Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0009

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Engrossed: 1/10/23
• Enrolled: 1/10/23
• Passed: 1/18/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to provide for a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate to count and compare the vote in the November 2022 general election for Governor.

Impact

The passage of SJR0009 has implications for election oversight in Tennessee. By creating a joint committee specifically to review the governor's election results, this resolution strengthens legislative involvement in the electoral process. Stakeholders argue that such measures will enhance public confidence in the election results, particularly in a climate where election integrity is frequently questioned. This could set a precedent for similar actions in future elections, potentially becoming a standard practice for managing electoral disputes at the state level.

Summary

SJR0009, also known as Senate Joint Resolution 9, was introduced to facilitate a formal assessment of the vote from the November 2022 general election for Governor in Tennessee. The resolution calls for the establishment of a joint committee composed of three members each from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This committee is tasked with the critical responsibility of counting and comparing the votes, ensuring that the electoral results are thoroughly evaluated and verified by legislative members. This process underlines the importance of transparency and accuracy in elections.

Contention

While SJR0009 received unanimous support, some may view the need for this resolution as indicative of a broader national conversation regarding election integrity. Critics may argue that these actions can unnecessarily prolong electoral processes or fuel skepticism around the legitimacy of election outcomes. Additionally, the formation of a joint committee may raise concerns about the politicization of what should be a straightforward administrative process, thus bringing partisanship into the area of confirmatory actions surrounding election results.