Members of the Carter County Election Commission honored a former colleague for his years of service to the board.

Earlier this year, the Carter County Election Commission went through a reorganization process. During a reorganization year, members of the Election Commission are up for reappointment or replacement.

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.

As part of the reorganization, the Carter County Democratic Party selected to appoint Ramon Sanchez to replace Wayne Smith on the Election Commission.

The Election Commission commissioned a plaque for Smith to thank him for his years of service to the group, but Smith was not able to attend the group’s meeting on July 10.

On Monday, Smith visited the Election Commission office and was presented with the plaque by Carter County Administrator of Elections Tracy Harris and her staff.

“He never missed a meeting or a seminar,” Harris said of Smith, describing him as a hard-working and dedicated member of the Election Commission during his tenure.

Smith said he was honored to have been a member of the Election Commission. He was first appointed to the board in April 2009 and served until the reorganization was completed in May of this year.

“I have enjoyed it,” Smith said of his time on the Board. “The Election Administration staff has been great, and I will miss them.”

Election Commission Chairman Doug Buckles praised Smith’s dedication to service, noting he attended all the meetings and training sessions as well as his work during elections.

Election Commission member Paul Souder also praised the work of Smith — whom he calls by the nickname “Smitty” — during his tenure with the board.

“While Smitty was a member of the Election Commission he served well,” Souder said.