Morgan County, Tennessee

ELECTION NOTICE

EARLY / ABSENTEE VOTING

TN STATE / FEDERAL / MORGAN COUNTY GENERAL AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026

THE MORGAN COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION WILL BE OPEN FOR EARLY VOTING FOR ANY ELIGIBLE VOTER TO CAST A BALLOT BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE MORGAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 415 N. KINGSTON ST., WARTBURG, TENNESSEE AS FOLLOWS:

October 14-16: 9 A.M.-4 P.M. ● October 17: 9 A.M.- 12 NOON

October 19-23: 9 A.M.- 4 P.M. ●  October 24: 9 A.M.- 12 NOON 

October 26-27: 9 A.M.-4 P.M.  ● October 28-29: 9 A.M.- 6 P.M.

THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN PERSON OR BY MAIL POSTMARKED FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 ELECTIONS WILL BE OCTOBER 5, 2026. 

VOTERS ARE REQUESTED TO PLEASE CONTACT THE ELECTION OFFICE TO ALLEVIATE ANY DISCREPANCY OR QUESTION REGARDING YOUR REGISTRATION, ADDRESS, OR POLLING PLACE. ADDRESS CHANGES CAN BE MADE NOW, OR DURING EARLY VOTING, OR ON ELECTION DAY BY COMPLETING A FAIL-SAFE FORM. VOTERS MUST VOTE IN THE PRECINCT IN WHICH THEY RESIDE. 

REGISTERED VOTERS WHO WILL BE UNABLE TO GO TO THEIR POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY MAY VOTE BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

1.  VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE

BEGINNING OCTOBER 14TH – 29TH, A VOTER DESIRING TO VOTE BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE SHALL GO TO THE MORGAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE POLLING SITE, PRESENT A VALID PHOTO ID, SIGN AN APPLICATION TO VOTE, AND CAST THEIR VOTE. THE LAST DAY TO EARLY VOTE BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE IS OCTOBER 29, 2026 AT 6PM. 

PHOTO ID REQUIREMENT FOR ALL VOTERS AT POLLS:

All voters must present a Federal or TN State issued photo ID. The ID must contain the voter’s name and photograph. For more information regarding exceptions, acceptable and non-acceptable proof of photo ID, please contact our office or you may visit the Tennessee Division of Elections web site: http://www.GoVoteTN.com . Acceptable PHOTO IDs include: TN driver license with your photo, Department of Safety and Homeland Security photo ID, TN hand-gun carry permit with your photo, United States Military photo ID, United States Passport, or any photo ID issued by the federal or TN state government (excluding college student IDs). Registered voters that do not have a valid PHOTO ID may add a photo onto an existing driver license or obtain a photo ID for voting purposes at no cost from the Tennessee Department of Safety at any participating driver service center. Also, the Morgan County Clerk office will add a photo onto an existing driver license for a fee. Under the voter ID law, in order to get a photo ID for voting purposes, voters must show the following documentation to the Driver Service Center examiner: Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate); and, two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as copy of a utility bill, vehicle registration/title, or bank statement) mailed to your residence. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR TN STATE OR FEDERALLY ISSUED PHOTO ID WITH YOU WHEN YOU APPEAR TO VOTE. THIS APPLIES TO BOTH EARLY VOTING AND ON ELECTION DAY.

2. VOTING BY MAIL

IN ORDER TO VOTE ABSENTEE BY MAIL, A VOTER MUST MEET CERTAIN LEGAL QUALIFICATIONS. A VOTER WHICH REGISTERED OR VOTED PREVIOUSLY IN PERSON, DESIRING TO VOTE ABSENTEE BY MAIL, SHALL IN WRITING OR PRINT OVER HIS SIGNATURE EITHER IN PERSON AT THE ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE OR BY MAIL, FAX, OR E-MAIL WITH AN ATTACHED DOCUMENT WHICH INLUDES A SCANNED SIGNATURE, REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT. SUCH REQUEST FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT MAY BE RECEIVED NO EARLIER THAN AUGUST 5, 2026 AND MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 24, 2026 AT 4:00 PM. THE REQUEST FOR AN APPLICATION CAN SERVE AS AN APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT IF IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING: NAME, ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH, ADDRESS OF DESTINATION TO MAIL THE BALLOT (IF REASON FOR VOTING IS OUTSIDE OF COUNTY), THE ELECTION THE VOTER WISHES TO VOTE IN, THE VALID REASON THE VOTER WISHES TO VOTE ABSENTEE, AND THE VOTER’S SIGNATURE.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EARLY VOTING, PLEASE CONTACT:

