AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to voter registration.
Impact
The implementation of this bill aims to enhance transparency within the voter registration system in Tennessee. By requiring county election commissions to publish purged voter records, the bill seeks to inform the public about which voters have had their registrations canceled and the reasons behind these actions. This could potentially promote accountability and trust in the electoral process.
Summary
House Bill 1398 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding voter registration processes. The bill specifically mandates that each county election commission must publicly post a list of all voters whose registrations have been purged. This list is required to include essential identification details such as the voter's name, date of birth, and ZIP code.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB1398 is the privacy concerns related to the public disclosure of personal voter information. While proponents of the bill argue that transparency is crucial for electoral integrity, critics may contend that publishing such information could lead to unintended consequences, such as voter intimidation or harassment. Additionally, debates may arise regarding the efficiency and necessity of maintaining such lists, particularly during busy election periods.