The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Executive Order 48
Subject: Metropolitan Government Employee Election Day Volunteer Poll Worker Program
WHEREAS, poll workers labor day and night to ensure that elections are accurate and secure; and
WHEREAS, because of their dedicated service, our nation’s democracy remains strong; and
WHEREAS, the outcome of elections impacts the daily lives of every resident of Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government employs thousands of educated, talented, and caring adults; and
WHEREAS, a planned and coordinated approach to encourage Metropolitan Government employees to participate in the Election Day Volunteer Poll Worker Program is in the overall best interest of the Metropolitan Government; and
WHEREAS, the Davidson County Election Commission welcomes the time and service of Metropolitan Government employees as volunteers in the democratic process.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby find, direct, and order the following:
1) Persons Covered. The opportunity to participate in the Metropolitan Government Employee Election Day Volunteer Poll Worker Program (“Program”) addressed in this Executive Order is available to all unclassified employees of the Metropolitan Government except: employees of elected officials, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Nashville Electric Service, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Metropolitan Transit Authority, Metropolitan Sports Authority, and Metropolitan Hospital Authority. Classified employees of the Metropolitan Government may participate pursuant to the Rules and Policies of their respective Civil Service Commissions or Boards. It is recommended that elected officials interested in implementing a similar leave policy consult the Department of Law to determine the eligibility of their employees to serve as poll workers.
2) Unclassified employees may participate in the Program in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. Employees who work directly under the supervision of an elected official who is on the ballot may not participate in the Program. One working day of administrative leave with pay may be provided to employees to volunteer as poll workers on election day under the Program. Elections covered under this Executive Order include primary, general, runoff, and special elections. This Program does not apply to early voting days. Each Appointing Authority shall have the discretion to approve or disapprove leave requests. No leave request shall be granted under this Executive Order if it is determined by the Appointing Authority that such leave would disrupt the workplace. While participating in this Program, each employee must comply with the appropriate policies and procedures of the Davidson County Election Commission.
3) Effective Date. This Executive Order shall take effect ninety (90) days after its issuance.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: April 1, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor