news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Turns out early voting also applies in recall elections.
Thursday was the first day voters in District 1 could cast ballots in the recall election of Councilwoman T. Dianne Bellamy-Small.

Twenty-three people did so.

The ballot gives voters two choices: Whether they are for or against the recall.

"FOR" the recall of Bellamy-Small is a vote to oust her.

"AGAINST" the recall means you want to keep her in office.

The recall process began in February, but the two-term councilwoman has been at the center of several controversies before that. Last year, forensics investigators hired by the city determined it was her copy of a confidential police report that was leaked to a Web site.

The recall petition was spearheaded by Jonathan Wagstaff, a former Bellamy-Small supporter who lives outside District 1.

The petition says she "intentionally or negligently" leaked a confidential report on the police department and tried to intimidate a police officer who pulled her over for speeding.

The petition also cites what it considers "irrational or irresponsible behavior" — complaining about the office space she was given at City Hall and refusing to answer questions from her colleagues and the media.

The Pulpit Forum, a group of predominantly black ministers, tried unsuccessfully to get the U.S. Department of Justice to stop the recall, saying it would dilute minority representation on the council.

The early voting schedule:

* 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Aug. 17 at the Old County Courthouse, 301 W. Market St., Greensboro, and the High Point Elections Office, 505 E. Green Drive, High Point.

* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Old County Courthouse only.

Polling places in District 1 will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21.

The recall election is the city’s first since 1927.

Contact Margaret Moffett Banks at 373-7031 or mbanks@news-record.com