Tennessee Democrats want the U.S. Department of Justice to be a part of election voting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Tennessee Democrats are making good on their election evening promise to deliver high-powered authorized eagles into the Shelby County election course of.

Motion Information 5 has discovered the U.S. Division of Justice has been requested to become involved. Native democrats weren’t happy with the August 4 election, questioning the integrity of the vote counting, the dearth of paper receipts on the polls, and further postage being required on absentee ballots. Now with eigtty-two days till the November election, they’ve requested federal authorities to intervene.

Regardless of a blue wave sweeping Memphis throughout the election two weeks in the past, democrats have many questions on the equity of Shelby County elections and the officers who’re in control of the election fee. “We need to make it possible for we make sure the integrity of the election,” State Consultant G.A. Hardaway of Memphis instructed Motion Information 5, “the one method we are able to see proper now to try this is to usher in the Division of Justice.”

Rep. Hardaway confirmed he despatched a letter to the U.S. Division of Justice, expressing concern in regards to the GOP-controlled Shelby County Election Fee. The 2 democrats on the five-member election fee voiced related worries on election day.

“Sadly, it’s only a rogue operation,” mentioned Election Commissioner Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, “the place the administrator principally does no matter she desires to do, underneath the authority of a md who believes he’s the authority and may do no matter he desires to do.”

“I’ve requested for all of our insurance policies since I’ve been a sitting commissioner,” Election Commissioner Bennie Smith mentioned, “and I’ve been right here since 2019, and I haven’t seen any insurance policies.”

Commissioners Smith and Kimbrow mentioned they weren’t allowed entry to the server room the place the votes are tabulated. Former Shelby County Mayor and republican Mark Luttrell is chairman of the election fee.

“Effectively, I’m not allowed within the server room,” he mentioned, “all the commissioners are allowed to return within the normal working space.”

When requested in regards to the DOJ getting concerned, Shelby County Elections Administrator Linda Phillips launched the next assertion:

“We welcome any evaluate of our processes, as our aim is to offer clear and honest elections for voters and candidates in Shelby County. Like all voting members of the general public, Election Commissioners are allowed anyplace in our workplaces besides the precise rooms the place tabulation takes place, which is for the security and safety of each vote solid. Alternatively, they’ll view by massive image home windows that brazenly present a full view of the tabulation course of.”

With new voting gear debuting this November, democrats are decided to verify the voting course of is free, honest, and sincere.

“Transparency and accountability make sure the integrity of the vote,” mentioned Rep. Hardaway, “so we all know what we’re doing. And we all know what we have to do to guard the election course of, and we’re going to do it. We’re ready.”

The Shelby County Election Fee meets subsequent Monday to certify the outcomes of the August 4 election. Rep. Hardaway says he, together with attorneys for the democratic get together, plans on attending.

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