BALTIMORE —

A new leader will take the helm of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, the Maryland State Board of Elections announced on Tuesday.

Clifford Tatum was appointed as the city's new election director effective Sept. 17.

"The Baltimore City Board of Elections conducted a thorough search and selection process, seeking a candidate with deep knowledge of election laws and a commitment to fairness and transparency. Mr. Tatum proved to be the most qualified choice to lead the Baltimore City Board of Elections forward," SBE wrote in a statement.

SBE cited Tatum's more than 15 years of experience in elections and a strong background in election administration.

Tatum succeeds the city's longtime election director, Armstead Jones, who died in April.

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