THOMASVILLE- Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger visited the City of Roses on Monday morning, where he visited the Thomas County Board of Elections & Registration office. Originally thought to be a run-of-the-mill visit, Raffensperger surprised Thomas County Elections Official Frank Scoggins with the Eagle Award. 

Created in 2023, the Georgia Election Administration Golden Leader in Excellence (EAGLE) Award honors the innovations, achievements, and best practices of county election offices to ensure safe, secure, accessible, and accurate elections provided transparently to Georgia’s voters. 

Scoggins was humbled and shocked by the award, attributing all of the Election’s Office’s success to the partnership with the Thomas County Board of Commissioners. 

The award, which is issued monthly, has been presented to other areas including Meriwether County, Glynn County, and Muscogee County. Still, Scoggins said he never thought Raffensperger would recognize Thomas County. 

“Apparently, we do better than I thought we did,” he said smiling. “I’m really appreciative of it and the staff.” 

Scoggins commended his staff, saying they always follow the law and ensure all the necessary paperwork is turned in on a timely basis. 

“I was never working for this award, all we try to do is what’s right,” he said. “I guess people recognized that, but I was never looking for the EAGLE Award.” 

Scoggins acknowledged several of the areas that have received the award “run a good shop,” and while Thomas County may not be as large as they are, his ultimate goal is to always provide the same level and amount of services as other locations. 

“Our commissioners have been more than good to us,” Scoggins said. “If you don’t have the tools, you are not going to do the job well, and they have always provided us with what we needed.” 

Scoggins said the building the Thomas County Board of Commissioners renovated sparked a new chapter for the Elections Office, and has allowed them to provide the needed services for Thomas County residents. 

“It wasn’t anything like it is today,” he said. “We’ve gotten compliments from surrounding elections offices and I’m really proud of it.” 

Beaming with pride, Scoggins concluded by sharing he is not sure if there is another award higher than that of the EAGLE Award, but if there is he will always strive to do better and continue providing and ensuring safe, secure elections to Thomas County voters.