The Knox County Commission rules committee on Monday recommended amending Rule 1 to reflect the countyommission's new electronic voting system, including a provision that the system display each commissioner
s they cast a vote and that the chair announce results after the vote closes.

Commissioner Durett, who introduced the changes, said the draft creates a new Section K titled "voting procedures" requiring the chair to call for an electronic vote, specify how long the vote will remain open, and have the system display commissioners' votes in real time. "As members cast their votes, aye, nay, or abstain, the electronic system shall display the vote of each commissioner as votes are cast," Durett read to the committee.

Several commissioners raised concerns about showing live vote tallies. Commissioner Jay said he preferred the vendor demonstration model, in which members record their votes and only the final totals are revealed, arguing that live displays can create pressure and influence hesitant members. Durett and others replied that surrounding counties use real-time display and that state legislative practice similarly shows votes in real time.

Durett also clarified procedural language on abstentions, explaining the electronic system has no "pass" option and requires members to choose "aye," "nay" or "abstain" while the vote is open. He emphasized the significance of Knox County's charter requirement for a constitutional majority: "Our charter says we are constitutional, anything to pass requires a constitutional majority. So that's six regardless of the member's present," Durett said, noting that abstentions effectively reduce the available yes votes and can cause measures to fail if six affirmative votes are not reached.

The committee moved to recommend the redlined rule changes. Commissioner Thompson made the motion, Commissioner Hill seconded, and members voted "Aye"; the chair declared the motion carried. The committee directed staff to bring the recommended language forward for consideration by the full commission.

Practical exceptions were noted: Durett said appointments that require naming individuals will still proceed by voice because the electronic system does not provide a mechanism to type and record names. The committee also removed language about alternating district call order because votes will open and close simultaneously under the new system.

The committee scheduled follow-up work as needed and will transmit the recommendation to the full Knox County Commission for further action.