State legislators start process for elections board nominees
The Polk County Board of Elections is expanding to five members following passage of HB713.
Both of Polk County’s state legislators are accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the county’s board of elections in preparation for the board’s expansion to five members.
State Sen. Jason Anavitarte and Rep. Trey Kelley announced last week that they have begun the process of coming up with a list of qualified, interested residents who wish to serve on the board.
Applicants must be a resident of Polk County, be at least 18 years old and be registered to vote. All applications must include a resume highlighting relevant work/ community volunteer experience and a statement as to why they would like to serve
Anavitarte, R-Dallas, is accepting applications through an online application or by emailing Jason.Anavitarte@senate. ga.gov. Kelley, R-Cedartown, is accepting resumes emailed to Trey.Kelley@house.ga.gov. The deadline is June 20.
The expansion of the board from three to five members is the result of the passage of House Bill 713 in the Georgia General Assembly this past session. The bill was introduced by Kelley and signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 3.
While the Polk County Board of Commissioners retains appointing authority, HB713 specifies that two board members, including the two new positions, must be appointed from a nomination list provided by the members of the Georgia Senate and Georgia House of Representatives who represent all or any portion of Polk County.
“I was honored to sponsor legislation this year that will support our county’s efforts to administer safe, secure and accessible elections,” Kelley said in a release. “Adding two members who have been vetted
by our legislative delegation ensures that the board represents a diverse range of perspectives and interests. This can enhance the transparency and accountability of the board’s decision-making process by incorporating input from different stakeholders.”
“Polk County is growing steadily, and expanding the board of elections from three members to five is a step to ensure that all of our citizens have access to free, fair and secure elections,” Anavitarte said in a release. “I look forward to reviewing the applications, and encourage anyone who has an interest in serving the public while facilitating democracy to apply for nomination.”