For more information, call the Election Commission at 423-775-7817.ELECTION DATES* April 14 — Early voting begins* May 4 — Primaries* Aug. 5 — General electionSource: Rhea County Election Commission
The qualifying deadline quickly is approaching for those who wish to throw a hat in the Rhea County election ring this year.
Petitions are due by noon Thursday at the Rhea County Election Commission to qualify to run for county trustee, county clerk, Circuit Court clerk, register of deeds and sheriff.
Two of the races — sheriff and the Circuit Court clerk — are expected to be hot contests.
Current Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal, a Democrat, already has returned his petition, as has Republican Mike Sneed. Independent Jerry L. Lawrence has picked up the petition but not returned it to the Election Commission, officials said.
Three Republicans — Larry Ballard, Pam Peavyhouse and Karen Walker — and two Democrats — Cheryl Cashman and Jamie Holloway — have picked up petitions to run for Circuit Court clerk.
“There must be 25 ‘good’ signatures on a petition for the potential candidate to qualify,” said Rhea County Administrator of Elections Theresa Snyder. “Each signature will be matched to the person’s voter registration card and then the election commission must OK the petition before the name goes on the ballot.”
After the petitions are returned, potential candidates have one week to withdraw their names before the Election Commission starts printing ballots on Feb. 26.
The Rhea County executive, county commissioners, school board, Spring City commissioners and state representative candidates must have qualifying petitions returned by April 1.
The county executive seat has drawn the attention of current Rhea County Executive Billy Ray Patton as well as challengers George Thacker, Rodney Adams and Daniel Moore.
Those interested in serving as a county commissioner include incumbents Emmaly F. Fisher (District 5), Ronnie Raper (District 7), Bill W. Hollin (District 8), Tracy Taylor (District 9) and Doyle L. Montgomery (District 6).
In the Rhea County school board race, incumbents Billy G. Davault (District 9) and Paul Hill (District 5) have picked up petitions.
The Spring City Commission race has attracted incumbent Jeff “Bimbo” Rhear, who has returned his petition, and challengers Terry Smith and Annette Ezell.
“We want to encourage everyone to vote early,” Ms. Snyder said. “You might be sick or the weather could be bad on election day. Early voting makes it easier on everyone.”