NASHVILLE - Hamilton County Administrator of Elections Scott Allen has passed his certification exam, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins announced Thursday.
Officials say the certification comes after a "rigorous" one-day exam in which participants demonstrate they have the levels of knowledge and understanding "required to be successful county administrators of elections in Tennessee."
Hargett said in the news release that "this certification demonstrates Scott's dedication to meeting the highest of standards in his efforts to serve Hamilton County. Hamilton Countians can be proud to have a public servant of this caliber."
Goins said, "I applaud Scott for his hard work, commitment and focus in studying for the exam. I appreciate his dedication to the election process."
Also passing their certification exams were Laney Tucker, Crockett County administrator of elections, and Justin Reaves, Greene County administrator of elections.
Passing the exam "gives Tennesseans confidence that those running elections across the state are doing it in accordance with state law," said Hargett, who also noted Tennessee provides a financial incentive for administrators to seek certification. They cannot be paid less than the certified pay rate for their respective county.
Hamilton County Election Commission members voted in January to make Allen the county's new election administrator. He had served as interim administrator after commissioners' September 2020 dismissal of then-administrator Kerry Steelman.
The secretary of state's office did not immediately respond to a Times Free Press request about how many of Tennessee's 95 election administrators have received state certification.
- Compiled by Andy Sher