Normally by now, candidates would have been out and about, knocking on doors and meeting constituents.  But with the virus, most candidates are reluctant to be going door to door. Certainly, some voters wouldn't mind a visit but others might be wary of candidates knocking on their door. So how's a candidate to reach their voters? By mail I guess?

In the local election, there are three contested Loudon County School Board races.

In the first district, seat (A) Bennie Houser will be challenging incumbent Kenny Ridings. Four years ago, Kenny Ridings ran unopposed and won with 322 votes. With a two man race, a couple hundred votes could win the seat.

In the fifth district, three candidates will be running for the open seat (B). Tammy Bright, John Covington and Lisa Harvey have all qualified. Four years ago, then incumbent Gary Ubben, won re-election in a two man race with a vote of 383 with a total vote for that seat being 640. In a three person race, again, a couple hundred votes could win this race.

In the 7th district, Kenneth Presley is challenging incumbent Craig Simon. In the 7th district four years ago, incumbent Craig Simon won re-election, uncontested, with just 266 votes. In a two man race, 150 votes could win this seat.

The August election is historically the lowest turnout of all our elections. In this election, every vote counts.

When we get a little closer to the election, I'll set up a page for the candidates to link their Facebook pages or web sites. Early voting doesn't begin till mid July.