This week the State Comptroller will begin what’s called a ‘limited review’ of data security procedures at the Metro Election Commission. The audit follows the theft of two laptops with the names, addresses, dates of birth and social security numbers of every registered voter in Davidson County.
Governor Phil Bredesen says the state is also taking a hard look at data security policies in all 95 counties. Richard Norment will assist the Comptroller’s review. He says the audit of the Metro Election Commission will be far more thorough.
“I would hope this is isolated. I think everyone all over the state, including here in Davidson County, are certainly very conscious – even more today than they were just a week or so ago – about security of this type of sensitive information.”
Norment says if deficiencies turn up, election officials from around the state will be notified. He also says the review won’t interfere with early voting in the Presidential primary, which begins this Wednesday.
Metro Nashville’s own auditor has already been directed to review Metro departments that handle building and data security. Metro Council members have questioned the Election Administrator about the security breach, but formal review was out of the city’s hands because the Election Commission is a state agency.
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