I don't particularly see what's wrong with not having theymos' consent with this. The vote is essentially the same as me making a thread titled 'Who do you think the best moderator is?', only with an actual reason behind it and made by some people of a higher rank than me.
If theymos doesn't approve, he could simply not acknowledge the vote whatsoever and pick (or not pick) based on his own accord. It would be a let down, of course, but the vote will just be used to perhaps help in the decision.

From what I can see theymos is too busy currently to put all of his attention towards the forum and see who is helping the most and would be a best fit for the moderation team. This vote is simply to try and help him out. I don't mean this in a snarky or rude way, but if you have a better idea I'm sure the staff would like to hear it.