Republicans Approve New Election Commissioner

MAYVILLE – A new face is taking over the spot of overseeing elections for the Republican Party in Chautauqua County.

During a special county legislature meeting, Nacole Ellis was appointed Republican Election Commissioner. Her appointment takes effect Jan. 1. Ellis is taking over the position held by Brian Abram. Abram has served as the Republican Election Commissioner for 16 years.

Ellis was hired by Abram for the Board of Elections six months after he was appointed to the position himself.

Ellis is also currently the chairperson of the Chautauqua County Republican Party.

Her appointment was unanimously approved by the legislature’s Republican caucus at the meeting. Due to a technicality, the Democratic caucus was not permitted to vote on the appointment.

Before the appointment was made, Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, R-West Ellicott, expressed her support for Ellis.

“I will proudly vote for her this evening. She’s proven herself for years,” she said.

Legislator Marty Proctor, R-Mina, agreed.

“There’s no one more qualified than Nicole as she’s been serving in the Board of Elections for many, many years and has done the job very well,” he said.

Legislator Jamie Gustafson, R-Lakewood, had nothing but praise for Ellis saying she holds her “in the highest regard for her integrity, and hard work and dedication that she puts forth.”

After the appointment, Ellis thanked the members for the appointment

. “I do appreciate your support and I promise to continue to do my best at the Board of Elections,” she said.

After Ellis’ appointment, Democratic Election Commissioner Luz Torres was reappointed to her position.

Torres was first appointed to the position in 2020 following the retirement of Norman P. Green.

Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk, said Torres has done a great job.

“In the years that she’s taken over for Norm Green, she’s done a phenomenal job and actually has taken her office to the next level,” he said.

Torres’ position was unanimously approved.

Both Torres and Ellis said they respect one another and look forward to continue to working for the people of Chautauqua County.

After the meeting, Abram was reached and asked about his decision to retire.

“I just felt it was the right time,” he said.

When asked about his retirement plans he responded, “I’m really going to go in a different direction but I won’t probably say for a little bit.”

When Abrams’ predecessor Terry Niebel retired, Niebel ran for and won a seat on the Chautauqua County Legislature, where he continues to serve.

Abram was asked about changes to elections during his tenure. He immediately laughed.

“Oh my gosh. When I first walked in the door we were using a level machine. They were phasing them out and that was the year we did the total conversion to optical scan and the ballots in the system and it’s been non-stop changes for pretty much 16 years,” he said.