The retirement of Lee Liveoak as longtime chairman of the Limestone County Board of Registrars has prompted a shift at the office that oversees voter registration in the county.

Sandra Smith, an experienced registrar, will finish the remainder of Liveoak’s term as chairman of the Board of Registrars.

Meanwhile, Lauren Cox, who had been a temporary worker in the Registrars Office and who was a poll inspector for 17 years, has been sworn in as a new registrar. The third registrar in the office is Regina Coffman.

The Board of Registrars consists of three members, including a chair person and two registrars. The governor appoints the chair person, the state auditor and the commissioner of agriculture and industries each appoint a member.

Liveoak, who retired March 31, was appointed by former Gov. Robert Bentley.

In determining who would fill Liveoak’s unexpired term, Coffman said the three registrars came together after Cox was sworn in and decided who would be chairwoman.

She said Secretary of State John Merrill said the chair person does not have to be appointed by the governor.

Coffman said she and Smith wanted to get a third registrar in as soon as possible after Liveoak’s departure.

“With the special election coming up Aug. 15, we wanted to get her in and up to speed before that,” Coffman said.

The special election was called to replace U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, who is now U.S. attorney general.

The last day to register to vote in the special election in July 31.

The Registrars Office is at 100 S. Clinton St., Suite E, of the Limestone County Courthouse Annex. The telephone number is 256-233-6405.