A resolution requesting the Davidson County Election Commission to make the voting machines no longer being used for Election Commission purposes available to schools to use as a tool in civics instruction.

WHEREAS, as required by federal law, the Davidson County Election Commission recently replaced the old voting machines with new touch-screen voting machines; and

WHEREAS, five hundred of the old voting machines are currently being warehoused by the Election Commission until a use can be identified for them or they are otherwise disposed of; and

WHEREAS, according to a survey conducted by the National Constitution Center, more school children were able to name the Three Stooges than the three branches of government; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that there is a direct correlation between civics education and voter participation among young people; and

WHEREAS, educational programs, such as Kids Voting USA, are designed to provide students with knowledge and critical thinking skills during an election campaign; and

WHERAS, making the old Danaher-brand voting machines available to all schools would greatly enhance civics instruction among students, and would help promote the importance of participating in the democratic process.

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 make the voting machines no longer being used for Election Commission purposes available to schools to use as a tool in civics instruction.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Davidson County Election Administrator Ray Barrett, 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: Buck Dozier, Vivian Wilhoite