Knox County sample ballot" width="800" height="450" />Knox County sample ballot" width="800" height="450" />
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Think you already know who you’ll be voting for in the 2020 election? The Knox County ballot includes much more than just an opportunity to vote for the president.
Other races on the ballot include:
Two Knox County Amendments
Voters can choose “yes” or “no” on two amendments to the Knox County Charter.
The first would allow Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs to appoint the county law director rather than put candidates for the position up to a vote.
The amendment reads as follows:
“Shall the Knox County Charter be amended to take away from the people the ability to vote for the Knox County Law Director by changing this elected office to an office appointed by the Mayor, subject to Commission approval, and subject to removal by majority vote plus one (1) of Commission for cause and reduce the duties of the office by allowing the Commission to hire its own attorney and allowing the School Board to hire its own attorney, effective September 1, 2024?”
According to a report from The Compass, the Knox County Law Director has been an elected position as far back as 1940.
The amendment has been fraught with controversy among commissioners and county officials since its introduction. For more history on the county law director’s position and the reaction to the amendment read an in-depth report here.
Mayor Glenn Jacobs has recently expressed strong opposition to the Knox County Board of Health’s power due to the fact that its members are appointed rather than elected.
The second amendment proposes removing a chapter from the county charter and replacing it with the following:
“Shall Section 3.03 M of the Knox County Charter be amended by deleting said section in its entirety and by substituting therefore the following: Sec. 3.03 - The Mayor’s duties. M. Have the sole power and authority to enter into contracts on behalf of Knox County, except as otherwise provided in this Charter. Contracts and purchases on behalf of the County shall be entered into by the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee. On all contracts in an amount greater than $50,000, or such greater amount as established in advance by the Commission, the Mayor shall obtain the approval of the Commission by resolution prior to execution. On all contracts in the amount less than $100,000, the Mayor shall submit the full contract to the Commission to be included in the monthly meetings under Spread of Record without approval by vote of Commission. Any contracts to be spread of record shall be submitted in accordance with the Rules of the Commission.”
Officials said the purpose of the amendment is to create a public record of contracts entered into by the county, including those that are less than $100,000.
County Commissioner Larsen Jay said in an interview with The Compass that he supports the measure as he believes it will improve transparency.
A seat on the United States Senate
The two main contenders in the race to represent Tennessee are the winners of each party’s primary: Republican Bill Haggerty and Democrat Marquita Bradshaw.
Other names that appear under this race include seven independent candidates including:
United States House of Representatives:
Former Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is running to retain his seat in Congress against Democratic Party Nominee Renee Hoyos. Independent Matthew L. Campbell will also appear on the ballot.
The race is available for voting to citizens of Tennessee Congressional District 2 which includes Knox, Blount, Claiborne, Loudon, Jefferson and Grainger counties.
Tennessee Senate:
Tennessee voters who live in District 6 will be able to vote for Democrat Jane George or Republican Becky Massey Duncan.
District 6 includes parts of East and South Knox County. View a map of District 6 and find out what district you live in here.
Tennessee State House of Representatives:
There are multiple races for the Tennessee State House of Representatives listed on the sample ballot, but voters will only be allowed to cast a vote for the race in the district where they live.
The following races are listed on the sample ballot:
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 13:
Gloria Johnson (D)
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 14:
Jason Zachary (R)
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 15:
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 16:
Michele Carringer (R)
Nominee Elizabeth Rowland (D)
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 18:
Virginia Couch (D)
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 19:
Tennessee State House of Representatives District 89:
Justin Lafferty (R)
Find out which district you live in by checking the Tennessee General Assembly website here.
To view a sample ballot before heading to the polls, click here.
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