Voting in the Knoxville election? What you can and can't take or do | Know Your Knox
If you're one of the many registered voters in Knoxville who haven't cast an early ballot in the general election, perhaps you're planning to vote on Election Day itself, Nov. 7, 2023. In that case, this Know Your Knox is for you.
And if you’re one of these voters, you’ve likely spent time poring over Knox News’ comprehensive voter guide. Your mind is swimming with candidates' positions on affordable rent and the city’s homeless population. You know where the candidates stack up on transparency issues and how they think business development should be handled.
On that front, you are ready. *
(*If you are, in fact, not ready because you're not sure if you're registered to vote in Knoxville, you can check your status online at tnmap.tn.gov. And while it’s too late to register for this election, you can register for the next one by mail or online.)
Every voter heading to the polls needs to know some election rules and quirks ahead of time, though. Consider this your last-minute checklist.
Do I have to be a city resident to vote this year?
Um, yes, you have to be a city resident. If you live in Farragut, Halls or Karns, too bad. (This question really does come up, per Knox County elections administrator Chris Davis.)
Can I wear my (insert candidate's name) T-shirt to vote?
That’s a no. No campaign-related paraphernalia is allowed in the polling place.
Feel free to wear your Biden or Trump merch, if that's your jam - the ban applies only to candidates who are on the ballot.
What about my (insert candidate's name) button or hat?
Also a no. See above. The ban applies to all campaign-related items.
There are people campaigning in the parking lot. Is that allowed?
State law allows candidates and candidate supporters to campaign at polling locations (this is typically seen only on Election Day, but there's nothing prohibiting it during early voting). Supporters can’t get any closer than 100 feet from the door. Some precincts will mark this line while others allow for your best judgement.
Has anyone’s mind ever been changed after they saw someone with a sign right before they cast a vote? Who’s to say?
Do I have to show an ID to vote?
Yes, very much. If you don't have appropriate identification you'll be required to vote with a provisional ballot. You then have two business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID and sign an affidavit confirming you are you.
These forms of identification are acceptable, even if they are expired:
Tennessee driver license with your photo
Passport
Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee government
Military photo ID
Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo
There are people watching me vote. Why are they watching me?
Some polling locations will have people acting as poll watchers. It is less sinister than it sounds. Tennessee law allows for people who sign up ahead of time to act as poll watchers in an effort to maintain integrity of the process.
They can’t interfere with the vote casting and must have name tags identifying them as a poll watcher. They're not allowed to bother voters or see who you're voting for.
Can I bring in a 'cheat sheet' listing who to vote for?
You can indeed. Just don’t go around showing it to everyone else. Keep it to yourself.
Can I bring in campaign literature?
No, don’t do that. This includes any piece of paper, flyer, poster or document that has information about a candidate on the ballot.
Can I bring my phone?
You sure can. Phones can be used for texting or looking at sample ballots or other information, but don’t take pictures or video or make any calls while voting.
What else to know
The 2023 general election is Nov. 7. Early voting ran through Nov. 2.
The top two vote-getters for each office in the primary move on to the Nov. 7 general election unless a candidate for mayor or judge gets 50% plus one vote in the primary, in which case they are the winner. That happened in the Knoxville mayor's race, with Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon receiving more than half the votes cast in the August primary to win reelection for a second term.
Candidates and races on the ballot for the Nov. 7 general election are:
City Council at-large, Seat A: Incumbent Lynne Fugate is unopposed after the sudden death of challenger Cameron Brooks.
City Council at-large, Seat B: Debbie Helsley and R. Bentley Marlow are the candidates.
City Council at-large, Seat C: Incumbent Amelia Parker is facing challenger Tim Hill.
City Council, District 5 (only residents of District 5 will vote on this): Incumbent Charles Thomas is unopposed.
Municipal judge: Incumbent John R. Rosson is facing challenger Tyler M. Caviness.
When is early voting in Knoxville?
Early voting for the general election ends Nov. 2. Find information about early voting times and locations here.
Find more about politics and elections in Knoxville from our Knoxpedia guide.
Know Your Knox answers your burning questions about life in Knoxville. Want your question answered? Email [email protected].
Tyler Whetstone is a Knox News investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Email [email protected]. Twitter @tyler_whetstone.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville voting rules: Campaigning, identification and poll workers
