Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Kenneth Dow, the Democratic commissioner of the Columbia County Board of Elections since February 2020, confirmed this week he is stepping down and returning to the practice of law full time. “It’s just a normal course of things,” Dow said. “I was appointed. I’m actually an attorney and wanted to return to doing my legal practice. I had a very good experience here. I had a great staff. It was just time for me to move on and return to my legal work.” Deputy Democratic Elections Commissioner Erin Stamper has been appointed to succeed Dow. She has served as Dow's deputy since 2020. Dow said the transition has been very smooth. “Erin has done a fantastic job as deputy commissioner. She’s extremely knowledgeable and totally dedicated. She’s clearly the person that should’ve taken over the position,” he said. Dow also praised the Board of Elections staff. Stamper said, “I’m committed to making sure we have fair and transparent elections in Columbia County going forward as we had in the past. ... We’re committed to making sure that we’re adapting to all the election law changes which have been numerous over the last few years and probably will continue to change,” she said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.