Richmond registrar violated city policies on nepotism, internal investigation finds (2024)

The violations require “immediate departmental restructuring” within the Richmond Office of Elections, investigators said in the probe’s findings, which were submitted Tuesday to the Richmond Electoral Board and the Virginia Department of Elections.

Nepotism alleged; policies violated

In March, Balmer came under fire for hiring his brother and for awarding contract labor to his wife without going through the legally required procurement process, the Richmond Times-Dispatch previously reported. Two of Richardson’s grandchildren — Christian Javins and Lilly Lutton — also work for the elections office, according to payroll records.

Balmer and Richardson both deniedwrongdoing and said city code does not prevent them from employing relatives. But in the human resources report, investigators noted that both had violated administrative regulation 5.17, which forbids city officials from hiring family members if they “will … be working directly for or supervising a relative.”

“Immediate family members shall not be placed in a supervisor-subordinate relationship or in the same line of supervision in the same agency, regardless of the working relationship,” the regulation says. “Any employee with supervisory responsibilities shall not have a family member under their scope.”

Balmer’s brother, Ahmaad Balmer, serves as an elections specialist compensated at a rate of $23.22 per hour, payroll records show. While the exact chain of command is not clear, Keith Balmer oversees all employees within the elections office in his capacity as general registrar.

Richardson previously denied that either of her grandchildren reported to her. But Destiny Fleming, a former employee of the elections office, told The Times-Dispatch that “her grandchildren reported directly to her at times.”

A spokesperson for the elections office said neither Keith Balmer nor Richardson were available for comment.

The human resources investigation also determined that Keith Balmer and Richardson violated the city’s code of ethics, although the report does not identify the specific nature of the violation.

The report did not address the suspension of the city-issued purchasing cards of Keith Balmer and Richardson, who spent roughly $70,000 and $80,000, respectively, in 2023, according to transaction logs for the cards.

City suggests ‘restructuring’

Human resources investigators made a number of recommendations to local and state elections officials, including “immediate departmental restructuring,” mandatory training and application of “appropriate discipline” as outlined by city code.

Investigators said the restructuring should include the transferal or removal of any relatives “in the line of supervision” in order to “avoid any nepotism.”

“The Office of Elections shall implement transparent and fair recruitment processes, enforcing anti-nepotism policies, and ensuring that hiring and promotions are based on merit and qualifications,” the report suggests.

Investigators also said “training should be mandated” to ensure that “goods and services procured for the Office of Elections align with the City’s procurement process,” but stopped short of confirming that Keith Balmer had violated that process.

What officials are — or aren’t — saying

Richmond Electoral Board Chair John Ambrose confirmed that the three-member board had received the report, but said the board members have “not had an opportunity to discuss it.”

“We probably will not until next month because we are focused right now on the June (18) primary,” said Ambrose, adding that the board “takes the report seriously” and will “look at what changes need to be made in the personnel structure and practices.”

“But we’re not taking any action immediately,” Ambrose said.

Ambrose previously told The Times-Dispatch that the board will make a decision on the future of Keith Balmer and Richardson after the board members review the findings of the inspector general’s investigation. In the meantime, Ambrose said “the board trusts Mr. Balmer and his staff” to guide upcoming local, state and federal elections.

The board will meet Sunday at 10 a.m. to discuss upcoming elections and other matters, Ambrose said. Neither the report nor the employment of Keith Balmer and Richardson are on the agenda for that meeting.

Virginia’s State Board of Elections Chair John O’Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.