Cast your ballot! Early voting starts Wednesday in Knoxville city elections

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Wednesday marks the start of early voting for the city of Knoxville primary. Early voting continues through Aug. 24, and the primary itself is Aug. 29.

Election officials are hopeful for a strong, steady turnout, but are concerned about historic trends that show city voting has weakened over the years.

There are more than 100,000 eligible voters in the city who can take part in this month's primary.

"The act of voting, the participating in the democracy itself is important. There is buy-in. You're part of the decision-making community and that has value," said Bill Lyons, a director at the University of Tennessee Baker Center.

Four people are vying for mayor including incumbent Indya Kincannon.

Three at-large Knoxville City Council races are being contested.

Four people are vying for municipal judge including incumbent John Rosson.

Several early voting locations are open citywide.

To learn more about the voting process, go to the Election Commission's website.

In the mayoral and judicial races, one person can claim the office outright if they get 50 percent plus 1 vote in the primary.

Chris Davis, the administrator of elections in Knox County, says that local elections play an important role in the day-to-day life of Knoxville residents.

"Everybody gets excited about a presidential election, but it's really important to vote in these local elections because you can pick the mayor. You have a voice," said Davis.   

The top two finishers in the council races will square off again in the November general election.

All offices are for four-year terms. The city does observe term limits.

City voter turnout has been trending generally lower through the years.

According to the Election Commission, here are some of the largest turnouts since 2000:

• September 2003 (Primary with mayor on ballot) - 29,883
• November 2011 (General with mayor on ballot) - 27,043
• November 2019 (General with mayor on ballot) - 25,614
• September 2011 (Primary with mayor on ballot) - 22,609
• November 2021 (General; no mayor on ballot) - 21,752

City election officials say that they hope to have 30,000 votes cast in this election cycle.