This is an important year politically in the City of Knoxville, with candidates running for five open City Council seats. The primary election is on Aug. 29, but races will be in full stride months before then.
Friday, Feb. 17, is the first day that people mulling a run can pick up a nominating petition. They have until noon on May 18 to file that petition, signed by at least 25 registered voters, with the Election Commission to begin the process of running for office. All City races are non-partisan, and the first early-voting ballots will be cast on Aug. 9.
Candidates this year will be running for open seats in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Districts. Because all five current Council members representing those districts are term-limited and cannot run for re-election, that means that a majority of the next City Council will be new first-time Council members.
“It’s important that Knoxville residents engage in the election process and understand where the candidates stand on issues,” Mayor Madeline Rogero said. “When we choose our Council representatives, we’ll be helping to chart the direction of the City for years to come.
“I encourage everyone: Ask questions, get to know the candidates and determine which of them will best represent you and your priorities for Knoxville’s future. Then be sure to vote.”
Looking for more information about the 2017 City election cycle? Need to register to vote? Not sure in which City Council district you reside?
Visit www.knoxcounty.org/election or call the Knox County Election Commission at 865-215-2480.
The City of Knoxville’s election webpage – www.knoxvilletn.gov/election – also has a City Council district map and useful links, as well as links to archived materials from past elections. As candidates begin to file for City Council seats this year, the webpage will maintain an updated list of who’s running, district by district, with the candidates’ website addresses.
If you’re a student of local political history, you’ll discover a real treasure trove on the City’s website. Digging through the dusty archives, the City of Knoxville’s Communications Department has compiled some interesting data that you can peruse and analyze during the 2017 City election cycle.
To see to a compilation of the past 36 City elections (18 primaries and 18 general elections), starting with the most recent 2015 races and going back to 1981, click here: http://bit.ly/2kyOej2.