Lawrence City personnel committee recommends withdrawing unenrolled nominee to Board of Registrars

The Lawrence City Personnel Committee voted Wednesday, Oct. 15, to recommend withdrawing Mayor’s nominee Jacqueline Marmol, an unenrolled voter, from consideration for the Board of Registrars after the state elections office told the committee the appointments must reflect the two leading political parties.

The committee’s action followed an email to staff from Michelle Tanasseri, an attorney with the state elections office, that “the law requires that the registrars be appointed to represent the two leading political parties,” and that the city clerk may serve as the unenrolled member, the committee was told. For transparency, the committee sent the recommendation to withdraw to the full city council for final action.

Councilor Levy moved to recommend withdrawal of agenda item 393-25, the nomination of Jacqueline Marmol; Councilor Luzon seconded the motion. The committee conducted a roll-call vote; Councilor Levy, Councilor Luzon and Chair Arantia each voted in the affirmative, and the committee’s recommendation to withdraw the nomination passed. Committee members noted the nominee had been informed and was not present at the meeting.

Committee members and staff cited a state-issued handbook on election administration that accompanied the attorney’s email. The committee chair said the item would be forwarded to the full council, a required step for withdrawals.

No new nomination or alternative appointment was announced at the meeting. The item will next appear on the full Lawrence City Council agenda for action or further discussion.