Election Office To Appeal Decision Of County Finance Cutting New Absentee Voting Position

  • Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Members of the Election Commission said they would seek to overturn a decision of county finance to cut a new position dealing with a rise in absentee voting.

Chris Clem, a member of the panel, said, "That is in our discretion, not theirs."

He said by law the county is required to fund the operations of the election office as submitted.

Mr. Clem said the Election Commission had voted 5-0 to add the position into the budget on the recommendation of Election Administrator Scott Allen.

The attorney said, "They have got to pay it. If we go to court, we will win and they will have to pay for our attorney and theirs."

Mr. Allen said he was told by county finance that it was felt the office could continue to handle absentee voting with current staff.

Election Commission Chairman Mike Walden said he would talk with County Mayor Jim Coppinger on the issue.

Breaking News
Teen Arrested In Shooting March 14 On Central Avenue
  • 4/29/2025

Cordai Miree, 18, has been arrested in connection with the March 14 shooting in the 4900 block of Central Avenue. The arrest was by Chattanooga Police with assistance from the U.S. Marshals ... more

East Ridge Weighing Benefits, Costs Of CARTA's Care-a-Van Service
  • 4/28/2025

The East Ridge City Council and city manager are trying to find a solution for continuing to help citizens who need it get to places that they need to be. Since 2018, the city, along with CARTA, ... more

Traffic Shift Prompts Lane Closures on Interstate 24 Near Interstate 75
  • 4/28/2025

Drivers traveling near the I-75 at I-24 interchange in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second ... more