RALEIGH — Mac Butner was removed from the Rowan County Board of Elections on Thursday.

The State Board of Elections approved Butner’s removal by a count of 3-2. Butner did not attend the meeting, but sent in a three sentence letter. Butner could not attend because of medical issues.

A focal point for his removal was activity on Facebook and perceived impartiality. However, some board members questioned whether the fact that posts were made before Butner’s appointment mattered.

After the meeting adjourned state board members said Butner could be used as an example for future cases.

Butner’s case represents the first time anyone has been removed from a local board of elections for social media posts.

Butner was appointed to the board this summer. Later, he was selected as the chairman by a unanimous vote of the Rowan Board of Elections members.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.