Attorney General Opinions 
Relating to County Government

2001 Elections

• This opinion analyzes the Supreme Court decision in Bush v. Gore and its effect on elections in Tennessee. The Supreme Court did not decide whether a uniform voting system is required or whether the use of punch card systems violates the equal protection clause of the constitution. It is the General Assembly’s responsibility to remedy any potential constitutional problems with Tennessee’s voting system. Without evidence that mechanical lever machines are less accurate than any other type of voting machine used in Tennessee, their use could not be attacked successfully under the equal protection clause. County election officials in Tennessee have no statutory discretion to interpret election results.  Opinion No. 01-012 (January 30, 2001).