KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In less than a month, voters in Knox County will head to the polls to vote in the general municipal election. To increase voter turnout, a group of neighbors in South Knoxville is hosting an event Tuesday night.
The South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition (SKNBC) is made up of volunteers from neighborhood associations and businesses in South Knoxville. They meet monthly to address a variety of issues affecting local communities and neighborhoods.
Organizer Elliott Kim said the event, which will take place Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m. at South High Senior Living, is non-partisan. He said one of the goals is to help inform people ahead of Aug. 1.
"We make this opportunity available to everyone and we want you to know who you vote for," Kim pointed out. "Because the people you vote for in your local elections are the ones who have the most direct impact on our daily lives."
Kim said they invited candidates running for office to the event. People will also have a chance to chat with the candidates and ask them questions about the issues they care about.
"It is not really so much a forum, but more of an informal meet and greet," Kim added.
The event is also aimed at increasing voter turnout.
Knox County's elections administrator Chris Davis said only one of every five people voted on Super Tuesday back in March. He said that amounted to about 60,000 people. Knox County currently has more than 300,000 people registered to vote.
"Issues were decided on just a handful of votes and, if you do not vote, you do not really have a say and a right to complain about the things that go on," Kim commented. "You did not make your voice heard, so how do we know that you were upset? You can make the impact on the local community and that impact can spread as these officials climb up the political ladder, so to speak, as they move on to county and state and even national offices."
WBIR is speaking with candidates during the days leading up to the election. We are giving them a chance to share their ideas and plans if they win the election. You can click here to access our Before You Vote page.