KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —
Results
Background
Knoxville voters will decide whether to adopt a proposal to change how the city conducts elections in the future for six council seats. The proposal comes after the state's Republican supermajority decided to pass a law requiring Knoxville to change how it conducts elections.
The law was proposed by Republican Rep. Elaine Davis, representing Knoxville. Before the law passed, Knoxville voters cast ballots for Knoxville City Council candidates in six geographic districts during primary elections. But in the subsequent "regular" election, voters from across the city voted on all council candidates on the ballot.
Separately, City Council also consists of three "at-large" seats for which everyone in the city casts a vote.
The new law effectively stopped the city's old council election method. Councilman Andrew Roberto proposed an alternative, which is on Tuesday's ballot. It calls for what amounts to an entirely at-large system.
By passing Amendment 2, voters would be able to vote for any candidate in both primary elections and general elections.
If the amendment fails, Knoxville voters will only be able to vote for candidates within the traditional six districts during future elections. Regardless, the city will continue to have three at-large council seats.