In Lenoir city, incumbent mayor, Tony Aikens, is facing his first challenger in his mayoral career. In his first time campaign, Wayne Collins has put Aikens on the defensive. Aikens is not accustom to being challenged on anything.

All three incumbent council members are in contested races. Lenoir City elections are "at large" meaning, the three highest vote getters win seats. Incumbents Mike Henline, Jennifer Wampler and Eddie Simpson are all running for re-election. The challengers, Trever Branson, James Laney and Robin McNabb are challenging the status quo. With the high voter turnout, the single shot aspect of the city election and the enormous anger by so many city voters at the incumbents, there's no way to predict how this one will turn out.

Let me add, I have not supported nor opposed any candidates in the Lenoir City election. I have reported on the actions and votes of the incumbents. If they're upset about that, that's on them.

In Loudon, four candidates running for two council seats with only one incumbent running for re-election. Loudon City elections like Lenoir City are at large. Meaning the two top vote getters win seats. Eric Newman is the sole incumbent running with Brendan Debore, Mitch Miller and Kenny Ridings hoping for a seat. As with Lenoir City, the single shot comes into play in Loudon, so again, hard to predict any winners.

With the massive early vote turnout, chances are all the contested races have already been decided. Election day turnout will likely be relatively light since so many voters have already voted. Hopefully by ten o'clock Tuesday night, we'll know the outcome of all the local elections.