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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
HB0069, aimed at “establishing major safeguards to strengthen election integrity in Tennessee” is set to be heard by the House Elections & Campaign Finance Committee on Tuesday, 3/11.
The legislation is sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland-District 44), and Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-District 27) is carrying the companion piece in the Assembly’s upper chamber as SB0133.
The bill has picked up three conservative co-prime sponsors in the House, Reps. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69), Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61), and Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski-District 70).
The legislation would do three primary things :
1) Requires the Tennessee Secretary of State to work with local and state election officials to create a secure electronic portal for county election administrators to verify U.S. citizenship and voter eligibility.
2) Requires the coordinator of elections, in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, to create a similar portal to verify whether someone is ineligible to vote because of a felony conviction.
3) Requires a visual distinction, such as a color or font on the face of a photo identification license, to differentiate the class designation for the purpose of voting.
Should a county administrator reject a voter registration application based on information received via this secure electronic portal, the administrator would have to provide written notice of rejection to the applicant letting the applicant know that they can appeal the decision.
Leader Lamberth has stated, “When one person votes illegally, it cancels out a legal citizen’s solemn right to decide who will lead in our communities, our state, and our nation. Just as all eligible and law-abiding Americans have a duty to make their voice heard on Election Day, Tennessee has prioritized its duty to protect the rights of legal voters and the legitimacy of every vote cast.”
Rep. Barrett, who partnered with Lamberth on the legislation to “help guide passage of the bill in the House,” reiterated his passion for ensuring secure elections stating, “Strengthening public trust in the integrity of our elections has been an integral part of my legislative platform.”
To reach the members of the House Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee before their meeting on 3/11, please use the contact information below:
HB0069 Summary: As introduced, requires the coordinator of elections, in collaboration with the department of safety and Tennessee bureau of investigation, to create two electronic portals prior to January 1, 2028, for purposes of verifying an applicant’s eligibility to vote based upon United States citizenship and conviction of a felony prior to registering the applicant to vote; requires department of safety to issue lawful permanent residents a temporary driver license, instead of a standard license, to aid in determining voter eligibility for someone who presents a Tennessee driver license as identification.
Rep.tim.rudd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dan.howell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.leatherwood@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dave.wright@capitol.tn.gov
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
