What's going on with the city council runoff?
After last week’s local elections, some were surprised to learn that all results were not final, as the District 8 city council seat is moving to a runoff.
Learn why we have runoffs, and read our interviews with the candidates...
By Mary Helen Montgomery & Gabrielle Chevalier
Last week, there was a special election for Chattanooga City Council District 8. Even though the rest of the council was elected in spring 2021, a special election was called for District 8, after Anthony Byrd left before the end of his term.
About 15 percent of registered voters in District 8 — or 1,202 people — voted on August 4. Of those voters, 46 percent voted for Marie Mott, 28 percent voted for Marvene Noel, and 25 percent voted for Malarie Marsh.
Mott and Noel will move to the runoff on September 15, 2022.
Check to see if you live in District 8. If you are a District 8 resident, you can still register to vote in the runoff until August 16. Not sure if you're registered? Check your registration status.
Majority rules
Chattanooga’s city code states that in the case of mayor and city council elections, the winner must gain a majority of votes (more than 50 percent). On the other hand, in county races, a candidate wins by receiving the most votes, whether or not they receive a majority.
Locals may recall that during the 2021 mayoral election, candidates Kim White and Tim Kelly went to a runoff, after no candidate received a majority of votes in the general election. Likewise, city council District 2 and District 5 seats were determined by a runoff in 2021.
When the District 8 seat became vacant earlier this year, the Chattanooga City Council adopted a resolution, stating that a special election would be held for the seat on August 4, 2022, and if a runoff were necessary, it would take place on September 15, 2022. In the meantime, they appointed Marvene Noel to fill the position until the election took place.
Meet the candidates
Chattamatters reached out to the two candidates competing for the District 8 seat, and asked them about why they are running and what they hope to accomplish in office.
Marie Mott
Marie Mott, a longtime community activist and the frontrunner for August's election who received 557 votes, says:
"I’m running for city council because we are living in unprecedented times and politics as usual won’t work.
Our communities are struggling with poverty, persistent gun violence, lack of opportunities and investment.
Though I see problems, I also see a diverse community of brilliant people who can work together to make our district a safe and decent place to live.
With a new vision of hope, I intend to ignite the dreams and the passions of the next generation in district 8."
Marvene Noel
Marvene Noel, a longtime Orchard Knob-area community advocate and the interim District 8 representative, was appointed mid-term after Councilman Anthony Byrd left the role. She received 341 votes and says:
"I am a 30+ year resident of the Historic Orchard Knob community. I am running for Chattanooga City Council to see growth in ALL of District 8 ...
I want people to know that I am a community driven, experienced leader within District 8 that will continue to work hard to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
I am a mother, a grandmother, and a graduate of both Tennessee State University and Chattanooga State Technical Community College. Currently, I serve as a pharmacy tech at a local, District 8 pharmacy.
As a long time, active, District 8 resident I have been able to work with a diverse group of businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders to advocate and implement various programs and projects in the Historic Orchard Knob Community."
What you need to know about Chattanooga City Council:
Our city council is made up of nine representatives.
Each member is elected by their district, in good faith that they will represent their district’s needs and interests.
The council can pass local ordinances (laws), as long as they don't conflict with state and federal laws.