Davidson County elections administrator fired
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Davidson County’s Election Commission has ousted its elections administrator after a state report found errors in the commission’s handling of last year’s elections.
The Tennessean reports the commission voted 4-1 to fire Albert Tieche after a one-hour meeting that included a commissioner stepping down in protest over the dismissal.
The state report said the problems included failing to open the polls on a Saturday during early voting; machines that sometimes defaulted to the Republican ballot during the primary; and shortages of poll workers, printed forms, parking and phone lines on Election Day.
Commissioner Jim Gotto resigned during the meeting and criticized others for seemingly fast-tracking the firing of Tieche. Gotto told the commission’s chairman that he had lost his “respect and trust.”
Deputy Elections Administrator Joan Nixon has been named interim director.
