Voter recount changes District 4 results for Board of Commissioners

The Duplin County Board of Elections has confirmed a new result from the democratic race in District 4 of the Board of Commissioners.

On March 21, 2024, a recount issued a change in the final election results. Initially, Mary Williams-Boykin won the seat by two votes. After the recount, Commissioner Jesse Dowe won by one vote , 304 to 303.

The recount included overnight processed mail in and canvas voting captured on time that had not been included in the final count.

Although saddened by the news, Williams-Boykin said she is not going to back down from serving the county.

“I truly appreciated all their enthusiasm and their support and I will continue to do whatever I can in the community. If anyone would like to reach out to me, they may,” Williams-Boykin said. “I’ve got some ideas and some plans that I would like to construct. I’m in the process of getting ready to make some calls to get some support for a project for the youth in the county.”

She added that she is getting in touch with contacts that will support an undisclosed project.

“My intent is to get (youth) off the streets and give them the mental support that they need,” Williams-Boykin said.

She is also interested in helping with physical growth as well through new activities. She emphasizes that the children are the future of Duplin County.

“I thank everybody for what they’ve done,” she said. As the results were extremely close, and she acknowledged the citizens’ support of her campaign.

Jesse Dowe was contacted repeatedly and did not share any comments with The Duplin Times.