Election Commission Hosts National Conference of State Legislatures Delegates
Lebanon, TN – Delegates attending the National Conference of State Legislatures visited the Wilson County Election Commission for a tour and presentation on Monday, August 5th. With more than 100 in-depth educational sessions on topics ranging from criminal justice and health care to taxes and transportation, the NCSL’s 45th annual Legislative Summit convenes Aug. 5-8 at the Nashville Music City Center.
More than 5,500 attendees hailing from every state make the NCSL Legislative Summit the largest gathering of state lawmakers and legislative staff in the country. The Legislative Summit provides a platform for legislators, staff and other public policy professionals to learn from experts, as well as each other, about solutions to the country’s most pressing state issues.
The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that provides states support, ideas, connections and a voice on Capitol Hill. The NCSL was envisioned in 1975 to combine the efforts of three organizations that were representing state legislators and staff. The goal is to help states remain strong and independent by giving them the tools, information and resources to craft the best solutions to difficult problems.
Attendees at Monday’s tour in Wilson County were welcomed by Ray Render representing Congressman John Rose, State Senator Mark Pody, Davidson County Administrator of Elections Jeff Roberts, Wilson County Administrator Phillip Warren and Assistant Administrator Tammy Smith.
The informal presentation was an introduction to the Wilson and Davidson County Election Commissions, an overview of how elections are prepared for in Tennessee and a demonstration of the voting process used in the counties. Both Wilson and Davidson Counties use the ExpressVote system for Early Voting and Election day. The ExpressVote consists of a ballot marking device where voters make their selections on a touchscreen then print the ballot with their choices clearly printed. The printed ballot is then reviewed by the voter for accuracy before they cast it. Procedures taken to ensure the integrity and security of every vote cast were discussed.
“Having this group from the NCSL take the time to come to our county to experience how we conduct elections is an honor. We are excited to be working with Davidson County to show how our voting system works to instill voter confidence and provide a paper ballot that further assures the voter that the integrity and security of their vote is protected,” said Warren
For anyone interested in learning more about what goes on “behind the scenes” with elections, The Wilson County Election Commission is now taking applications for its Election Institute. The class will include presentations and hands-on activities designed to give a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that goes into elections in Wilson County. Participants will gain knowledge about voter registration, ballot and voting system preparation, what it takes to be a candidate and the importance of poll workers, the media and community outreach.
“This class will give attendees an understanding of the many aspects of preparation for elections and the everyday functions of the Election Commission,” said Assistant Administrator Tammy Smith. “We encourage anyone involved in a campaign, prospective candidates and citizens interested in becoming more civically involved to apply for the institute,” Smith commented.
The Election Institute will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 8 am until 3:30 pm at the Wilson County Election Commission Annex Training Room at 415 Harding Dr in Lebanon. The classes are free with lunch and snacks available. The class size is limited, so reserve a seat soon. To reserve your seat and to learn more about the Election Institute information and an application are available at www.WilsonVotes.com or contact the Wilson County Election Commission at 615-444-0216.
To learn more about elections, voting and how you can be involved with Wilson County elections contact the Wilson County Election Commission at 615-444-0216 or online at www.Wilsonelections.com.
Picture Attached: A small group of the attendees- L-R Phillip Warren, Jeff Roberts, Christi Zamarripa, Barbara Griffin, Wendy Underhill, Dylan Lynch