About Pandora Paschal: A native of Chatham County, Paschal is Chatham County’s director of elections for the Chatham County Board of Elections. A graduate of Chatham Central, Paschal attended Sandhills Community College. She is a graduate of Chatham County Leadership Academy and Chatham County Advanced Leadership Academy, a Certified North Carolina Elections Administrator and a Certified Elections Registration Administrator through The Election Center with academic instruction from Auburn University, and completed the 2018 Director of Elections “Boot Camp” at the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Paschal has been with the Chatham County Board of Elections for 15 years. “People think we only work one day out of the year,” she said. “The board and the staff has the responsibility to ensure that Chatham County citizens have access to fair and impartial elections, whether they vote early, absentee by mail, or in person on Election Day. They can be assured that every vote counts in accordance with state and federal elections laws.” Paschal is the daughter of Josephine Dowdy Cotten, and the late Fred Coley Cotten. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jerry Lynn Paschal. Together they have one daughter and a dog.
What was your first paying job, and what did it teach you?
Kayser Roth Hosiery Mill in Goldston, when I was 15 years old, re-pricing socks. Having to be at work at 7 a.m. taught me not to be lazy; if you want anything in life you have to be willing to get up early and go get it!
Who is your personal hero?
My husband of almost 28 years.
Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi
Stay up late or get up early?
Get up early!
What makes your home special?
My family.
Your strongest trait:
My faith and sense of humor.
Words or phrases you overuse:
It is what it is!
What radio station do you listen to most frequently?
103.9 FM
What do you plan to do after retirement?
Whatever I want to do!
What’s your favorite snack food?
Lays potato chips.
One food you’ll never be caught eating:
Beets.
If you could eliminate any invention, what would it be?
Social media.
The most famous person you’ve ever met:
Olympic Champion Marion Jones — she came to the office in 2004 to register to vote.
The credo or motto you like to try to live by:
“Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
What was your dream job when you were a child?
Secretary.
Favorite professional sports team:
Golden State Warriors.
Did you have a childhood nickname?
“Pansy” and “Panky.”
Favorite season?
Spring or fall.
If you could create one rule that all society had to live by, what would it be?
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
How do you define success?
Having peace of mind, knowing you made an effort to do the best you could at the end of each day.
What’s the most important thing your job has taught you?
Never assume anything.