Voter suppression has been practiced in the United States since 1865. Seeing the card mailer received by many Hamilton County citizens on April 20, 2026, through the US mail service, with implied voter suppression was unbelievable. After more than 160 years there are those who believe they should control how people vote. Freedom says that people have the right to vote and a State law that is conflicting should not be used to control voting.
The editorial published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press on August 25, 2026 gives substance to the way we review issues that surround voting in the state of Tennessee. Is there doubt about the appearance and implication of a card mailer that appears in large red capitalized letters:
“FRADULENT PRIMARY VOTING IS A CRIME”?
The voters in Hamilton County are making a decision for the May 2026 primary to choose the person(s) to serve as the final candidate for each office and political group. Currently the voter turnout is extremely low, therefore it is extremely important to encourage voters to get to the poles to vote at the appropriate times slotted.
Most importantly the voters must realize that the individuals on the ballot will determine how your tax dollars are allocated and what services you receive for you and your family. If the District Attorney of Hamilton County is not willing to offer a clear interpretation of the consequences of the State law (TCA 2-7-115(b)), why should we put trust in a wrinkled post card?
Exercise your RIGHT TO VOTE!
Rev. A.J. Pierre,
Chattanooga Branch President
ajpierre@comcast.net