11/02/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2026
Formal Complaint Requests State Investigation Into Conduct of Yancey County Board of Elections Member Brenda Wilson
BURNSVILLE, N.C. — A formal complaint addressed to the North Carolina State Board of Elections calls for an investigation into the conduct of Brenda Wilson, a member and former chair of the Yancey County Board of Elections, citing allegations of improper interference in election administration, irregularities in election protest proceedings, and potential violations of North Carolina's Open Meetings Law.
The complaint, prepared by Yancey County resident Landon Beaver, outlines six specific allegations involving Wilson's actions during and following the March 2026 primary election, as well as concerns regarding her involvement in the day-to-day operations of the county elections office.
Among the matters identified in the complaint are:
- Election administration: Wilson allegedly sought changes to precinct election worker assignments based on party affiliation during the March 3, 2026, primary election.
- Election protest proceedings: Concerns involving communications that allegedly excluded certain board members, along with publicly released records showing that Wilson received prepared language from outside the board concerning election protest decisions.
- Board authority: Allegations that Wilson submitted a written election protest decision that differed from the version prepared by board counsel, without obtaining approval from the full board.
- Public meetings and transparency: An incident during the June 9, 2026, Board of Elections meeting in which Wilson allegedly attempted to prevent the recording of discussions involving public business following the meeting's adjournment.
The complaint also references previously released public records documenting concerns about Wilson's involvement in election office operations and prior guidance directing that routine administrative responsibilities remain under the authority of the county elections director.
"These are serious concerns involving the administration of elections in Yancey County, and they warrant an independent examination," Beaver stated. "The Board of Elections has a responsibility to operate within the law, respect the authority of its members and professional staff, and maintain the public's confidence in the electoral process."
The complaint requests that the State Board obtain relevant records and communications, interview witnesses and current board members, and determine whether the alleged conduct constitutes violations of election law or failures to fulfill official duties.
It further requests that the State Board consider Wilson's removal pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 163-22(c) if the allegations are substantiated and sufficient legal grounds are established.
"This is not about a disagreement over election outcomes or partisan politics," Beaver added. "It's about whether the laws and procedures governing our elections have been followed. The public deserves a fair, thorough investigation and a clear accounting of what occurred."
The allegations outlined in the complaint have not been adjudicated. Any determination of wrongdoing or appropriate disciplinary action would rest with the North Carolina State Board of Elections following its review and applicable procedures.
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