On November 18, 2018, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Dr. Brenda Snipes, announced she was resigning from office effective January 4, 2019. On November 30, 2018, Governor Rick Scott suspended Dr. Snipes from office, effective immediately, and appointed Peter Antonacci as the Broward County Supervisor of Elections. On December 1, 2018, Dr. Snipes rescinded her resignation due to Governor Scott’s action and assertions. Governor Scott’s suspension of Dr. Snipes is subject to review by the Florida Senate.
Although Governor Scott has publicly stated that Mr. Antonacci shall remain Broward County Supervisor of Elections until the 2020 general election, Article IV, Section 7, of the Florida Constitution, provides that the Governor may fill the office of a suspended officer by appointment only for the period of suspension.
The County and its citizens have an interest in ensuring that any appointment to the position of Broward County Supervisor of Elections is in conformity with the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes and that the individual serving in that role is serving in compliance with applicable law. Therefore, this item directs the Office of the County Attorney to take any and all action necessary to ensure compliance with Florida law as it relates to the office of Broward County Supervisor of Elections and to pursue available legal remedies, as deemed necessary.
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