In Chattanooga, runoffs happen when no candidate receives a majority of votes in a city primary election. This year, the primary was on March 4. Residents from two City Council districts will go to the polls again on April 8 to decide their representatives in a runoff. Only registered voters who live in District 6 or District 8 will vote again. Scroll to the bottom of this page for answers to frequently asked questions about the runoff races.

I was taught at a young age about the importance of public service, of giving back, and of leaving a place better than you found it. I have worked in this community for over 15 years to support efforts for safe neighborhoods, for smart development, and to foster relationships that are critical to moving our district forward.

I’ve also served in leadership roles with initiatives that strengthen families and enrich communities, and have developed the skills essential to advocate for laws and policies that promote sustainability and drive growth. So why should you vote for me? As your interim city council representative, I am already working on the issues that are important to you and that will improve and strengthen our district.

I value accountability and transparency, citizen input and participation, and connecting our community with essential resources. I will be responsive to your concerns and will deliver the high quality public service that is expected of this position and deserving of all people in District 6. Thank you, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you for the next four years.

I’m running because I think it’s important to have new leadership and new ideas from time to time, and I think I’m the best qualified person. I have high expectations for District 6, and I think I can use my experience to get some money back out here and make our home -and the City as a whole- a little bit better for Chattanoogans. I’d be honored to have your vote on April 8th!

My name is Anna Golladay and I am in a runoff for District 8 City Council. District 8 is beautifully blended and with that blend, a variety of opinions and needs are expected. Having served in a church and corporate setting, I’m accustomed to hearing a mix of perspectives and navigating the agendas that drive them. I thrive being in the middle of that…I really love the process of curiosity and discovery – finding out alongside my constituents what the best option is for their neighborhood.

My priorities include housing, economic investment, street and neighborhood safety and the generational needs of the community. We need better alternatives to our housing crisis. I’m also committed to working with the Mayor’s administration to facilitate a 24-hour, low-barrier shelter for our unhoused friends. Our streets need speed control, updated infrastructure and safety for everyone. And finally, we need to provide robust funding and programming offerings for our community centers and the reopening of a Senior Center for our elders that have given so much to this city.

It is natural for us all to approach life from an attitude of scarcity – things are overwhelming and many of us are just waiting for the next shoe to drop. However I believe that an attitude of abundance is what will move District 8 into a revival. If abundance is attainable for some of us, it has to be possible for all of us.

Yes! The last day to vote early is April 3. Election Day is April 8. The Hamilton County Election Commission is the only early voting location open for the runoffs. See the days and hours its open here.

Only voters registered in the state of Tennessee and who live in either City Council District 6 or District 8 can vote on April 8.

Find your district here.

Through absentee voting, voters request to be mailed a ballot, fill it out, and mail it to their county election commission. Only certain groups are eligible for absentee voting, including people over age 60, election workers, members of the military, and university students.

You can find out if you’re eligible here, and remember, only citizens who live in City Council District 6 or District 8 can vote in the April 8 runoffs.

Chattanoogans must submit a written request for an absent ballot to the Hamilton County Election Commission, which includes their name, address, birthday, and reason for voting absentee. The last day to request an absentee ballot is March 29.

Absentee ballots must be returned, through the mail, by the time polls close on April 8. Read more about how to request and submit an absentee ballot here.

It’s the law! Tennessee code requires all municipal elections to be nonpartisan, meaning candidates don’t run as Democrats, Republicans, or members of other political parties.

Hamilton County has its own campaign finance database. Candidates must appoint a treasurer before they can begin raising money, and they regularly have to submit forms detailing their donations and expenses. You can browse the database here.

Several polling places in Chattanooga will be open on April 8. But you have to vote at the polling place assigned to you.

Find where that is here.

You are only allowed to vote at the polling place that corresponds to your address. If you go to the wrong one, you won’t be able to vote there and will be redirected to the correct polling place, according to a Hamilton County Election Commission representative we spoke with.

To avoid any confusion, it’s best to find your polling place before you go vote. Find your Election Day polling place here.

All voters must have a photo ID to vote in Tennessee. That can be a driver’s license with a photo, a photo ID issued by the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security, or another form of photo ID issued by the state or federal government.

Even if you’re photo ID is expired, it will still be accepted at the polling place. Student IDs are not an acceptable form of photo ID in Tennessee.

See all forms of acceptable photo ID here.

If you go to your polling place without a photo ID, you’ll have to cast a provisional ballot. Your vote won’t count unless you go to the election commission within two business days after Election Day, present your photo ID, and sign a form.

However, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can send you a free photo ID that you can use to vote. To get one, you must provide your birth certificate and two documents proving your Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill or vehicle registration.

Citizens can get this form of photo ID at their nearest Driver Service Center, which you can find here.

Learn more about how to obtain a free photo ID here.