What to know before going to the polls
Hamilton County residents who didn’t make it to the polls for early voting still can make their voices heard today.
Ballots cast in the Republican and Democratic primaries will determine who will represent each party in the Aug. 2 county general election.
In most cases, however, that’s decided. Of 18 races on the ballot, Republicans are contesting four. The rest of the candidates have no primary opponent, and some face no Democratic challenger in August either.
Elections Administrator Kerry Steelman told the Times Free Press early voting was “on the low end of average.” Just 8,059 of the county’s 192,657 registered voters, or 0.04 percent, cast ballots.
WHO’S RUNNING?
For Circuit Court judge, Catherine “Cate” White is challenging Kyle Hedrick.
In county commission District 1, Steve Coker, a retired Hamilton County employee, is hoping to upset incumbent Randy Fairbanks. The winner will have no Democratic opponent in August.
In District 8, Tim Boyd’s attempt to leverage challenger Brent Lambert out of the race over allegations of shady campaign contributions got Boyd indicted on an extortion charge. No Democrat is running in that district either.
Seeking the open seat in the register of deeds office are Marc Gravitt, who is giving up his state House seat to run, and Randy Johnston, a longtime employee of the county assessor’s office. The winner will face Democrat Vickie Schroyer in August.
Democrats have just three contested races. Aloyse Brown, who manages a nonprofit financial services organization, and George Ryan Love, a disabled former teacher, are contesting for the right to challenge Republican County Mayor Jim Coppinger.
In commission District 4, incumbent Warren Mackey, a longtime professor of history at Chattanooga State, faces Kelvin Scott, an educator and businessman. Independent Chris Dahl will take on the winner in August.
Greg Beck, another veteran incumbent, faces Katherlyn Geter, a health care navigator and community organizer, in District 5. No Republican is seeking the seat.
Circuit Court Clerk Larry Henry, Criminal Court Clerk Vince Dean, Juvenile Court Clerk Gary D. Behler and County Trustee Bill Hullander face no opposition in the primary or general election. Neither do county commissioners Sabrena Smedley in District 7 or Chester Bankston in District 9.
BRING YOUR ID
You will need an acceptable photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state-issued identification card; handgun carry permit; U.S. passport or military ID. You can’t use a student ID from a Tennessee college or university.
WHEN AND WHERE
Polls will be open today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Your voter registration card will tell you where to go vote. If you’ve moved since you last voted, or can’t find your card, visit the Hamilton County Election Commission at http://elect.hamiltontn. gov/Home.aspx.
For problems with or questions about voting, call the Hamilton County Election Commission at 423-493-5100.