Early  Voting Shows  Decline in Number

 

Primary Election on Thursday, August 1st

 

 

By Shane Gilreath

As presidential politics continue to make international headlines, Tennessee voters are already choosing candidates.  According to information obtained from the Scott County Administer of Elections, as of the Saturday, July 26, 2024, deadline, 1,147 Scott County citizens had exercised their right to vote, utilizing the state’s two-week early voting criteria ahead the August 1st Primary Election.   According to Tre Hargett, Tennessee’s Secretary of State, who oversees the state’s elections, voters could choose one of two ways to participate in the early voting process.  Registered voters had the right to visit select polling stations in Scott County and cast their vote in-person, while qualifying voters had the option to request absentee ballots, a process determined by Tennessee State law and managed by the county of the voter’s residence.  Each method of voting, according to Hargett, is established for the voter’s convenience, though it has been met with some controversies.  Hargett, however, assured voters that it was a secure way to cast your ballot.

“Early voting means shorter wait times at polling locations,” argued State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins, saying the state encouraged all registered voters to take advantage of the convenience.

While early voting did not top the 2020 totals, Scott County saw more voters participating as the early voting deadline loomed, with 1,008 voters participating in-person and another 139 using the mail-in process.  With local races often influencing turnout, Scott County had only one countywide race on the ballot:  Assessor of Property.  While two names appear on the August ballot, that of incumbent Tiffany Jeffers and challenger Tim Phillips, Phillips confirmed, via social media, his intention to withdraw from consideration.

“It has been an honor to meet so many wonderful people in our county during the campaign process,” Phillips said in a statement, released to Facebook.  “I appreciate the support, kind words, and encouragement that I have received, as well as the many things that I’ve learned along the way.”

In other local campaigns, citizens will find school board races are also on the ballot, with familiar names facing off against political newcomers.  Incumbent Carlene Terry faces former board member Diane Smith in the 2nd District, while Curtis Bruce and Chris Shelton will run in opposition in District 2.  Bruce and Shelton face off in an effort to replace out-going school board member Linda Sharp.  Board Chairman Llew Stanley is unopposed.

In the Oneida District, both incumbents face opposition on the ballot.  Dr. Danny W. Cross and Dr. Nancy Williamson are in races against Stuart Jones, Cody Pike, and Missy Sexton, respectively.

While the position of Constable remains controversial throughout the state, with some Tennessee counties wishing to abolish the office, the state recognized, elected law enforcement position remains on the ballot for 2024.  All local incumbents are unopposed, while three districts are without consideration.

Across the District, State Senator Ken Yager faces a primary opponent in Teena Hedrick, a Kingston based, retired Nurse Practitioner.  State Representative Kelly Keisling,  Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, and Congressman John Rose are all without opposition in their individual Republican primaries.  Tennessee’s Senior US Senator Marsha Blackburn, 71, the first woman to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate, will appear on the ballot, challenged by Republican Tres Wittum, 37.

A slew of Democrats, including Marquita Bradshaw, Lola Brown, Gloria Johnson, and Civil Miller-Watkins, seek their party’s support to face the Republican nominee in the November General Election.  Lore Bergman, Clay Faircloth, and Cyril Focht are seeking the party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.  Jack Allen is unopposed.

Polls are open from 8am – 8pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024.