Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO DISCUSS audit of Broward County Supervisor of Election’s Office. (Mayor Bogen)

ACTION:  (T-2:58 PM)  Following discussion, the Board directed the County Auditor's Office to initiate a Performance Audit consistent with the statements made by County Auditor Robert Melton and Peter Antonacci.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE: 8-0.  Dr. Sharief was not audible during the vote. 

Allows for discussion of a potential audit of the Broward County Supervisor of Election’s Office.

An open and transparent dialogue amongst Board members.

Following the November 6, 2018 general election, Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes and her office received national attention and scrutiny after the office failed to finish tabulating and reporting ballot counts by designated deadlines. On November 19, 2018, Ms. Snipes submitted her letter of resignation to Governor Rick Scott. Per the letter, her resignation date would have been January 4, 2019. On November 30, 2018, Governor Scott signed an executive order removing Ms. Snipes from her office, citing, among other things, her lack of communication with the media following the November 6th election and his lawsuit against the SOE. 
 
At the December 4, 2018 Broward County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners, during a discussion about the appointment of Mr. Peter Antonacci to the position of Broward County Supervisor of Election, expressed a desire to audit the SOE’s office. Commissioner Ryan initiated the audit discussion, based on the results of research he had requested from the County Attorney.  After the discussion, the County Attorney was directed to raise the audit issue with Mr. Antonacci.
 
This motion allows for a discussion on the need for a full audit of this office. The County Attorney has discussed the issue with Mr. Antonacci, who has requested to address the Board of County Commissioners on this issue.