What's Going on at the Election Commission?

Or, better yet: What's NOT going on at the Sumner County Election Commission?

In recent months, the Election Commission has voted NOT to have satellite early voting in the Presidential Preference Primary in March -- which is also the primary for the Tax Assessor position. Then, the reaffirmed that vote, in spite of resolutions from the cities of Hendersonville, Portland, and Goodlettsville asking for the voting. And most recently, the voted against allowing a public comment period before meetings.

Josh Nelson at the Hendersonville Standard has the most recent story.

While the story notes the Commission Chair's correct statement that satellite early voting hasn't been an option in previous presidential primaries, it's worth noting that this year's primary is in March -- just one month after the Iowa Caucuses (which take place on February 1st). That means it is very likely there will be viable candidates in the race at the time Tennessee votes, especially on the Republican side.

Should the Election Commission be making it easier for citizens to vote in such an important election? And, does satellite early voting increase participation.

The answer to both questions is YES. The Election Commission should be working to make it easier for qualified voters to cast ballots. And YES: When there has been satellite early voting in other elections, voter turnout (as a percentage) has increased.

So far, there's been no turning back from the decision not to have satellite early voting. And, the Election Commission isn't going out of its way to get public feedback on this issue.

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