wayne Smith, who was affectionately known as “Smitty” by those who served with him on the board.

“Smitty is no longer a part of our organization,” Buckles said. “We go no explanation as to why. Whatever happened, happened.”

Fellow Election Commissioner Paul Souder praised Smith’s dedication as a member of the body. “While Smitty was a member of the Election Commission he served well,” Souder said.

Buckles asked Carter County Administrator of Elections Tracy Harris to send a letter to Smith on behalf of the Election Commission thanking him for his years of service.

Under state law, each county in Tennessee has a five-member Election Commission. The majority of each group is determined by which party holds the State Legislature, which is currently the Republican Party. As the majority party, the Republicans hold three seats on each county’s election while the Democrats hold two.

The current members of the Election Commission are Buckles, Souder, and Stanley for the Republican Party while Garland and Sanchez represent the Democratic Party.