The May Primary has passed What’s next? 

With the May 5 primary behind us, we look ahead to the August General and state primary 

Uncontested candidates in both the primary and the general are:

• Trustee – Scotty Long

• Sheriff – Chad Mullin

• County Clerk – Peggy Henderson

• Circuit Court Clerk – Teresa West

• County Commissioner District 1 – Tom Hyde

• County Commissioner District 2 – Debbie A’Hearn

• County Commission District 3: Joyce Cotner

• County Commissioner District 4 – Wayne NeSmith

• County Commissioner District 5 – Mike Reed

• School Board Districts 5 & 6 – David Purkey

• School Board Districts 9 $ 10 – Jerrod Weems

• School Board Districts 11 & 12 – Sandy Dyke

There are a handful of races, in addition to the District 12 commission race, in which unchallenged primary winners will square off in the general.

They are:

• County Commission District 10: Incumbent Republican Stan Harville against Democrat Allen D. Brooks.

In the School Board District 1 & 2 race, Independent incumbent Johnny Denton is unopposed.

Things to know

Key Dates for the May primary

April 6, 2026 – Last Day to Register to Vote in the May Election

April 15, 2026 – Early Voting Begins

April 25, 2026 – Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot

April 30, 2026 – Early Voting Ends

May 5, 2026 – ELECTION DAY

Where to vote

During early voting, the courthouse is available for all Districts. You can vote in the Hamblen County Election Commission

In 2024, the Hamblen County Election Commission opened a second early voting location at the Holston Electric facility in Whitesburg.

On election day, you go to your district location.

To see the districts, click here.

Early Voting Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 noon

What is the difference between the May and August elections?

The May 5 Primary is for local elections, exclusively county offices like commission, school board, mayor and others.

The races are party specific, Republican against Republican and at least in theory, Democrat vs. Democrat.

This year there are no contested races in the Democrat primary.

In August, there will be the local general election featuring Republican, Democrat winners from the May primaries as well as independents.

In theory, this election decides who will win the seat. However, because many races are uncontested past the primary. many of the winners will have known since May that the seat is theirs.

While the local general is taking place, there is a primary for state offices at the same time. As in the May primary, Republicans will face Republicans and Democrats will face Democrats in an effort to win the right to compete in the November general election for seats like State Rep., State Senator and governor. The Tennessee delegation for the U.S. Congress is also chosen at this time of U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator.

Do I need ID?

Yes. Tennessee requires ID at the ballot box.

The following IDs are acceptable, even if expired:

* Tennessee driver license with your photo

* United States Passport

* Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

* Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government

* United States Military photo ID

* Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo

Not accepted:

* College student ID

For more, click here