May 2025 Brentwood City Commission Election - Poll Observation Report

The League of Women Voters of Williamson County (LWVWmCo) had seven members volunteer as observers for the Bentwood City Commission Election. They observed at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library during the Early Voting period and on Election Day, May 6th, at both locations. The LWVWmCo commends the Williamson County Election Commission for another well-run election.

Overall

LWVWmCo pool observers reported short lines with less than a 5-minute wait for voters to complete the voting process. All the observers noted that the flow at the polling sites was excellent. They also reported that the number of voting machines and tabulators was adequate.

They also commented that the poll workers and officials at each location were professional, friendly, and willing to help voters when requested. One of our observers noted, “The workers were polite and professional. There was a pleasant atmosphere always.” At another polling location, our observer noted that, “Poll workers went above and beyond to ensure that every registered voter could vote in this election. They handled the challenges that arose with professionalism and kindness.” This poll observer went outside to talk to a voter who was not in the system. She reported that while it took several minutes for the poll official to resolve the situation, she could vote, and the voter was very satisfied with how the situation was handled. 

ADA Compatibility Issues

No specific issues were reported during this election cycle, although several observed that the door to the John P. Holt Brentwood Library entrance was difficult for some voters to manage. One observer stated, “A few voters had trouble with the heavy door at the entry. If the weather is favorable, it would be ideal to prop it open, but it was cool and rainy today. The only way to improve it would be to have someone ready to help hold the door. Some poll workers certainly did this when they could, but most of the time, they were busy with other duties.”

Voting Entrance Signage

The required signage was visible at all polling locations. 

Voter Registration and other issues

Several poll observers reported a few instances where persons attempted to vote but had not registered in time to meet the deadline for this election. They also observed a few people who had changed their address or had a name change. In each instance, the observers reported that the poll officials were very helpful. One person was turned away for not having the necessary ID, and another voter was turned away but returned a short time later with the proper ID and was allowed to vote. When our observers were at the poll locations, they did not see or verify that anyone was given a provisional ballot.

Minor Glitches

One of the tabulators at the John P. Holt Brenwood library had been jamming. They pulled it from use, and Mr. Chad Gray came and picked up the machine.

One incident was reported at the Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Our observer noted:

 “At approximately 11:12 am, the internet went down, which meant that poll staff could not check in voters. This was discovered to be the result of the modem coming unplugged (with the tangle of cords under the check-in desks, it is not hard to see how this could have resulted from someone accidentally hitting it or a cord being weighed down and coming lose. Poll workers responded appropriately, seating voters who waited and working with church staff and the election commission to get back online by 11:24 am. During that time, seven voters waited while two left, but those voters later returned.”

Both instances were handled efficiently and professionally.

League of Women Voters of Williamson County Recommendations

• Request a handicap door opener be installed at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library.
• Release the registration deadline information for the upcoming Franklin Municipal Election soon after the Candidate Qualifying deadline.

Respectively Submitted,

Cynthia Mercante

President, LWVWmCoTN