Make time to vote! Early voting is underway in Hamilton County, Tennessee, ahead of the general election. Voters will choose their representatives in Washington and Nashville, decide several municipal contests, and consider three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution for the remainder of early voting–Thursday, October 29–and Election Tuesday on November 3.
This election combines familiar political contests with decisions that bring lasting consequences for criminal justice, taxation, and local government.
Tennessee’s representation in Washington, D.C. will be decided by voters among federal candidates. The U.S. Senate race features Republican incumbent Bill Hagerty and Democratic challenger Marquita Bradshaw, along with eight independent candidates.
Hamilton County voters will choose a member of the U.S. House of Representatives where Republican incumbent Chuck Fleischmann faces Democrat Anna Golladay and five independent candidates.
Tennessee will elect a new governor following Bill Lee’s eight-year term. Republican Marsha Blackburn, currently a U.S. senator, faces Democrat Jerri Green and numerous independent candidates. The next governor will influence state budgeting, education, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
Hamilton County’s legislative contests include Senate District 11, where Republican incumbent Bo Watson faces Democrat Tim Roberts.
State House Districts 26 through 30 are also on the ballot. Contested races include: Greg Martin against Nathan Denton in District 26; Michele Reneau against Paige Quirin in District 27; Yusuf Hakeem against independent challengers in District 28; and Greg Vital against Ryan Scofield in District 29. Republican Esther Helton Haynes is listed in District 30 and has no general election opponent.
All Tennessee voters will encounter three proposed constitutional changes.
Amendment 1 proposes expanding the categories of serious criminal offenses for which judges may deny bail before trial. Supporters emphasize public safety and judicial discretion; critics raise concerns about pretrial detention, due process, and the presumption of innocence before trial.
Amendment 2 proposes to constitutionally prohibit a statewide property tax. It would not eliminate existing city or county property taxes. It would, like a state income tax, prohibit the state from imposing a tax on property.
Amendment 3, commonly referenced as “Marsy’s Law,” proposes expansion of constitutional protections for crime victims, involving notification, judicial proceedings, and victims’ safety. The policy debate falls between the balance of enforceable victims’ rights with defendants’ constitutional protections.
Early voting continues through October 29. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Early Voting sites include:
• The Election Commission – 700 River Terminal Road, Chattanooga, 37406
• The Chris L. Ramsay, Sr. Community Ctr. – 1010 N Moore Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37411
• Collegedale Commons (Chestnut Hall) – 4950 Swinyar Dr., Collegedale, TN 37363
• Hixson Community Center – 5401 School Dr., Hixson, TN 37343
• Harrison Center (Old Harrison Elementary) – 5637 Hwy 58, Harrison, TN 37341
• Soddy Daisy Community Center – 190 Depot St., Soddy Daisy, TN 37379
Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Election Commission. All other locations are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at other locations.