Knoxville voters have the chance to decide the city’s future elections by choosing who can vote for city council candidates.
Should every voter get to weigh in on every city council member? Or should only voters in a specific district choose their own representation?
Here’s what to know about the two referendum questions Knoxville residents will see on their ballots.
What does Question 1 of the Knoxville referendum say?
Here’s the exact wording on the ballot :
SHALL ARTICLE IV, SECTION 404 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE, ENTITLED “SAME – TERMS OF OFFICE [OF COUNCILMEMBERS]” BE AMENDED TO ALIGN THE FIFTH COUNCIL DISTRICT WITH THE OTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBERS BY SERVING A TWO YEAR TERM BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 18, 2027 AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 15, 2029 AND THEREAFTER SERVE FOR FOUR YEAR TERMS, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN ORDINANCE No. O-97 2024 OF THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE AS DULY PUBLISHED?
What does a ‘yes’ vote mean?
Currently, the city council’s Fifth District seat isn’t up for election at the same time as the other five numbered seats.