Secretary of State Kemp Issues Statement Following Passing of Frances Duncan

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp issued the following statement today noting the passing of former Secretary of State Elections Division Director and State Election Board member Frances Duncan:

“Today we join the family and friends of Frances Duncan in mourning her passing, and pause to reflect on the life of an outstanding public servant to her fellow Georgia citizens.

“Mrs. Duncan began her public service career in 1964 as a Georgia Capitol tour guide, and later became a clerk for Secretary of State Ben Fortson, Jr. As Georgia law began to move election administration from the local to state level, Secretary Fortson appointed Frances as Georgia’s first State Elections Director in 1967, a position she held until her retirement in 1988.

“Mrs. Duncan cited as her greatest achievements the implementation of increased training for local elections officials, utilizing computer technology to streamline her division’s operations, and improving Georgia election laws.

“In 1988, Secretary of State Max Cleland established the Frances Duncan Award, presented each even numbered year to recognize a county election official and a county voter registration official for outstanding accomplishments in their fields.

“Following her retirement, Speaker of the House Tom Murphy appointed Frances to serve on the State Election Board where she served for 16 years.

“Frances Duncan was a woman of exemplary character who devoted more than 40 years of service to our state. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Duncan family and she will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

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