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League of Women Voters warns Williamson County election staff new primary-declaration language may confuse voters
Summary
At the March 25 meeting the League of Women Voters of Williamson County urged election officials to clarify newly required primary-declaration language on ballot applications; the county’s elections administrator said the wording is in state law and will be covered in poll-official training.
Dorinda Smith, president of the League of Women Voters of Williamson County, told the Williamson County Election Commission on March 25 that newly required language on the ballot-application form could confuse voters. Smith quoted the text that now must appear on the application: "If this is a primary election, I am a bona fide member of and affiliate with the party in whose election I seek to vote; or I declare allegiance to the political party in whose primary I seek to vote and state that I intend to affiliate with that party." She asked how officials should respond if a voter refuses to sign or strikes through that language and whether a voter could be denied a ballot under those circumstances.
Administrator of Elections Chad Gray responded that the wording is noted in Tennessee law under T.C.A. 2-7-115(b) and that the State Election Coordinator implemented the change beginning with the 7th Congressional Special Election. Gray said the change will be addressed during poll-official training ahead of Williamson County’s upcoming elections so officials can respond consistently to voter questions.
Barbara Owens of Brentwood, who also offered public comment, said she does not register by party and "votes for the best qualified candidate," echoing concern about how the language might be understood by voters who do not identify with a party. Acting Chair Donna Choate said she would make Chair Jonathan Duda aware of the League’s concerns.
Why this matters: the wording affects how primary voters affirm party affiliation on applications and could lead to inconsistent responses at polling places if poll officials are not provided clear guidance. County officials said training will include guidance on how to address voter confusion and that they will follow the statutory requirement cited by the administrator.
The commission did not take any formal action on the request for policy guidance at the March 25 meeting; Administrator Gray said he would include the topic in upcoming training materials.
