Knoxville TN, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Early voting for the Knoxville City Council elections is currently ongoing, allowing voters in various districts to participate until October 30. With five of the nine council seats contested, important local issues like road repairs and housing affordability are at the forefront. The outcomes of these elections could significantly influence local governance for the upcoming years.
Knoxville City Council Elections: Early Voting Underway
Early voting for the Knoxville City Council elections has officially begun, allowing registered voters in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 to cast their ballots until October 30. With five out of the nine City Council seats up for election, the outcomes of these races will shape local policies for the next four years.
Voting can be conducted at any of the city’s six polling locations. In addition to selecting council members, voters will also decide on a proposed sales tax increase of half a percent that could have significant implications for city funding and services. The candidates have been focusing on several key issues during their campaigns, including road repairs, the redevelopment of Chilhowee Park, and affordable housing.
Candidates have been vocal about their priorities in recent debates and discussions. Interviews on WBIR’s Inside Tennessee program revealed the varied perspectives of the candidates from each district. In District 1, Karyn Adams has focused on housing affordability and homelessness issues, whereas her opponent, Becky Jones, has prioritized public safety and reducing city project spending.
In District 2, the candidates present contrasting visions: Melody Watts seeks to overturn a council decision that permits multi-family housing in single-family neighborhoods, while Nathan Honeycutt advocates for sustainable growth alongside balanced public safety measures.
District 3 candidates Doug Lloyd and Frank Ramey propose different strategies for the city’s development, with Lloyd wanting to streamline construction permit processes and Ramey emphasizing making the city affordable for families. In District 4, Matthew DeBardelaben’s platform includes housing affordability and connectivity, while Jeff Talman is focused on cutting city spending and exploring new revenue sources.
In District 6, Stan Johnson and Denzel Grant propose health and wellness initiatives and measures to reduce violence and promote equity, respectively. The common themes across candidates’ platforms revolve around managing growth, enhancing safety, creating jobs, tackling homelessness, improving infrastructure, and developing strategies for raising and spending city funds.
The primary elections held on August 28 saw a low turnout, with only 6% of early voters participating. Out of a total of 82,848 registered voters, 9,515 cast their ballots, resulting in an overall turnout of nearly 12%. The current district seat holders are term-limited and therefore unable to seek re-election.
The results of the primary elections brought the top candidates forward for the general election: In District 1, Karyn Adams advanced with 914 votes against Becky Jones’ 331. In District 2, Nathan Honeycutt and Melody Watts progressed with 1,551 votes and 403 votes respectively. For District 3, Doug Lloyd secured 756 votes, while Frank Ramey had 571 votes to advance. In District 4, Matthew DeBardelaben received 1,589 votes and Jeff Talman got 1,067 votes. Lastly, in District 6, Denzel Grant (566 votes) and Stan Johnson (488 votes) will move on to the general election. Notably, former candidate Jane George’s name remained on the ballot despite her withdrawal, and she received 193 votes.
Summary
Early voting for the Knoxville City Council elections continues until October 30, featuring a proposed sales tax increase and candidates addressing pressing community issues. With term-limited seat holders stepping down, new council members will influence the direction of local governance for the next four years.
FAQ
When does early voting for the Knoxville City Council elections begin and end?
Early voting in Knoxville, Tennessee, is underway and will continue until October 30.
How many City Council seats are up for election?
Five of the nine City Council seats are up for election.
What key issues are being discussed by candidates?
Issues to be determined by these elections include road repairs, the Chilhowee Park redevelopment, and affordable housing projects.
Where can registered voters cast their ballots?
Registered voters can vote at any of the city’s six polling locations.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Voting Period | Ongoing until October 30 |
| Seats Up for Election | Five out of Nine City Council seats |
| Voting Locations | Six polling locations across the city |
| Key Issues | Road repairs, Chilhowee Park redevelopment, affordable housing |
| Primary Election Turnout | 12% turnout with 9,515 voters |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Knoxville City Council to Discuss Affordable Housing Initiatives
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville City Council Elections – Early Voting Now Open
- Knox News: Knoxville Election Voter’s Guide 2025
- UT Daily Beacon: Knoxville City Council 2025 Results
- WATE: Knoxville City Council Approves Traffic Study
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
