CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Early voting begins Wednesday in the Montgomery County primary, with the mayor’s office, sheriff, the entire County Commission and part of the School Board up for election.
However, despite that there are 64 people running, there are only four contested races on the May 5 party primary ballot: three County Commission Republican primaries and one School Board Democratic primary.
Here’s the list of contested races, with links to the candidate profiles:
County Commission
District 2 Republican Primary
- Teddy Denny
- Christina Hardesty
- Jason Knight, incumbent
With no opponents in August, the winner takes the seat.
District 11 Republican Primary
- A.C. “Big Sarge” Lopez
- David Shively
The winner faces Democrat Luther Hutchenson in August.
District 21 Republican Primary
- Brad VanKirk, R
- Marco Lee, R
The winner faces independent incumbent David Shelton in August.
School Board
District 5 Democratic Primary
- Jacqueline Burton, D
- Jimmie Garland, D, incumbent
The winner faces Republican Jessica Meyers Shaffer in August.
| MORE: List of all candidates running in Montgomery County races
Where to vote early
Early voting will be held April 15-30 at the following locations.
Election Commission:
The Montgomery County Election Commission is at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404. Voting there will take place:
- April 15, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 16, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- April 17, Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 18, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April 20, Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 21, Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 22, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 23, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 24, Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 25, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April 27, Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 28, Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- April 29, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 30, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other early voting sites:
- North Clarksville Branch Library, 435 Jordan Drive
- CDE Lightband, 2021 Wilma Rudolph Blvd.
- Richellen Park, 1466 Highway 149
Those sites will hold early voting on these dates and times:
- April 15, Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 16, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April 18, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- April 28, Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April 29, Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 30, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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What to bring to the polls
To vote early or on May 5, Tennessee voters are required to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Tennessee state government, or the federal government are acceptable, even if expired. College student IDs are not accepted.
Because this is a party primary, you will have to indicate whether you want a Republican or Democratic ballot. Independent candidates will not appear on the ballot until the Aug. 6 general election.
What happens next in Montgomery County elections?
Aug. 6 election: In addition to Aug. 6 being the county general Montgomery County election, it will also be the state primary, with governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and all three state House races on the ballot.
Nov. 3 election: In addition to Nov. 3 being the state general election, it will also be the City of Clarksville general election, with the mayor and half the City Council seats on the ballot.
For more information on voting, including registering to vote, go to the Montgomery County Election Commission website, visit their office at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404, email vote@mcgtn.net or call 931-648-5707.