PRIMARY TIMELINE* Feb. 18: Candidates must return qualifying petitions by noon* March 27: Election office open for voter registration 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.* April 5: Last day to register as a Bradley County voter* April 14-April 29: Early voting* May 4: Primary voting day
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- The May party primaries are expected to have a turnout similar to the 2008 presidential election.
Bradley County Election Commission members agreed Monday that the same number of precinct workers per party will be needed as in 2008 -- 83 workers each for the Democrats and the Republicans.
The number does not include other election officials required by law.
Election commissioners cited the large number of candidates expected on the May 4 primary ballots, including some major local offices such as county mayor and sheriff.
To make it easier for voters to register, the commission also decided to keep the county courthouse annex office open half a day on Saturday, March 27, a few days before the registration deadline.
"You hear those who say they work nine-to-five and that's when our office is open," said Republican commission member Milan Blake. "This just gives them an opportunity.
"I know they can go online and register. But this just gives them another opportunity," he said.
Commissioner Dana Burgner, a Democrat, agreed.
"This will give people one last chance," he said.
On Aug. 5, another election date, voters will select party candidates for state office for the November state general election. On the same day, they also will choose some local city officials, city and county school board members.