<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The South Carolina Association of Registration and Elections, Inc., (SCARE), has elected Marie S. Smalls as President the organization for the next two years. Smalls is currently the Director for the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“I am humble that the membership of this association, have entrusted me to be their front runner for the ensuing two years.” Smalls said in a news release. “It’s not about me, or any one county, it is about the voters of our great state and conducting elections with integrity, transparency, and instilling voter confidence in our voter registration process.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Smalls is certified as a Registration and Elections Administrator from the National Association of Election Officials and is also state certified by the South Carolina Election Commission. She has been with the organization for 16 years. In addition to serving on several committees, Smalls has held offices in the organization as, Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and now President.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“It’s a tremendous responsibility and I look forward to bearing the torch and being representative of those who preceded me,” Smalls said. “It is also imperative that we continue to fulfill our obligation to ensure that all qualified voters have an opportunity to participate in fair and free elections.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>SCARE is an affiliate member of the South Carolina Association of Counties, with a membership of more than 400 voter registration and election officials from across the state.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>SCARE was organized in 1975 by a group of election officials for the purpose of providing a forum for counties voter registration and election officials to study, discuss, and recommend improvements in voter registration/election laws; to exchange ideas and experiences; to promote and encourage education for officials; to distribute information regarding voter registration/election laws; and to promote legislation which will endorse and enhance the efficiency of the registration and election process in South Carolina.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Smalls has been employed in Beaufort County government, nearly 39 years. She first came to the County as a Human Resources Specialist and worked her way up the ladder to become the Human Resources Director before changing professions.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>In 2005, Smalls served as the Deputy Director for the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County. In 2013 she became the Director.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Smalls is a native of Beaufort and is married to her high school and college sweetheart, Pastor Isiah Smalls. They’ve been married for 41 years and have four children – Natarcia, Isiah II, Patrice, and Aaron – and eight grandchildren.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->