2026 looks to be a busy year for Knox County with three elections representing 46 elected offices. With so many positions open for reelection, this could be the year Knox County becomes more conservative. But only if everyone helps. To get you ready for this year, we have compiled a list of the upcoming elections and their dates below.
But First – KnoxVotes
But before we get to the elections, the Knox County Election Commission is holding KnoxVotes on Saturday, February 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Downtown West. According to the commission, “this interactive half-day seminar is geared towards (sic) voters, individuals considering a run for public office, and voters interested in being poll workers.”
The topics covered will include:
- The different types of elections
- The eight types of voting
- How polling places are determined
- What candidates need to know before they run for office
- Ballot requirements, ballot order, and other ballot details
- How accurate voter registration rolls are maintained
- The important role that poll workers play in conducting elections
- Determination of results – how the votes are counted
- Election integrity and security – from pre-election public machine tests to post-election audits
- And much, much more. (Source: Knox County Election Commission)
This would be a great seminar to attend if you are new to the area or new to the political arena. There is no cost to attend, but you must pre-register. To do so click here.
Hurry—registration is required, as the class is limited to 35 participants.
Knox County Primary Election
2026’s Knox County Primary Election is Tuesday, May 5 with early voting running from April 15 to April 30. While it may seem a little early to be thinking about this election, candidates are already hard at work.
You’ve probably seen signs for Knox County Mayor, Sheriff, and County Commission. But Knox County residents will also be voting for seven other elected offices, along with seats on the Board of Education
The offices Knox County residents will be voting for are listed below. The primary designation means that each party votes to choose the candidate who will run against the opposing party in the August 6 General Election.
- Criminal Court Judge, Division 1
- County Mayor
- County Commission Districts 3, 7, 10, and 11
- Trustee
- General Sessions Judge, Division 4
- Sheriff
- Circuit Court Clerk
- Criminal Court Clerk
- County Clerk
- Register of Deeds
- Board of Education – Districts 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9
Knox County General Election and Federal and State Primaries
In August, we have yet another election. This is Knox County’s General Election, where the Republican and Democratic candidates elected in the May election run against each other to choose the winner who will occupy the office.
And just so you don’t get bored, in addition to Knox County’s General Election, we’ll also have the Knox County Primary Election (at the same time) for Federal and State offices.
Those offices are listed below:
- Governor
- US Senate
- US House of Representatives District 2
- Tennessee Senate – Districts 5 and 7
- Tennessee House of Representatives Districts 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 89, and 90
- Republican State Executive Committeeman Districts 5, 6, and 7
- Republican State Executive Committeewoman Districts 5, 6, and 7
- Democratic State Executive Committeeman Districts 5, 6, and 7
- Democratic State Executive Committeewoman Districts 5, 6, and 7
And to add one final twist to this whole mess, the Town of Farragut also elects its mayor and aldermen for Wards 1 and 2.
Early voting runs from July 17 to August 1, with Election Day on Tuesday, August 6.
Federal and State General Election
If you’re not already reeling from election overdose, there’s one final Knox County election before the end of the year. That is the Federal and State General Election. Remember those Republicans you voted for in July/August for state and federal offices? They’ll be running against their Democratic opponents on Tuesday, November 3. Early voting for that election begins on October 14 and ends on October 29.
You may have seen some elected offices on the above lists that you aren’t familiar with. Don’t worry. Over the course of the next three months, we’ll be explaining what all these offices are, what they do, and, most importantly, why they’re important to you. Make sure to sign up below to receive our newsletter which keeps you informed about all our blog posts in addition to the top stories around Knox County.