Whether you speak to a Democrat, Republican, or independent about the 2010 midterm election on Nov. 2, they will likely all agree on one thing: Registered voters should exercise their right to vote.Like other elections, many see this election as an important vote, and at the national and state levels, both major political parties are pushing voters to the polls.
“The people who always complain about elected officials or what is going on in the government are generally the ones who don’t vote. So take the initiative and be the change you want to see in the world,” said Amber Futrell, a freshman Animal Science
major.
Many of the seats are “up for grabs” and these seats will determine which political party will take control of the state Legislature.
This week, voters have the opportunity to vote for governor, U.S. House, odd-numbered districts in the Tennessee Senate and House and a Hunting and Fishing Constitutional Amendment that if passed would provide added protection to hunting and fishing rights in the state.
With Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen completing his final term, there are 16 candidates hoping to serve in the position next.
Democrat Mike McWherter of Jackson and Republican Bill Haslam of Knoxville look to be the top contenders.
There are 14 independent candidates, a few of which appeared on the UTM campus during the Town Hall Forum.
With Congressman John Tanner retiring from his position in the U.S. House- 8th District, Democrat Roy Herron and Republican Stephen Fincher have been working hard to win the open seat. These two candidates made appearances at UTM for a meet-and-greet earlier in the semester, which was sponsored by the Institute for Civic Engagement (ICE) and the Martin Rotary Club.
ICE also hosted the two independent candidates for a meet-and-greet, Donn Janes of Brighton and Mark Rawls of Jackson.
Herron comes from Dresden and currently serves in the Tennessee Senate, while Fincher comes from the Frog Jump community.
In the state House race for District 76, Democrat Mark Maddox is running for re-election. His opponent is Republican Andrew Holt.
Passage of the Hunting and Fishing Constitutional Amendment would allow residents of Tennessee to have the personal right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable regulations and restrictions prescribed by law.
Students who are registered to vote on campus may vote at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 145 Hannings Lane in Martin.
Students living off campus, but within Weakley County, should check the Department of State website at https://tnmap.state.tn.us/voterlookup/. They may also contact the Weakley County Elections Commissioner at weakleyelection@frontiernet.net or call at 731-364-5564.
For all those registered in other counties or other states, check your respective Election Commission websites, but remember that early and absentee voting are already closed.
