SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Republican incumbent Morghan Collins hopes to be reelected to the New Hanover County Register of Deeds.
READ MORE: What to expect when voting in NC during the 2024 election season
The register oversees and safe-keeps public records of real property, including legal documents. Port City Daily asked the candidates a handful of questions about their role and why the office is important to the voting public. Republican incumbent Collins — who took over the position in 2023 — answers below.
But a few items to keep in mind ahead of casting a ballot this year: Absentee ballots are already being mailed and early voting opened mid-October at locations including:
- Carolina Beach Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Boulevard
- CFCC Downtown Campus, Health Sciences Building, 415 N. Second St.
- Future NHC Board of Elections, 226 Government Dr.
- Northeast Regional Library, David Poynter Room, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.
- NHC Senior Resource Center, Multipurpose Room, 2222 S. College Rd.
Voters will be able to cast ballots at any of the above places and even register to vote beforehand on Oct. 17-18, Oct. 21-25, Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27, noon – 5 p.m., and Nov. 2, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Election Day is Nov. 5, with polls opening at 6:30 a.m. and closing at 7:30 p.m. All voters will have to go to their precinct to cast a ballot, as shown on their voter registry.
An ID must be presented to cast a ballot in the election. Acceptable forms of ID include NC drivers license or state ID, U.S. passport, college or student university ID, some state employee IDs and out-of-state drivers license or ID, as long as voter registration was done within 90 days of the election. IDs not in good standing can be expired by one year or less.
Port City Daily has compiled candidate questionnaires so voters can read up on contenders’ stances before heading to the polls this election season. All answers have been edited only for clarity; the candidates’ opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily.
The paywall is dropped on profiles to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the election.
Port City Daily (PCD): Why do you want to run for register of deeds and what in your professional history qualifies you for this position?
Morghan Collins (MC): It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as the register of deeds for New Hanover County. I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day and connecting with so many members of our community. I hold a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in biomedical science, but I believe the true value lies in how you apply your education and adapt to different environments. My background has been essential to my success at the register of deeds. My analytical nature and data-driven approach have greatly informed my decision-making process.
The registry is unique in that our daily processes are dictated by statute. The legislature has provided us with a clear road map to follow, and by doing so, we ensure that we uphold the statutes. We’re given the materials, follow the prescribed methods, and achieve a precise outcome. The variability comes from the customer and their individual needs. Science, especially research, teaches you to expect the unexpected — a mindset that is equally valuable in customer service.
My management experience in both the private and research sectors has enabled me to successfully manage projects, collaborate with team members, and adapt efficiently to changes in a constantly evolving field. In my 19 months in this role, we have introduced four new services, including passport processing, which has generated a new revenue stream. We have reduced the registry’s operating budget by 12%, expanded recording hours, and are currently being vetted for TSA precheck.
Our commitment remains focused on serving the constituents of New Hanover County by delivering excellent customer service and creating new opportunities to expand current services.
PCD: What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the county’s register of deeds office?
MC: One of the biggest challenges we face is combating fraud. We are committed to protecting our customers from fraudulent activity and strongly encourage all property owners to sign up for our free fraud alert system, available on our website. This system sends notifications whenever a document is recorded under the registered individual’s name.
In North Carolina, recording requirements are strictly defined, and if those standards are met, we are legally obligated to record the document. The North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds, of which I am a part, is actively collaborating with legislators and legal experts to find effective ways to combat fraudulent filings and better protect our constituents.
PCD: The register of deeds races don’t get as much attention as other races. Why do you believe this office is important to the public?
MC: In 1636, a law was passed requiring that all property transfers be acknowledged and recorded, underscoring the importance of a system to document land ownership from the very beginning. Much of this original land record framework is still in place today. In North Carolina, registers of deeds are also tasked with maintaining vital records, such as, birth, death and marriage certificates. We are also the repository for military service records-the only documents in our office that are not public. When you start a business, you file an assumed name with us, which is then recorded at the Secretary of State. Additionally, we administer oaths to notaries and issue marriage licenses.
Our work is essential, as every member of the community interacts with our office at some point in their lives. It’s not about politics-it’s deeply personal. We share in some of life’s most significant moments, from birth and marriage to purchasing a home and starting a business. We are with you every step of the way. While we may not receive the same attention as other offices, I cannot emphasize enough the vital role we play in the lives of our community members and how much we value that responsibility.
How would you prevent fraudulent transactions and safeguard property rights?
As previously mentioned, the North Carolina Association of the Register of Deeds (NCARD) has an active legislative committee addressing this issue. One of our top priorities this year is to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening laws related to document fraud, foreclosure scam rescues, and power of attorney fraud. Our committee is collaborating with members of the Real Property section of the North Carolina Bar to draft legislation for the 2025 long session. The goal is to establish stronger penalties for filing fraudulent documents, while also streamlining the process for legitimate property owners to correct these filings.
PCD: Would you recommend any changes to local policy or state laws regarding the maintenance, validation, and transparency of property records?
MC: This is a great question! Registers of deeds in North Carolina operate under statutes set by legislature, which govern policies related to property records. Any changes to these policies require legislative action at the state level, not the county. As we continue to navigate fraud, it is crucial to implement stronger legislation that better protects legitimate property owners. The corrective process needs to be straightforward and free of cost to victims, while holding perpetrators fully accountable. We are actively working to make this a reality for our constituents.
Regarding maintenance, validation and transparency, the current recording system works. The state mandates that we maintain records in multiple formats, ensuring accessibility through copies both in our offices and at the state archives. Current statutes also allocate a portion of fees from each recorded instrument or issued certificate to a preservation fund, which supports the ongoing preservation and restoration of historical records.
Current law prohibits registers, even those who are licensed attorneys, from practicing law in the office. Evaluating the legal validity of a document would constitute practicing law. I believe that registers should not have the discretion over which documents to record, as transparency is fundamental to our position. Our role is to provide constructive notice to the public, and compromising transparency would undermine the integrity of the entire recordation system.
However, we can adapt and implement measures to address challenges as they arise, just as we did when electronic recording was introduced. We can take measures to protect property records without altering the entire system and that is what our legislative committee is working to do so that we may better serve our customers.
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