Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill has been elected as the Southern Region vice president for the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

The election occurred during the association’s 2020 virtual summer conference, which concluded on Wednesday.

According to a release from Merrill’s office, he will serve a one-year term, ending July 2021. He previously served in this same role during the 2017-2018 term.

Merrill, who just recently concluded a term as co-chair of the NASS international relations committee in 2019-2020 where he led the delegation to Israel in December, will work with the NASS executive board to direct the agenda of the organization and implement best practices related to elections, business services and other core governmental functions.

“I look forward to representing southern states as we work to administer elections during these historic and difficult times. I am grateful to my colleagues across the country who have trusted me to serve in this role once again as we work to secure the 2020 Election Cycle and protect everyone involved,” stated Merrill.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn