A resolution requesting the Davidson County Election Commission to publish an explanation of the August 3, 2006 ballot and the procedure for using the new voting machines in community and minority newspapers distributed in Davidson County, in addition to the traditional publication of the ballot in newspapers of general circulation.

WHEREAS, the ballot for August 3, 2006 state primary election will be extraordinarily lengthy and complicated due to the large number of items and offices on the ballot; and

WHEREAS, to add to the confusion, federal law mandates that new electronic voting machines be used for this election; and

WHEREAS, the new electronic voting machines chosen by the Election Commission use "touch-screen" computer technology that will likely be unfamiliar and intimidating to many voters, especially elderly persons with limited computer knowledge; and

WHEREAS, the Administrator of Elections for the Davidson County Election Commission has informed Members of Council that his staff will be available to demonstrate the new voting machines at community meetings prior to the election; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the live demonstrations of the voting machines, it is fitting and proper that the Election Commission publish an explanation of the items on the ballot and the procedure for using the new machines in the various community and minority newspapers published in Davidson County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Election Commission to publish an explanation of the August 3, 2006 ballot and the procedure for using the new voting machines in community and minority newspapers distributed in Davidson County, in addition to the traditional publication of the ballot in newspapers of general circulation.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Ray Barrett, the Administrator of Elections, and to each member of the Davidson County Election Commission.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore