Other Election Bills Pending in Tennessee

Other Election Bills Introduced and Pending 2007-08
in the Tennessee General Assembly

Research and compilation by Deborah Narrigan, Gathering to Save Our Democracy
(Bill commentary by Gathering to Save Our Democracy does not reflect endorsement or assessment by EDA) --[Ed.]

1. HB 1895 Rinks
SB 1702

Abstract: Election Laws - Revises provisions related to computerized voting systems, contested elections, alleged tempering with ballots or voting machines, post election audits, and retention of certain information. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 11; Title 2, Chapter 7 and Title 2, Chapter 9.

Notes: This bill has 5 parts, all dealing with technical issues of e vote systems, including allowing “experts” access to machine software.
Follow closely—this is an important and complex bill.

2. HB 2152 Briley
SB 2033 Crutchfield

Abstract: Election Laws - Enacts the “Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007.” - Amends TCA Title 2.

Notes: This bill is identical to HB 1256 see below

3. HB 1896 Rinks
SB1700 Herron

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires all new voting machines be either optical scan or if touch-screen devices, be equipped with a device that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act that provides a paper trail that can be reviewed by the voter to insure the accountability of the vote. - Amends TCA Title 2.

Notes: This bill resembles several others advocating for optical scan systems but is less clearly written.

4. HB 1282 Lynn, Maggart
SB 0824 Johnson

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires any voting system purchased on or after July 1, 2007, to produce a paper version of any ballot cast; requires such paper version to be retained by county election commission for recounts, contests, or random samplings. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 9.

Notes: This is Rep Lynn’s bill introduce for a third time; very brief.
Follow as she is a strong advocate for the same basic goals we have.

5. HB 1894 Rinks
SB 1697 Herron
SB 0824 Johnson

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires any voting system purchased on or after July 1, 2007, to produce a paper version of any ballot cast; requires such paper version to be retained by county election commission for recounts, contests, or random samplings. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 9.

Notes: This is exactly the same wording as HB 1282

6. HB 1889 Tindell
SB1692 Herron

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires county election commission to place source codes for vote counting software for electronic voting machines in approved escrow facility prior to election for purpose of recount or accuracy tests. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 9.

Notes: New ideas here, on escrowing source codes—by counties.
Follow closely and consider discussion with sponsors as language and ideas are not clear, but are important.

7. HB 1281 Lynn, Maggart
SB 0825 Johnson

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires county election commission to place source codes for vote counting software for electronic voting machines in approved escrow facility prior to election for purpose of recount or accuracy tests. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 9.

Notes: This is exactly the same wording as HB 1889.

8. HB 1373 Kernell
SB 1217 Ford

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires each voting machine by November 2008 election to have capability of producing hard copy of voting totals or have documented method in place capable of retrieving voting totals from machine and producing hard copy of voting totals. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 9.

9. HB 1764 Kernell, U Jones
SB 0639 Flinn

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires the county election commission in any county using a computerized direct recording electronic system approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission to provide for each polling place a voter-verified paper audit trail system. - Amends TCA Section 2-5-216.

Notes: Unclear intent but generally calls for paper “trail”.

Vote by Mail Bills

1. HB0017 Shepard
SB 0012 Jackson

Abstract: Election Laws- Permits any registered Tennessee voter to vote absentee- Amends TCA Title

Notes: Ideas are not developed, but this may be a first step to vote by mail.
Follow as this is basically a good idea.

(*EDA takes a very different view, that VBM is a well-intentioned idea that unfortunately presents an unacceptably high level of risk for election fraud. See: http://www.electiondefensealliance.org/vote_by_mail.)--[Ed.]

2. HB0485 Marrero
SB 0642 Flynn

Abstract: Election Laws - Requires certain elections be conducted by mail; authorizes state coordinator of elections to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this act. - Amends TCA Title 2.

Notes: This is a fully developed plan for VBM; problem is Rep Marrero may be elected to the Senate, and the Senator here is temporary.
It seems unlikely this will go very far as it is a totally new idea and would completely alter (how?) the election system state-wide.

Federal Legislation

HR 811, The Voter Confidence Act, sponsored by Congressman Rush Holt of NJ, came close to passage in late 2007, but as of January 2008, but is not progressing.

Instead, Congressman Holt will introduce a new bill January 17, 2008 [HR 5036] that will offer one time funding to states such as Tennessee that currently do not use voting systems based on paper ballots. Any state that wants to convert from touchscreen electronic systems to optical scan voting systems in time for the 2008 general election will be able to request funding.