Who Do County Election Administrators Work For? State Wants Clarity

There’s some uncertainty at the state election commission of who county election administrators work for. The panel has asked for help from the legislature.

A lawsuit in Benton County has brought the issue to a head. The election administrator there in Camden has been sued by a voter inadvertently purged from the rolls. According to members of the state election commission, county officials are refusing to defend the administrator. But so is the state.

Tennessee’s 95 election administrators do have more direct oversight from the state than most county employees. And they’re hired by a local body that’s appointed by the state election commission. Chairman Kent Younce says it seems clear – though – that counties are responsible.

“You would think that it would be who pays the salary, but it’s been an ongoing situation and a problem and probably needs some clarification.”

The state’s coordinator of elections warns that the debate could flare up if counties see an opportunity to move a high-paid employee off their books.