By Deric Rush and Marley Bassett

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The deputy executive director for the South Carolina Elections Commission has been fired amid an ongoing SLED investigation.

According to a spokesperson from the elections commission, Paige Salonich was fired after an internal investigation was made into her conduct. 

In Salonich’s termination letter, the elections commission said that she was caught by agency security cameras placing “an unauthorized device in the SEC training room, a clear violation of state and agency policy,” on Sept. 17. Salonich also allegedly used profane language and raised her voice at leadership on Sept. 17.

Her termination comes after former Executive Director of the South Carolina Elections Commission, Howard Knapp, was also fired on Sept. 17.

Voting rights advocates reacted to the leadership shakeup with concern over timing—but expressed continued confidence in the agency’s ability to conduct secure elections.

“Well, I am, of course, concerned about the timing,” said Lynn Teague with the League of Women Voters. “We’re moving towards an election, and elections are very complex things these days.”

Still, Teague emphasized that voters should not lose faith in the system.

“There are experienced IT specialists, staff working with counties, and people who continue to do their jobs,” she said. “Absolutely no one should panic, and no one should think this will cast doubt on the integrity of our elections.”