UPDATE, 10/24/22: This article has been updated with a link to coverage of the 89th House District race.

The third and final 2022 balloting period for local voters kicks off today as early voting begins in the Nov. 8 state and federal elections.

Early voting continues through Nov. 3. For polling location and hours, see KnoxVotes.org.

Ten early voting locations are open across Knox County — you can find locations, hours and a sample ballot online at KnoxVotes.org, the website of the Knox County Election Commission. In general, the polling stations are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. But those vary at some specific sites, so be sure to check before you go.

Early voting continues through Nov. 3. 

At the top of the ticket is the race for governor, with Republican Gov. Bill Lee heavily favored to win a second term against Democratic challenger Jason Martin. There are also two local independent candidates on the gubernatorial ballot: Constance Every and Charles Van Morgan.

In the 2nd U.S. Congressional District, Republican Rep. Tim Burchett is seeking a third term, running against Democrat Mark Harmon.

Two of Knox County’s three state Senate seats are also up, with Republican incumbent Sen. Richard Briggs facing Democrat Bryan Langan in the 7th District, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally unopposed as he aims to extend his streak as the longest-serving member of the state Legislature.

And all seven of the county’s state House districts are in play, as they are every two years. All have at least nominally contested races except for Republican Rep. Michele Carringer in the North Knox 16th District.

At the bottom of the ballot voters will find four proposed amendments to the state constitution. 

To help with your decisions, Compass has moved our coverage of local contested races and the constitutional amendments outside our paywall. Here are links to all of those stories. (Note: We still have one story to come, on the race in state House District 89 between Republican incumbent Rep. Justin Lafferty and Democrat M.D. Dotson.)

Congress

2nd Congressional District: Democrat Mark Harmon is challenging incumbent Republican Tim Burchett in one of the nation’s most reliably red districts.

State Legislature

State Senate District 7: Seeking a third term, Republican incumbent Richard Briggs faces Democratic newcomer Bryan Langan.

State House District 14: In a solidly Republican West Knox district, incumbent Republican Rep. Jason Zachary faces Democrat Amanda Collins.

State House District 15: Incumbent Democrat Sam McKenzie faces off against perennial candidate Charles “Pete” Drew in a Democratic stronghold.

State House District 18: Democrat Gregory Kaplan and Republican Elaine Davis are battling for the seat being vacated by state Rep. Eddie Mannis.

State House District 19: Republican incumbent Rep. Dave Wright has two challengers to represent the rural East Knox County district — Democrat Zeke Streetman and independent Mary Rochat.

State House District 89: Democrat M.D. Dotson III is challenging incumbent Republican Justin Lafferty in a Northwest Knox district that tilts toward the GOP.

State House District 90: Democrat Gloria Johnson tries to hold onto her seat in a newly drawn district against Republican challenger David ‘Pozy’ Poczobut.

Constitutional Amendments

Amendment #1: On November’s ballot, voters will have the chance to add Tennessee’s ‘right to work’ law to the state constitution. Union members and organizers strongly oppose it.

Amendments #2, #3, #4: Three non-controversial proposed changes to the state constitution will be on the ballot in this year’s election.