Knoxville residents have until Monday, Oct. 6, to register to vote in the general election, which will decide five city council seats and a citywide sales tax referendum.
Voters will select council members in districts one, two, three, four and six. Knoxville City elections are nonpartisan and candidates’ party affiliations are not listed on the ballot, though candidates may align with more liberal or conservative values.
Ballot measures this year will decide the proposed sales tax increase by Mayor Indya Kincannon, funding for neighborhood projects and new rules for how to elect council members.
How to register
There are many ways to register for the Knoxville elections. To register in-person, go to the Knox County Election Commission office, located at 300 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 during business hours. Make sure to bring a valid form of photo identification, like a Tennessee driver’s license or state ID.
For online registration, Knoxville residents can register to vote online at GoVoteTN.com, where the website will direct users to register or update previous registration information.
To register by mail, obtain a voter registration form at government offices or local libraries. Complete the form and mail it to the Knox County Commission, and be sure to send it in before Oct. 6, 2025.
It is also possible to register at special events in Knoxville. Community organizations host registration drives at public events, colleges and farmer’s markets leading up to the deadline.
Other key information about voting locations, district maps and schedules is available on the “Go Vote!” resource portal and at KnoxVotes.org.
Candidates, ballot measures
There are two finalists for each eligible district on the ballot. Representing district one will be Karyn Adams or Becky Jones. In district two, Nathan Honeycutt or Melody Watts. In district three Doug Lloyd or Frank Ramey. In district four, Matthew DeBardelaben or Jeff Talman. Finally, district six with either Denzel Grant or Stan Johnson.
The ballot will also include a proposition to change the primary election format, permitting citywide participation in all primary races, rather than district-only voting.
Knoxville residents can register to vote online at GoVoteTN.com, by mail or in person at designated voter registration events or government offices.
