Amends TCA Title 2.
Present law generally requires municipal elections to be nonpartisan. Municipal elections must not require candidates to be nominated by political parties unless the municipality's charter specifically permits partisan elections. When a municipality's charter allows partisan elections, political parties are authorized to nominate candidates for municipal office pursuant to primary election law or the rules of the party. In Davidson, Moore, and Trousdale counties, the election of county mayor and the members of the legislative body of such metropolitan government must be considered to be municipal elections. However, a partisan election for any other officers of the metropolitan government is not required if the charter of such metropolitan government provides that elections for such officers must be nonpartisan. This bill deletes the provisions above and, instead, provides that municipal elections may be conducted on a partisan or nonpartisan basis. If at least one county primary board of a political party elects to conduct municipal elections on a partisan basis in a municipality, then a person seeking to be elected to a municipal office in that municipality is authorized to campaign as a nominee or representative of a political party. This bill authorizes political parties to nominate candidates for municipal officer by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election law.
Present law generally requires municipal elections to be nonpartisan. Municipal elections must not require candidates to be nominated by political parties unless the municipality's charter specifically permits partisan elections. When a municipality's charter allows partisan elections, political parties are authorized to nominate candidates for municipal office pursuant to primary election law or the rules of the party. In Davidson, Moore, and Trousdale counties, the election of county mayor and the members of the legislative body of such metropolitan government must be considered to be municipal elections. However, a partisan election for any other officers of the metropolitan government is not required if the charter of such metropolitan government provides that elections for such officers must be nonpartisan. This bill deletes the provisions above and, instead, provides that municipal elections may be conducted on a partisan or nonpartisan basis. If at least one county primary board of a political party elects to conduct municipal elections on a partisan basis in a municipality, then a person seeking to be elected to a municipal office in that municipality is authorized to campaign as a nominee or representative of a political party. This bill authorizes political parties to nominate candidates for municipal officer by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election law.
Track Tennessee Legislation Like a Pro
Join hundreds of professionals using LegisGo to stay ahead of legislative changes.
Instant Alerts
Get notified when bills you track move through the legislature
AI Summaries
Understand complex legislation in seconds with AI-powered analysis
Full Access
All 132 legislators, committee schedules, and voting records