State elections officials on Thursday announced the resignation of James Yokeley, a county-level elections leader who faces accusations of drugs, child abuse and other crimes.

After Republicans seized control of election boards across the state earlier this year, Yokeley was appointed chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections by Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek. On Thursday, Boliek called for Yokeley to resign due to his criminal charges — and for the state elections board to at least strip him of his title as board chairman if he won't resign.

Yokeley resigned shortly after, according to the State Board of Elections.

"The arrest and investigation of the Surry County Board of Elections Chair is very disturbing," Boliek said Thursday. "This matter distracts from election mana

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