The Davidson County Election Commission voted unanimously to reopen applications for the county’s administrator of elections for one week, beginning the day of the meeting and closing at 11:59 p.m. on the 19th, commissioners decided after a lengthy debate about the size of the candidate pool and the need for transition time.

Commissioner Dooley moved to extend the posting period for the administrator position, saying the commission should “get the best pool of applicants that we can get.” Administrator Roberts told commissioners the office had received 45 applications and staff had recommended three for interviews. Roberts said staff could add additional applicants to the interview pool at the commission’s request.

The matter became the meeting’s longest discussion, with commissioners split over whether reopening the posting would risk leaving too little time for the successful candidate to shadow the incumbent before upcoming elections. Chairman Burns said he was comfortable with the existing pool but would accept the body’s decision to reopen the posting for a shorter period. Commissioner Dan Davis said additional time would demonstrate due diligence for a “very significant position in Davidson County.” Commissioner Byrd and others said publicity and the current political climate may depress interest in the role, and one more chance to “shake the tree” was prudent.

Under the motion approved by the commission, Metro HR will relist the position that evening and accept applications through midnight on the 19th. Administrator Roberts said staff would review applications and present recommended interviewees by the morning of Thursday, September 25; commissioners asked that any additional applicants they want included in the interview pool be forwarded to Roberts by about 3:00 p.m. on September 26 so staff can invite them to interviews. Commissioners also penciled in an interview meeting at the call of the chair and discussed holding interviews around Oct. 3 if schedules permit.

Roberts told the commission, “We have 45 applicants,” and reiterated that commissioners could ask staff to add any applicants from the reopened pool to the interview list. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the need for the incoming administrator to have time to shadow the incumbent before the December special election; Roberts warned that extending the posting too long could compress the onboarding window.

The discussion also included public-facing concerns about the profile of the role. Commissioner Davis said the administrator is “the face of the election commission in Davidson County” and urged that the commission take steps to attract candidates who support free and fair elections and will provide operational support to career staff.

The vote to reopen the posting for one week passed unanimously by voice vote. Commissioners clarified the administrative timeline and asked Roberts to coordinate with Metro HR and with regional election coordinators to publicize the vacancy.

The commission next scheduled an interview session at the call of the chair and moved on to other agenda items.