Judge Jason Williams

03/11/2024

One of my running partners came up with the slogan about the time I got appointed. One of my other running buddies designed the running figure, based on a side head shot photo of me, and finally a third friend, who is a professional graphic designer, put together the awesome composite image.

What I like most about it is that it embodies how I feel about my job. It is somewhat interesting to be called "judge" all the time, but really, I miss my first name. I appreciate having a good parking spot at the courthouse, no matter what time I get there, but I also never mind walking. After 20 years in private practice making my own money, it is nice to have a guaranteed salary. None of those things are why I want to continue serving as a District Court Judge, though.

I went to law school because I wanted to help people. Serving as a Judge has allowed me to do that, in a different way than my work as a lawyer. It really is public service that drives me. The voters in the Second Judicial District will decide whether I'm able to continue in this role, and I'm okay with that, whatever the result may be.

01/11/2024

Someone said at the polls recently "that's why good people don't run for office." They were lamenting the political discourse that goes on today, and although they weren't talking about my race specifically, the sentiment certainly applies.

Since this campaign started, I've been called a child s*x trafficker (by a former opposing party when I was a lawyer), a fascist (by a Facebook ad that my opponent claimed to know nothing about, but which was sponsored by his political party), and a ham sandwich (in a radio ad that claimed the Governor would appoint a ham sandwich to be a District Court Judge).

I've had my signs stolen, run over, and bashed up. Someone even carted off a big sign that was on private property on Highway 17 in Williamston and replaced it with my opponent's sign, along with others.

At various times over the past two weeks, I've been called about every name in the book, by people who don't know me, just because of which side of the aisle I'm sitting on. Finally today, it came to a head when some loose cannon came to the Board of Elections and threatened to "shoot all the politicians." And even that became a circus, because one of those politicians called the media for the purpose of making a spectacle out of it.

I have realized I have some really great friends in this world, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I have also lost respect for a lot of other people, though, and I don't think I'll ever get that back. This campaign can't be over fast enough.

01/11/2024

Happy Halloween everyone!

31/10/2024

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Deputy Drifter of the Pitt County Sheriff's Department. He touched so many lives, in and out of the court system. The Public Defenders Office, where my wife works, especially adored him. I was fortunate enough to meet him three years ago. RIP.

30/10/2024

Early voting continues in Beaufort County on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at four locations:

Board of Elections in Washington
Chocowinity Fire Department
Wilkinson Center in Belhaven
Community Center in Aurora

Same hours for those days in Martin County for the Board of Elections at the courthouse, and Washington County for the Board of Elections in Roper.

In Tyrrell County, the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Board of Elections in Columbia.

In Hyde County, the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at the Board of Elections in Swan Quarter AND at the Ocracoke Fire Department. On Saturday, it is the Board of Elections only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

28/10/2024

This week's schedule:

For the first time since I was appointed last year, I am taking vacation this week in order to work the polls at the early voting site at the Beaufort County Board of Elections building (behind the hospital). I posted my schedule for much of this year in case anyone wanted to come see me hold court. I figured this would help folks make the decision on who to vote for. I definitely feel it is preferable to making decisions based on Facebook attack ads, radio spots or mailers. Anyway, that ship has sailed now. For this week, if anyone has any questions, feel free to stop by my tent and I will answer them as best I can.

Early voting around the District runs from Monday through Friday this week from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning Wednesday, Beaufort County has four sites: Washington, Chocowinity, Belhaven and Aurora. Happy voting everyone.

23/10/2024

Maybe I should have been campaigning at early voting, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to preside over the Beaufort County Teen Court mock trial this afternoon. This took place in the old courtroom above the BHM Regional Library. Built in 1786, this is the second oldest courthouse in North Carolina. We were honored that Mr. Terry Rollins, who is the Youth Services Librarian at the Brown Library, came to present on the history of this building, and to share the story of the Carawan Ghost. Even though they haven't had their first session yet, the Teen Court kids are in mid-season form already.

22/10/2024

I'm not sending any text messages.

NCSBE - Raleigh, N.C. — Election officials across North Carolina are fielding numerous complaints from voters about unsolicited text messages they are receiving that state: “A voter at [residential address] may not have voted. Vote here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/EVSite/.” The website listed on the...

21/10/2024

For anyone who wants something other than party affiliation to inform their vote for District Court Judge--and I would suggest that party affiliation is unimportant to this position--you are cordially invited to come and watch me preside over court. And, this is the last opportunity to do so before the election, as I will be taking my first vacation week during the following week in order to campaign. Here is where I will be this week:

Monday, October 21: Beaufort Co criminal court.
Tuesday, October 22: Office day.
Wednesday, October 23: Beaufort Co child welfare court.
Thursday, October 24: Martin Co civil court (two-day session).
Friday, October 25: Martin Co civil court.

District Court is always open to the public, and anyone is invited to sit in court at any time. You may come and go as needed. Leave your cell phone in the car, please, as that is a courthouse rule.

20/10/2024

Absolutely gorgeous day for Martin County's early voting Sunday. Saw a lot of old friends and campaigned with the great local candidates there. Made it back to Beaufort County to set up for this week.