Elections are soon, how much do you know?
You’ve likely seen the lawn signs popping up across town — Hamilton County is gearing up for an election year.
By David Pace, Contributor
This year, Hamilton County voters have the chance to vote on county offices, as well as a number of state and federal seats. But, it's easy to get confused about which offices will appear on which ballots. Here’s what you need to know:
2022 Election dates:
May 3:
Hamilton County Primary Election
State Judicial Primary Election
Aug. 4:
Hamilton County General Election
State Judicial General Election
State Primary Elections (Governor, TN Senate, TN House of Representatives)
Federal Primary Elections (U.S. House of Representatives)
Nov. 8:
State General Elections (Governor, TN Senate, TN House of Representatives)
Federal General Elections (U.S. House of Representatives)
May 3 Primary: What's on the ballot?
The May 3 primaries will determine which candidate will represent each political party for offices in the general election on August 4. County offices will appear on the ballot, as well as state judicial offices.
For example, there are three Republican-affiliated candidates running to become the Hamilton County mayor. This primary will decide which of those three will become the sole, official Republican candidate.
What offices can you vote for during the May 3 Primary?
Some of the offices that will appear on the primary ballot are: County Mayor, County Commission, and County School Board. But that's not all — find a full list of offices and candidates here: List of Candidate Qualifying Positions
Some offices are based on district. Find your district: Hamilton County District Map
August 4 General and Primary Election: What's on the ballot?
There are two kinds of contests taking place on August 4 — both primary and general elections.
The Hamilton County and State Judicial General Election: Winners of the May 3 primary from each party will run against each other to determine the final officeholders for county and state judicial offices.
And…
The State and Federal Primary: This will be a primary to determine which candidates will contest each other during the November 8 General Election. The following offices will appear on the ballot:
Governor of Tennessee
Tennessee State Senate (odd-numbered districts)
The Tennessee House of Representatives
The U.S. House of Representatives
November 8: State and Federal General Election
This election will not involve any local offices for Hamilton County.
It will be the general election for the same state and federal offices that conducted their primaries in the previous election on August 4. This election determines who will act as our governor and who will represent our congressional district in Washington, DC. It will also determine offices in the state senate and state house.
Be ready to vote
Register to vote: Tennessee Online Voter Registration System
Not sure if you're registered? Check your status: Voter Registration Lookup
Find your polling place here:
Polling place lookup
Be sure to register at least 30 days before the election you wish to vote in!
Get involved: Become a poll official
Hamilton County is always in need of poll officials to help on election day and they will provide training for those interested.
These are paid positions and you can receive a stipend for your day's work between $135 up to $175 depending on your role.
For more information and to sign up as a poll official you can visit their website: Poll Official Sign Up
