The Knox County Commission rules committee voted to recommend rule changes to accommodate a new electronic voting system that will display each commissioner's vote in real time.

Commissioner Dert, who submitted the redlined language, told the committee the changes "govern all voting conducted by the commission when using the electronic voting system," and described a Section K provision requiring the chair to call for the clerk to open the electronic vote and to indicate how long the vote will remain open. "As members cast their votes, aye, nay, or abstain, the electronic system shall display the vote of each commissioner as votes are cast," Dert read.

The proposed language also says when the chair closes the vote "the final totals shall be immediately visible to all members" and that the clerk "shall record the final vote totals and outcome in the minutes." Dert told colleagues the rules drop a separate, sequential roll-call because votes will now open and close simultaneously.

Commissioner Jay raised a procedural objection: "I just lodge in my protest ... that votes shouldn't be live," Jay said, arguing that votes could be displayed only after voting closes as is done in other counties. Other commissioners responded that real-time display mirrors practices in state legislative bodies and can help members see how a question is resolving as votes are cast.

Dert also clarified terminology around abstention: the electronic system will not include a "pass" option. "Under the commission's electronic voting system, there is no option to pass a vote," she said, adding that members must select "aye, nay, or abstain while the vote is open." She cited Robert's Rules and the Knox County Charter, noting the charter requires a constitutional majority of six affirmative votes for passage of certain actions, "regardless of members present," and that abstentions can therefore affect whether an item achieves the six-vote threshold.

After discussion the committee approved a motion to recommend the proposed rule language to the full commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Gill, and passed on an "Aye" vote.

The committee forwarded the redline language and its recommendation; the full commission will consider the amendments at a later meeting.