Durham County Clerk of Superior Court: Aminah Thompson

Name: Aminah Thompson

Age: 44

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: Thompson4Justice.com

Occupation and employer: Clerk of Superior Court, Durham County, State of NC

1. What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be an effective clerk? This might include career or community service; be specific about its relevance to this office.

I bring more than 17 years of judicial experience and public service to this role, having served 14 years as a Durham magistrate before being elected as Clerk of Superior Court. As Clerk, I fulfill the full scope of the office’s constitutional, statutory, and administrative responsibilities, including presiding over Estates and Special Proceeding that require careful legal analysis, sound judgment, and clear written orders.

I manage a staff of approximately 70 employees who provide record-keeping and administrative support for the District and Superior Courts in Durham County and serve as comptroller, ensuring the proper collection and safeguarding of public funds. Under my leadership, we introduced plain-language forms and direct communication tools to help residents navigate complex court processes. In addition, I appointed a new Public Administrator and a new Public Guardian for the first time in more than 40 years, strengthening oversight and continuity in these critical functions.

My work also extends beyond the courtroom. I regularly engage with community organizations, educators, and legal service providers to improve public understanding of court processes and to ensure court services are accessible, responsive, and respectful. Together, this record of judicial decision-making, operational leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement demonstrates my ability to serve effectively and responsibly as Clerk of Superior Court.

2. In your view, what are the three most pressing issues facing the Clerk of Superior Court? If elected, what will you do to address these issues?

The most pressing issues facing the Clerk’s Office are:

1. increasing workload and demand with limited resources,
2. ensuring court processes are understandable and accessible, and
3. maintaining accuracy and public trust during periods of significant operational change.

I address these challenges by modernizing workflows and implementing operational improvements beyond technology alone, including streamlined internal processes, service-focused tools, and ongoing staff training. I also support informed public engagement and strengthen transparency through direct public communication, including our website, resource newsletter, and dedicated public email. In addition, I prioritize staff stability and performance by recognizing excellence, supporting professional development, and fostering workplace morale—measures that are essential to retention and consistent public service. Together, these efforts improve efficiency while preserving accuracy, accountability, and public confidence.

3. If you are challenging an incumbent, in what ways do you believe you could run the clerk’s office more efficiently? If you are an incumbent, what in your record and experience do you believe entitles you to another term?

My record reflects effective, ethical leadership during a period of historic transition. Under my leadership, we have modernized court operations, improved accuracy and access, expanded public-facing services, and strengthened public trust. I bring continuity, institutional knowledge, and a demonstrated ability to manage change while maintaining the high quality of service the public deserves.

4. How would you assess the eCourts rollout in your jurisdiction? What issues remain to be addressed, and how would you address them?

The eCourts rollout in Durham was a necessary and significant modernization that improved consistency, record accuracy, and public access. Ongoing work includes continued staff training, workflow refinement, and addressing performance and technical limitations inherent in a statewide system of this scale.

I address these challenges through targeted training, continuous process evaluation, incorporation of user feedback, and collaboration with judicial partners and state administrators. As part of this effort, I have also provided continuing legal education (CLE) training through the Durham County Bar Association on eCourts implementation and functionality, helping practitioners use the system effectively.

5. What steps would you take to make the clerk’s office more accessible to the public—for instance, for non-English speakers or those who work during the day?

We have expanded remote hearing options, online jury tools, Express Check-In kiosks, and clearer public-facing forms and instructions to reduce barriers to court access. I have designated a secondary Disability Access Coordinator from my office to ensure continuity of services and timely accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

I prioritize language access through statewide coordination as a member of the Language Access Stakeholders Committee, expanding in and out-of-court services for individuals with limited English proficiency. In addition, I have established clear channels for public inquiries and feedback so residents can obtain timely, accurate information and understand how to engage with the court system. Going forward, I will continue expanding digital access while preserving in-person support for those who need it.

6. Identify and explain one principled stand you would be willing to take if elected that you suspect might cost you some points with voters.

I am committed to applying the law neutrally and consistently, even when the outcome is unpopular or misunderstood. Upholding due process and maintaining judicial independence sometimes requires decisions that are not politically convenient, but they are essential to fairness, accountability, and public trust in the courts.

7. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address?

I believe strongly in the importance of human-centered court operations. People often encounter the courts during moments of stress or crisis, and how they are treated in those moments affects them personally and shapes their confidence in the justice system. I remain committed to ensuring that accuracy, fairness, and respect guide both our court system and our daily interactions with the public.