Mayor Madeline Rogero announced June 27, 2017 the launch of Go Vote! Knoxville, a nonpartisan initiative to encourage community engagement and increase voter turnout in this year’s City of Knoxville elections.

“Simply put, the best decisions are made when the most people are involved,” Mayor Rogero said. “Deep, widespread community engagement leads to better local government.

“I want everyone to get to know the candidates. Understand where they stand on the issues. Ask questions. Determine which of the candidates will best represent you and your priorities for Knoxville’s future. Then, go vote in the Aug. 29 primary and Nov. 7 general election.”

Go Vote! Knoxville will include a series of six public meetings, one in each of the six City Council districts. At these community meetings, Mayor Rogero, current Council members and neighborhood leaders will talk about this year’s elections, which will determine a majority of the next City Council – five of nine Council members.

The City and local businesses will provide free pizza and snacks at these public meetings, as well as family-friendly games and activities. The Knox County Election Commission will provide voter information, register new voters and demonstrate how to cast a ballot using its voting machines. Candidates will be introduced, and voters will have opportunities to talk one-on-one with them.

GO VOTE! KNOXVILLE from Community Television Knoxville on Vimeo.

Here’s the schedule for the six public meetings (each 5:30 to 7 p.m.):

• Monday, July 10 – 1st District: 
South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Maryville Pike

• Monday, July 17 – 2nd District: 
Deane Hill Recreation Center, 7400 Deane Hill Drive

• Thursday, July 20 – 4th District: 
Milton Roberts Recreation Center, 5900 Asheville Highway

• Monday, July 24 – 3rd District: 
Cumberland Estates Recreation Center, 4529 Silverhill Drive

• Tuesday, July 25 – 6th District: 
John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St.

• Thursday, Sept. 7 – 5th District: 
Christenberry Community Center, 931 Oglewood Ave.

(The 5th District Council position is not up for re-election this year, so this meeting will be held after the Aug. 29 primary to generate interest in the general election on Nov. 7.)

City officials will be tracking voter turnout and will recognize the Council districts with the largest percentage turnout and the largest increase in voter participation compared with the 2009 Council election. (The 2009 election was comparable to this year’s – no Mayor’s race on the ballot, and all five Council seats are open with no incumbents seeking re-election due to term limits.)

Visit www.GoVoteKnoxville.com for complete details.