MCEC Title VI Policy

Title VI Compliance Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This policy reaffirms the Marion County Election Commission’s commitment to nondiscrimination and equal access for all individuals.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all programs, services, activities, employees, and volunteers of the Marion County Election Commission. It includes interactions with the public, use of public funds, and communication materials.

3. Legal Authority

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.)

49 C.F.R. Part 21 (U.S. Department of Transportation regulations)

Tennessee Human Rights Act

Any applicable guidance from the Tennessee Division of Elections

4. Statement of Nondiscrimination

The Marion County Election Commission does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin in the delivery of its services or in any aspect of its operations. This commitment extends to all programs and services funded in whole or in part by federal funds.

5. Responsibilities

Title VI Coordinator: The Administrator of Elections (or designee) shall serve as the Title VI Coordinator and is responsible for coordinating compliance efforts, maintaining records, and responding to complaints.

Staff Training: All staff will receive annual training on Title VI responsibilities.

Public Notice: The Title VI Policy and Complaint Procedure shall be posted publicly at the Election Office and online at www.marionvotes.com.

6. Procedures for Filing a Title VI Complaint

Any person who believes they have been discriminated against under Title VI may file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. The complaint must be submitted in writing to the Title VI Coordinator.

Complaints may be submitted by:

Email

U.S. Mail

In person

If a complainant is unable to submit a written complaint, they may request assistance from office personnel.

7. Complaint Processing

Acknowledgment: The Title VI Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 5 business days.

Investigation: An investigation will begin within 10 business days and conclude within 30 calendar days.

Determination and Response: The complainant will be informed in writing of the findings and any corrective actions taken.

Appeals: A complainant may appeal a decision to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission or the appropriate federal agency.

8. Recordkeeping

The Election Commission shall maintain records of all complaints and investigations for at least three years and make them available for review by the Tennessee Division of Elections or federal agencies as required.

  1. Language Access Plan

The Election Commission shall ensure meaningful access to all individuals, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP). Interpreters or translated materials will be provided as needed.

Appendix A: Public Notice of Title VI Rights

You have the right to participate in and benefit from all services provided by the Marion County Election Commission without discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. To file a complaint, contact the Title VI Coordinator at (423) 942-2108 or visit www.marionvotes.com.

Appendix B: Complaint Form

MARION COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION – TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM

Section I: Complainant Information

Name: ______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________

Phone: ________________ Email: ______________

Section II: Person Discriminated Against (if different from above)

Name: ______________________________________

Relationship to Complainant: ___________________

Section III: Details of Complaint

Date(s) of alleged discrimination: ______________

Location of incident: __________________________

Basis of discrimination (check all that apply):
☐ Race ☐ Color ☐ National Origin

Describe the alleged act of discrimination in detail:

Section IV: Witnesses (if any)

Name(s) and contact information:

Section V: Signature

Signature: ___________________________

Date: _______________________________

Submit completed forms to:
Marion County Election Commission
109 Academy Street, Jasper, TN 37347

[email protected]
Phone: (423) 942-2108
Website: www.marionvotes.com