Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Republicans in the House State & Local Government Committee killed a bill on Wednesday which would have required voters to select a party affiliation and helped secure closed Tennessee primary elections.
HB1159 by Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet-District 57) has seen quite the journey through the legislature, coming on and off notice several times as another similar bill has also been making its way through the committee process.
This bill would have required new and current voters to select a political party affiliation, with individuals failing to make a designation or choosing to do so being marked “Unaffiliated” and prevented from voting in a party primary election.
During the committee meeting, Rep. Lynn reiterated that the bill in no way dictates who may register to vote, doesn’t limit participation in general elections, does not lock voters into a party as they may change their designation within 30 days prior to an election, and creates no barriers to voting. “It simply adds a transparent administrative step for primary participation,” she said.
Committee Democrats expressed concern about the short window of time in which a voter could change their registration and called the bill “unnecessary”, claiming it creates “another hurdle in the voting process.”
Republican Rep. Tim Rudd commended Lynn on the bill, saying it was “much needed”, but his sentiments were not reflected by other committee Republicans as five of them joined all six committee Democrats in voting against the measure.
The vote was 11-11, and a tie vote means a bill fails. All 11 “Yes” votes came from Republicans while the 5 Republicans voting “No” were Reps. Michele Carringer, Rick Eldridge, Mary Littleton, Iris Rudder, and Dave Wright.
If just one of these Republicans had abstained from the vote or voted “Yes”, the bill would have advanced.
While the Senate companion bill, SB0831, is scheduled for the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday, March 31, it will likely be taken off notice or general subbed with the failure of HB1159.
However, the other party registration bill which has been perceived as the stronger piece of legislation, SB0777, is also set to be considered by the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday, March 31.
The House companion to SB0777, HB0886, made significant progress in the House last year, but cannot be considered by the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee until SB0777 passes its first committee.
To contact Senate committee members about this legislation before the meeting on Tuesday, use the information below:
Senate State and Local Government Committee– SB0777 set to be heard March 31
SB0777 Requires party affiliation for all current and new voters
Sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov; sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.tom.hatcher@capitol.tn.gov; sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ed.jackson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov; sen.adam.lowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: 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.
