The Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the integrity of nominating petitions and the standards for candidate signatures. The meeting highlighted concerns over the verification process for signatures on petitions, particularly in light of allegations of forgery in recent elections.

Representative James Mitchell raised significant issues regarding the current standards for nominating petitions, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistency in how signatures are collected and verified. He recounted instances from Davidson County where signatures were allegedly forged, including cases where family members signed for individuals who were not present. Mitchell argued that the existing laws allow for too much leniency, enabling potential fraud and undermining election integrity.

The discussion revealed that the current law permits candidates to use variations of their names on petitions, which can lead to confusion and challenges during the verification process. Mitchell proposed legislation that would require candidates to sign petitions exactly as their names appear on their voter registration cards, aiming to eliminate discrepancies and enhance accountability.

Mark Goins, the Director of Elections, responded to Mitchell's claims, asserting that procedures are in place to handle signature verification and that challenges to petitions are rare. He noted that the law already allows candidates to run under either their legal names or commonly used names, which could complicate the implementation of Mitchell's proposed changes.

The committee members expressed concerns about the potential implications of the proposed legislation, particularly how it might affect thousands of candidates in future elections. Some members highlighted the need for more robust protocols to ensure the integrity of the election process, while others cautioned against overly restrictive measures that could disenfranchise voters.

In conclusion, the subcommittee's discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in maintaining election integrity in Tennessee. As the committee considers Mitchell's proposal, the focus remains on balancing the need for strict verification processes with the rights of candidates and voters. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed changes and their potential impact on future elections in the state.