Bristol, TN set to move city elections from May to November

The City of Bristol, Tennessee will soon hold city municipal elections in November.

City Council members met during their regular monthly meeting Tuesday night and approved the ordinance to move elections from May and in odd numbered years to November in even numbered years.

The proposal was made to entice more voters to participate in the local elections while reducing local election costs.

Councilwoman Lea Powers spoke in favor of the proposal. “I just think anytime we can get even more people to the polls to vote, it’s to our advantage,” said Powers.

Mayor Margaret Feierabend spoke out against the proposal. “I voted against this first reading, I’m voting against it the second time because I feel like the local election will get lost in the national elections in November,” said Feierabend.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the ordinance on second reading, and the next local election will be held November 8th, 2022.

Ordinance 20-2 Changing the Date for Municipal Elections to Coincide with November Elections (2nd)

Photo Courtesy: Bristol, TN City Council Meeting March 3rd