Williamson County appoints Judith Ritchie as interim election administrator

Williamson County has appointed a new interim election administrator after the previous administrator resigned on Aug. 9.
American-Statesman File Photo

Austin American-Statesman
Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman
August 17, 2023

Officials have appointed Judith Ritchie as Williamson County's interim election administrator after the previous administrator resigned last week. Ritchie had been the deputy elections administrator for the county.

“I am excited to lead the Elections team and to continue to conduct fair and transparent elections for Williamson County,” Ritchie said in a county news release.  

Judith Ritchie was appointed as the interim election administrator for Williamson County.
Williamson County

Ritchie has been with Williamson County Elections Department for more than two years, the release said. She worked for Travis County and nonprofits before coming to the county.

She was appointed by the Williamson County Election Commission on Tuesday.

Williamson County Election Administrator Chris Davis resigned on Aug. 9 for reasons that have not been disclosed.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE PHOTO

The previous elections administrator, Chris Davis, resigned on Aug. 9 after serving eight years. County officials did not give a reason for his departure when they announced it after the commission met on Aug. 9 in a closed executive session meeting. Items on their agenda included whether to accept Davis’ resignation or remove him from office.

Davis did not respond to a request for comment.

The Election Commission will begin a search for a permanent replacement for Davis, the county's release said.

"Ritchie is welcome to apply for the permanent elections administrator position, but was also advised by the Commission that her appointment to this position is based on the expectation that she will step down and resume her role as deputy elections administrator should someone else be selected," according to the release.

“I have confidence in Judith and the Elections Department, and I have faith that she will uphold the integrity of the elections process to ensure it is fair and honest,” County Judge Bill Gravell said in the release.