Women's History: Peg Hamlett

For Peg Hamlett, serving as the Certified Administrator of Elections (AOE) for Carroll County is about more than managing ballots—it’s about upholding the integrity of the democratic process. As the chief administrative officer of the County Election Commission, she oversees elections at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring that every vote is counted accurately and fairly.

With a background in law and election governance, Hamlett’s responsibilities extend beyond Election Day. She maintains voter registration records, supervises election officials, and ensures compliance with Tennessee election laws. From budgeting and campaign finance disclosures to biennial list maintenance verifying voter eligibility, her role is critical in keeping the electoral process transparent and secure.

When asked about her proudest accomplishments, Hamlett keeps it simple: conducting fair and impartial elections and making sure deployed military personnel can exercise their right to vote. For her, the job itself is the reward, and she views the salary as recognition for doing what needs to be done.

A Memphis native, Hamlett pursued academics at UT Martin, UT Knoxville, and Texas A&M University. Her experiences extended beyond Tennessee, having lived and worked professionally in Morocco, Mexico, Honduras, and East Africa, gaining a global perspective that informs her work.

For Women’s History Month, Hamlett reflects on the suffrage movement, citing Anne Dallas Dudley and other pioneers who fought for women’s right to vote. She also acknowledges Pat Head Summitt, whose contributions to women’s athletics helped strengthen high school and university sports programs across Tennessee. Above all, Hamlett says what matters most to her is “knowing exactly who I am in Christ.”

As Carroll County’s elections administrator, she plays a vital role in ensuring democracy functions at the local level, carrying on the legacy of women who have shaped history by safeguarding the right to vote.