A new member has been named to the DeKalb County Election Commission by the Tennessee Election Commission.

Mrs. Yvette Tubbs Carver, a resident of Alexandria, is replacing Jackie Smith as one of the two democratic members of the local commission. Smith recently retired and requested that she not be reappointed to the county election commission.

“I am truly humbled to have an opportunity to serve alongside Kim Luton as we work together to serve DeKalb County.  I am confident that with a shared vision and a commitment to the wonderful people of this county, we can ensure every vote counts.  With the help of the election commission, together we can expand access and opportunities for voting to equip the residents of our county to uphold our values and allow their voices to be heard,” said Carver.

Since the state legislature is made up of a majority of GOP lawmakers, Republicans have the right to hold majority memberships on the Tennessee Election Commission as well as all county election commissions. The appointments to local commissions are made by the state election commission in April of odd numbered years. The term for each member is for two years.

The other Democrat on the county election commission is Mrs. Kim Driver Luton, a resident of Smithville. Luton has been reappointed by the Tennessee Election Commission and will be starting her first full term. Luton has been serving as a Commissioner since January 28, 2021 when she was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of Commissioner Lisa Peterson. 

"I look forward to serving my first official term with Yvette Carver.  Together, we will work towards consistent early voting hours, add one hour back to election day as well as work towards an early voting day in Alexandria. I believe the entire Election Commission will work together towards these goals and others as we count every vote," said Luton.

Jordan Wilkins, Chair of the DeKalb Democratic Party, stated: “I first want to thank Mrs. Jackie Smith for her honorable six years of service as an election commissioner. I wish her well in her retirement. I am elated that with the appointment of Yvette and Kim, DeKalb Democrats continue to demonstrate that diversity is our strength. After reviewing the geographic representation of the previous election commission memberships, I felt it had been far too long since the Alexandria community had a representative on the local commission. Yvette and Kim are both former members of the local Democratic Executive Committee and I know they will represent our party with pride. I believe Yvette and Kim will be a powerful team that will work with all members of the commission to ensure transparent, safe, and accessible elections in DeKalb County. It is a privilege to have recommended both of these outstanding people to serve and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next two years.”