News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Overton County Election Commission will take the Town of Livingston’s vote to hold June municipal elections under consideration at its next meeting.
Election Administrator Craig Story said the commission will have input from a number of sources to help make a decision.
“I think what will happen is the Election Commission, in light of the governor lifting the stay-at-home restrictions will probably meet again,” Story said. “They’ll be discussing whether or not it can safely be held. In light of the Town of Livingston’s decision to want to continue on, I think they’ll be looking at both of those things and trying to make the best decision they can.”
The Election Commission voted last week to postpone the June 3 city election citing health concerns for voters and election workers.
Story said neither the commission nor city council can move an election.
“Unless a court of jurisdiction gives an order otherwise, Livingston’s election is still on for the first Wednesday in June,” Story said.
Livingston’s 4-3 vote came on the heels of Governor Bill Lee ordering the state to reopen earlier Monday.
Story said despite Livingston’s vote and the order from Governor Lee, the commission will still make the safest decision it can in light of uncertain times.
“I don’t want to speak for the commission, but things change by day, and sometimes several times in a day, as far as the orders we get,” Story said. “We live in an uncertain and strange time for us, but we’re going to go out there and make the best decision we can. Our job is to conduct an election for the Town of Livingston, and if we can safely do that, I think that’s what they’re going to want to do.”
Story said no matter what decision is made, their will be a plan in place to protect everyone participating in the election.
“I’ve been in consultation with the health department and agencies I believe have some knowledge that can help us,” Story said. “We’re going to try to do things according to CDC guidelines as far as providing personal protective equipment to the workers and try to provide for the safety for the workers and the voters.”
Story said the commission will likely meet early in May to consider finalizing plans for the June election.
