Election Administrator Expresses “Grave Concern” Over Holding Next Year’s Elections
During the Hardeman County Commission meeting held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Hardeman County’s Election Administrator Amber Moore expressed “grave concern” over whether next year’s elections could be held at the current election commission facility in Bolivar.
Ms. Moore initially expressed her desire for a new building at the February 2023 meeting of the Hardeman County Commission. She stated the current location has a moisture problems and they need more space due to new voting machines, and new laws requiring paper ballots. Moore asked for the County to build a new building for the Election Commission, which she said would need to be completed by the end of 2023.
“We’ve not gotten anywhere with the building . . . ” said Moore at Tuesday’s meeting of the County Commission, “I do want to stress that come March, we can not hold the election out there. I’m out of space. The new equipment has arrived. I’ve gotten rid of all the old equipment. We’ve gone through every box we can to eliminate paper.”
Though the buildings committee has met several times to discuss her request, more questions arise at each meeting.
“We have more questions than we have answers.” said Commissioner and Buildings Committee Chairman David Bell at Tuesday’s meeting.
The buildings committee has discussed several options including constructing a new facility, renovating or expanding the current building, or renovating unused space in the County EMS building.
Moore said the current Election Commission building has 2,400 square feet and she believes that 3,800 square feet would meet their need. A sketch of the building Moore desires has not yet been completed.
Commissioner Bobby Wright made a motion to proceed on finding out what the finances are for the county to borrow the money for a 3,800 square foot building, even though the exact amount of money the new building would cost is unknown at this time. Some commissioners said they had received figures from a builder of $75 – $100 a square foot. Commissioner Grantham seconded the motion and the commission unanimously approved.
The Hardeman County Commission is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
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