What Voting Will Look Like in the May 5 Anderson County Primary

The May 5 primary is almost here, and voters in Anderson County will see a few important things this year: county primary races, sample ballots by commission district, and updated language on the form voters review when checking in for a party primary. We want voters to have the information they need before they head to the polls, without confusion and without last-minute surprises.

Early voting for the May 5, 2026 County Primary runs from April 15 through April 30. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 25, and Election Day is Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The voter registration deadline for this election was April 6.

Early voting locations

Anderson County voters can cast an early ballot at these locations for the May primary:

• Anderson County Fair Association Building
  218 Nave St, Clinton, TN 37716

• Midtown Community Center (Wildcat Den)
  102 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

• Anderson County Government Office
  3324 Andersonville Highway, Andersonville, TN 37705

The posted early voting hours for the May 5 county primary are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Election Day

On Election Day, Tuesday, May 5, voters must vote at their assigned precinct. Polls will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To find your voting precinct, click here.

What’s on the ballot

This primary includes races for County Mayor, County Commission in Districts 1 through 8, Trustee, Sheriff, Circuit Court Clerk, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Road Superintendent, and Board of Education in Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7.

Check your sample ballot before you go

Because county commission and school board races depend on where you live, voters should check their sample ballot before going to vote. The Anderson County Election Commission has posted the May 5, 2026 sample ballot online. But to make it easier for you, here are some sample ballots based on your Commission District - Feel free to share these online.

District 1 Sample Ballot

See what will appear on the May primary ballot for County Commission District 1, along with the countywide races on the ballot. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 2 Sample Ballot

Preview the May primary ballot for County Commission District 2, including both district and countywide races. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 3 Sample Ballot

Review the May primary ballot for County Commission District 3 so you know what to expect before you vote. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 4 Sample Ballot

Take a look at the May primary ballot for County Commission District 4, including the local and countywide contests voters will see. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 5 Sample Ballot

Find the May primary ballot for County Commission District 5 and get familiar with the races before heading to the polls. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 6 Sample Ballot

Preview the May primary ballot for County Commission District 6 and see the full list of races appearing in your district. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 7 Sample Ballot

Check the May primary ballot for County Commission District 7 so you can make a plan and vote prepared. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

District 8 Sample Ballot

View the May primary ballot for County Commission District 8, including district-specific and countywide races. To learn more about the Democratic candidates running in the district, click here.

What’s changed this year

Sample Primary Participation Application that Anderson County voters will be asked to sign when voting in the May primary. Review it before you go so you know what to expect at check-in.

This year, voters will notice updated language on the form they review when checking in for a party primary. Because that change has raised real public questions, we are also sharing the exchange with Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins along with the practical voting information voters need. Our view is voters should know exactly what to expect before they get to the polls.

Voters deserve a process that is clear, transparent, and easy to understand. When rules or forms change, people should not have to hear about it through rumors, secondhand explanations, or clips after the fact. That is why we are sharing the details, the sample ballots, and the public exchange now: so Anderson County voters can head to the polls informed, confident, and ready to cast their ballot.

Make your plan to vote

Before you go, take a minute to look up your sample ballot, choose your voting location, and make your plan. Whether you vote early or on Election Day, the most important thing is to show up informed and ready.

Not sure which Commission District you’re in? Find it here.