One of the key races on the ballot doesn’t include candidates; rather, it is a question of taxation. Voters are being asked to mark “For” or “Against” on a referendum asking for a $32 wheel tax based on a resolution drawn up earlier by the Bradley County Commission.
Election workers had counted more than 3,000 Bradley Countians voting prior to the weekend and over 5,000 by Wednesday. The numbers grew and surpassed 2008 early voting totals by Wednesday afternoon.
According to records, 5,189 early votes were cast in the 2008 early voting races leading up to the November 2008 federal and state elections.
Election officials said 5,477 voters had cast their ballots as of Wednesday.
The Bradley County Elections Commission office, a location at Bradley Square Mall and BI-LO on McGrady Drive are the early voting sites, according to Fran Green, Bradley County Elections administrator. During the early voting period, ballots may be cast this Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The ballot boxes will then be secured until the Aug. 2 election day.
Green said Friday that all has been running smoothly at the Elections Office and other two early voting locations.
The following candidates will be on the August ballot: For the Bradley County School board Ben Atchley, Laura Mountain and Christopher Turner, District 1; Melvin “Teddy” Bryson and Nicholas Lillios, District 3; Rodney Dillard, District 5; and Charlie Rose, District 7. Tony Whitener, Larry Anderson and Donna McDermott are on the ballot for Charleston City Council positions.
In the city of Cleveland, George Poe Jr. is seeking to retain his City Council-at-large seat. Steve Morgan is unopposed in his Cleveland Board of Education at-large position.
William J. “Bill” Wheeler and Avery L. Johnson are seeking the Cleveland City Council District 3 position. David W. May Jr. is focused on retaining his District 4 seat and Dale R. Hughes, Jonathon C. Porter and Thomas Tucker Johnston are among those seeking the District 5 City Council position.
George Meacham is on the ballot for City School Board District 1 and Murl O. Dirksen for District 2.
Incumbent state Rep. Eric Watson, District 22 House of Representatives, will face David Kimbro for the Republican Primary race. The Democratic challenger is Jonathan Gladden.
Jack Epperson is vying for the District 24 state House race and will face incumbent Republican Kevin Brooks.
Congressional Republican for the 3rd District candidates include incumbent Chuck Fleischmann, Ron Bhalla, Scottie Mayfield and Weston Wamp. On the Democratic ballot are Mary M. Headrick and Bill Taylor.
In the 4th District Congressional race are Republicans Scott Desjarlais and Shannon Kelley. Eric Stuart is the Democratic contender in the primary.
In the 10th Senatorial District, Todd Gardenhire and Greg Vital are the Republican candidates. Quenston Coleman, Andrae McGary and David Testerman are on the Democratic ballot.
Voters who did not meet the July 3 registration deadline will be able to cast ballots in the Nov. 6 State and Federal General elections.
For additional information, visit www.bradleyelections.com.
