Newton County Chair Marcello Banes not only represents more than 102,000 Newton County residents but also more than 600 Newton County employees.

In his first month in office, Banes wanted to begin recognizing those employees and created the Newton County Department of the Month program. For the very first Department of the Month, Banes selected the Newton County Board of Elections.

The board of elections was recognized during Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting and Banes dropped by its office Friday to present staff with his appreciation and a cake.

The board of elections oversaw 195 poll workers and had an incredible turnout of 44,357 voters (76.08 percent) throughout Newton County’s 22 voting precincts during Election Day on Nov. 8. A large number of voters also cast their ballots in Newton County during early voting and through mail-in absentee voting.

Along with the Department of the Month honors, the board of elections was also recognized recently by the board’s chair with a commendation for Director Angela Mantle and Assistant Director Angela White-Davis during a Jan. 9 meeting.

The commendations were read into the record during that meeting. Mantle and White-Davis will also be recognized during a reception at the BOE office, 1113 Usher Street, Covington, 10 a.m. on Feb. 15.

Both Mantle and White-Davis have impressed the board of elections throughout their time working for Newton County.

“When you were appointed to the position of Director, from the beginning you have always performed your duties in a calm and professional manner,” Mantle’s commendation letter said. “We have found this to be true on all occasions even on stressful days, such as elections and the required planning that goes on prior to Election Day.”

“Since you came to work for the Board of Elections you have shown an eagerness to learn that has been impressive,” White-Davis’s commendation letter said.

Mantle, White-Davis and the rest of the Newton County BOE staff are busy working for the county’s next election, a March 21 Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax referendum. This year will also mark municipal elections within Newton County.

For more information about Newton County, please visit www.ncboc.com, like Newton County, Ga on Facebook or follow @NewtonCounty on Twitter.