In the May 1 Hamilton County primary elections, Republicans will have as few as two contested races in which to cast votes, and Democrats will have as few as one. It’s been predicted that voter turnout in some precincts will be in single digits.
We hope this is not true. Nevertheless, voters will choose Republican Hamilton County Commission members in Districts 1 and 8 since there is no Democratic opponent. On the Democratic side, voters will choose a commissioner in District 5 since there is no Republican foe. So, for those who would run Hamilton County government, the primary races are critical.
Commissioners Sabrena Smedley (District 7) and Chester Bankston (District 9) automatically will retain their seats since they have no Republican primary opponent and no August general election foe. Elsewhere, District 2 (no incumbent running), District 3 (incumbent Republican Greg Martin), District 4 (incumbent Democrat Warren Mackey) and District 6 (incumbent Republican Joe Graham), will have contested races in August.
Early voting begins Wednesday. Confound the prognosticators. Vote.
In the primaries, the Chattanooga Free Press page recommends: