Craig Latimer - Committee for Safe and Secure Elections

Craig Latimer, Supervisor of Elections, Hillsborough County, Florida

Craig Latimer was elected to his position in November 2012 and took office on January 8, 2013. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2020, and is now proudly serving his third term in office. His vision is to make Hillsborough County the best place in America to vote.

Supervisor Latimer is the immediate past president of the Florida Supervisors of Elections, the statewide association of Florida’s election officials. He is the first Supervisor of Elections to earn the Governor’s Sterling Award, the highest award for performance excellence in the State of Florida. Sterling Award recipients are selected based on a rigorous examination and expected to serve as role models, sharing best practices with others in the state.

While this is his first elected office, Supervisor Latimer is not new to the Supervisor of Elections office. He served as Chief of Staff to the Supervisor of Elections from 2009 to 2013. Supervisor Latimer received his official designation as a Certified Elections and Registration Administrator (CERA) in 2014, and currently serves on the Election Center’s Security Task Force.

Public service has always been part of Craig Latimer’s job description. Before working for the Supervisor of Elections office, he served and protected the community for 35 years in law enforcement, retiring as a Major from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 2008.

Supervisor Latimer also serves our community as a volunteer. He is on the board of the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network and the Tampa Catholic High School Board of Trustees, as well as Chair Emeritus of BAYS Florida and Honorary Commander for the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base. Craig Latimer was born and raised in Hillsborough County. He attended Christ the King, graduated from Tampa Catholic High School, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.

“Election officials are the heroes of our democracy, working harder than almost anyone I know to ensure that every one of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote. The intimidation and threats against these dedicated officials and their families must stop."

Kathy Boockvar
Vice President of Election Operations and Support, Center for Internet Security

“Democracy can only survive and thrive if we respect and protect its values and principles. Elected officials must respect those they serve, freely act within their elected authority and act on behalf of a nation that ensures their safety so they may make decisions without fear or intimidation. That is a true democracy."

Sheriff Paul Penzone
Maricopa County, Arizona

“Access to the ballot should not be stymied in any manner, nor should we ever lose valuable election officials because they are worn down from harassment, fear, threats and undue job hardships created to alter public faith in the electoral process. "

Kathy Holland
Director of Elections, Alamance County North Carolina (Ret.)
“I joined the committee because I took an oath, along with my law enforcement colleagues, to protect and serve all persons, which is in alignment with my personal values and morals. "

Captain Harold Love
Michigan State Police (Ret.), Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Harold J. Love & Associates

“The 2020 election cycle brought many challenges for election officials, but the most shocking for me were the death threats, verbal assaults, intimidation, and scare tactics. I am one of the election officials that had my life and the lives of my family members threatened, and the threats have not ceased."

Tina Barton
Senior Elections Expert, The Elections Group

“My dad was a city clerk. Elections were a central and cherished part of his job. I joined this committee to ensure that today’s election officials can keep America’s elections running safely and securely, just like he did."

Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
“Election officials are unsung heroes of American democracy—they make sure our system operates as intended. Threats to these public servants are an attack on democracy itself. Law enforcement and election officials working together can help chart a safer and more secure path forward for future elections."

Orion Danjuma
Counsel, Protect Democracy

“Safe, secure, transparent elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. CSSE members recognize the great responsibility associated with election administration and embrace public accountability to ensure that all eligible voters can freely exercise their right to vote and have their ballots counted. We make it a point to welcome and encourage those who want to peacefully observe this fundamental democratic process."

Neal Kelley
Registrar of Voters (Ret.) Orange County, California

“As an election official who experienced the verbal threats and intimidation directed at me and my staff I feel I must be a voice on this committee to work with law enforcement to address this issue."

Joseph Gloria
Registrar of Voters, Clark County, Nevada
“Election workers are the guardians of our democracy, and attacks on them for doing their jobs are unacceptable. I’m proud to stand with and in support of this group of law enforcement and election officials, who are working on practical solutions to keep our elections safe and secure."

Larry Norden
Senior Director, Elections & Government, Brennan Center for Justice

“I have joined this committee because I believe in the mission and have full confidence that we will develop practices that are results driven and further strengthen the pipeline between law enforcement and election officials."

Derek Bowens
Director of Elections, Durham County, North Carolina