Tim Tsujii named new elections director for Forsyth County

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Tim Tsujii has been appointed the new director of the Forsyth County Board of Elections through a vote of the local three-member board this afternoon. The appointment requires final approval of the state Board of Elections Executive Director Kim Westbrook Strach, which is typically considered a formality.

Tsujii will put in his first day on the job on Feb. 29, less than three weeks before a primary election with a crowded ballot from president down to local judges.

“There’s a saying in the election community that there’s no two elections that are alike,” Tsujii told Triad City Beat. “I’m of the motto that you expect the best and prepare for the worst. With this upcoming primary in particular one of my main concerns is to ensure that we properly implement the new voter ID requirements. I’m hitting the ground running on Day 1 when I get there to ensure that all the poll workers and staff are equipped with the proper resources and training to make sure that all voters get to vote.”

Tsujii currently holds the position of deputy elections director in neighboring Guilford County, where he has worked for more than 10 years. Prior to that, he served as early voting director.

Part of the reason he accepted the job, Tsujii said, is that he respects the staff at the Forsyth County Board of Elections. Based in part on what board members told him they’re looking for in a director, Tsujii said his primary goals will be ensuring that staff has adequate support, demonstrating transparency and accessibility to the public and the media, and maintaining a visible profile in the community.