Chattanooga, TN — The Chattanooga Scenic City Chapter of the National Action Network (NAN), the Alton Park Development Corporation, and a coalition of community leaders today issued a State of Emergency for Voter Registration in Hamilton County and surrounding municipalities. With the voter registration deadline of October 5, 2026 rapidly approaching, leaders are calling for urgent action to ensure every eligible citizen is registered to vote in the November 3, 2026 General Election.
This joint declaration is led by Dr. Elenora Woods, a successful dentist and the President of both the Chattanooga Scenic City NAN and the Alton Park Development Corporation, alongside Pastor Kenneth Simpson, Vice President of the Chattanooga Scenic City NAN, and Bishop William Simpson III, also Vice President of the Chattanooga Scenic City NAN.
Organizers warn that thousands of eligible residents remain unregistered or unaware of the approaching deadline, creating a crisis that threatens fair representation and civic participation across the region.
“This is not just a moment — it is a movement,” said Dr. Woods. “Our communities cannot afford to sit out an election that will shape our future at every level of government.”
“We are sounding the alarm,” added Pastor Kenneth Simpson. “Voter registration is a fundamental right, and we are mobilizing every resource to ensure our citizens are empowered and prepared.”
“Every voice matters, and every vote matters,” said Bishop William Simpson III. “We are calling on the entire region to rise to this moment with urgency and unity.”
Elections on the Ballot — November 3, 2026
Citizens will be voting in State, Federal, and Municipal General Elections, including the following seats:
Federal Offices
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
State Offices
Governor of Tennessee
State House
Districts 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30
Municipal Offices
Collegedale Commission (2 seats)
East Ridge Mayor
East Ridge City Council
East Ridge Court Clerk
Lake Site Commission
Red Bank Commission (3 seats)
Ridgeside Commission (3 seats)
Signal Mountain Town Council
(4 seats)
Soddy Daisy Commission (2 seats)
Walden Alderman (1 seat)
Community leaders emphasize that these elections will directly impact local development, public safety, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
Emergency Mobilization Efforts In response to the registration crisis, the coalition is launching:
Citywide voter registration drives
Door-to-door canvassing in
underserved neighborhoods
Mobile registration units in
Alton Park, East Lake,
Brainerd, Red Bank,
and Soddy Daisy
Extended evening and
weekend registration events
Youth engagement initiatives at
high schools, colleges, and
community centers
Transportation assistance
for citizens needing help
reaching registration sites
Local organizations, churches,
neighborhood associations, and
civic groups are being asked to join
the mobilization immediately.
Call to Action
All eligible citizens are urged to:
Register to vote before
October 5, 2026
Verify their registration status
Encourage family, friends, and
neighbors to register
Participate in early voting and
Election Day turnout efforts
“Democracy only works when we show up,” said Dr. Woods. “This State of Emergency is a call for unity, urgency, and action.”