June 30, 2017
Knoxville Expo Center hosts gathering before Aug. 29 election
During the Knoxville and Knox County Candidate Expo, more than 30 candidates set up booths and met with engaged constituents who learned more about those running in upcoming elections. The event was held at the Knoxville Expo Center on Thursday, June 29.
“There are some important elections coming up,” said Tim Graham, CEO of Graham Corporation, which owns the Knoxville Expo Center. “We held this event to provide an opportunity for members of the community to get to know the people behind the campaigns and gather the information they need to make informed decisions at the polls.”
In the City of Knoxville, voters will elect City Council members to represent Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. Some dates to note include:
- July 31: Final day to register to vote before primary election.
- Aug. 9-24: Early voting period for primary election.
- Aug. 29: Election Day.
- Oct. 9: Final day to register to vote before general election.
- Oct. 18-Nov. 2: Early voting period for general election.
- Nov. 7: Election Day.
Tasked with making some important decisions, Knox County voters are showing an early interest in the Knox County primary election, which doesn’t take place until May 1, 2018. The Knox County ballot will include candidates for county mayor, trustee, sheriff, register of deeds and clerk, among other positions.
“The most important part of this expo is that it allowed people one-on-one access to candidates,” said incumbent Knox County Commissioner Evelyn Gill, who attended the expo and was elected to Knox County Commission in 2016 to serve the 1st District. “This forum was a welcome change that has been well-received. It helped people get involved in democracy and gave them the opportunity to meet the candidates that could represent them.”
The Knox County Election Commission staffed the event to register voters and assist those who needed information about their district.
“Local elections are where the votes matter the most,” said Chris Davis assistant administrator of elections for the Knox County Election Commission. “Every vote counts, and we encourage the community to learn about the candidates and come out to vote in August.”
The event was sponsored by Graham Corporation, Moxley Carmichael and the Knoxville Expo Center.