MORGAN COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION GARY MASSENGILL, CHAIRMAN

PO BOX 266  MIKE GUNTER, SECRETARY

415 N. KINGSTON ST.  KATHY CARROLL, MEMBER

WARTBURG, TN 37887  JOHN PEMBERTON, MEMBER

PH. 423.346.3190  WAYNE BROWN, MEMBER

EMAIL: Morgan.Commission@TN.GOV  TIM SWEAT, ADMINISTRATOR

WEBSITE: MorganElections.Com

OFFICE HOURS: M-F 8am-4pm     

  NOTICE OF ELECTIONS

NOVEMBER 3, 2026

TENNESSEE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

TO THE VOTERS OF MORGAN COUNTY, TENNESSEE: You are hereby notified that by call of Senate Joint Resolution No. 25, Senate Joint Resolution No. 1, and Senate Joint Resolution No. 9, the proposed amendments must be submitted to a vote of the people on November 3, 2026. In the same order as the proposed constitutional amendments will be placed on the ballot, the following contains the text of Constitutional Amendment #1 being Senate Joint Resolution No. 25, Constitutional Amendment #2 being Senate Joint Resolution No. 1, and Constitutional Amendment #3 being Senate Joint Resolution No. 9:

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #1

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25

A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article I, Section 15 of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to bail.

WHEREAS, Senate Joint Resolution No. 919 of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly, which proposed amendment of Article I, Section 15 of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to bail, was considered and agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each of the two houses, as shown by the yeas and nays entered on their journals; and

WHEREAS, on April 23, 2024, such resolution proposing such amendment was published in compliance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that a two-thirds majority of all the members elected to each house concurring, as shown by the yeas and nays entered on their journals, that it is proposed that Article I, Section 15 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by deleting the following:

That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is  evident, or the presumption great. And the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion, the General Assembly shall declare the public safety requires it.

and substituting instead the following:

(a) All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties unless for the following when the proof is evident or the presumption great:

(1) A capital offense;

(2) An act of terrorism;

(3) Second degree murder;

(4) Aggravated rape of a child;

(5) Aggravated rape;

(6) Grave torture; and

(7) Any other offense for which, as of November 3, 2026, a defendant, if convicted, could not be released prior to the 

expiration of at least eighty-five percent of the entire sentence imposed.

(b) In any case in which bail for an offense listed in subsection (a) is granted or denied before conviction, the judge or magistrate shall place in the record the judge's or magistrate's reasons for granting or denying bail.

(c) The privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion, the General Assembly shall declare the public safety requires it.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee, the foregoing proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people at the next general election in which a governor is to be chosen, the same being the 2026 November general election, and the Secretary of State is directed to place such proposed amendment on the ballot for that election.

ADOPTED: April 21, 2025

SUMMARY OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25

This amendment changes Article I, section 15 of the Tennessee Constitution by allowing a court to hold a defendant without bail before trial when that defendant is accused of: an offense punishable by the death penalty, an act of terrorism, second degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, or any crime for which a convicted person would be required to serve eighty-five percent of their sentence. This amendment requires courts to state on the record the reasons for their decision to grant or deny bail in those cases.
 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #2

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1

A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article II, Section 28 of the Constitution of Tennessee, to prohibit taxation of property by the State.

WHEREAS, House Joint Resolution No. 81 of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly, which proposed amendment of Article II, Section 28 of the Constitution of Tennessee, was considered and agreed upon by a majority of all the members elected to each of the two houses, as shown by the yeas and nays entered on their journals; and

WHEREAS, such resolution proposing such amendment was published in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 28 of the Constitution of Tennessee currently authorizes taxation of all property according to its value by any taxing authority, including the State, counties, and municipalities; and

WHEREAS, the State can impose a property tax, as it did until 1949 to all property in the State; and

WHEREAS, in 1949, the Legislature repealed the State's property tax; and

WHEREAS, the current property tax is imposed at the local level at various county and municipal tax rates; and

WHEREAS, the controlling and predominant purpose of the property tax is for local purposes; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that a two-thirds majority of all the members of each house concurring, as shown by the yeas and nays entered on their journals, that it is proposed that Article II, Section 28 of the Constitution of the State of Tennessee be amended by deleting the following language from the first sentence:

In accordance with the following provisions, all property real, personal or mixed shall be subject to taxation, but 

the Legislature

and substituting instead the following:

In accordance with the following provisions, all property real, personal, or mixed shall be subject to taxation, but 

the Legislature shall not levy, authorize, or otherwise permit any state tax upon such property, and the 

Legislature

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee, the foregoing proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people at the next general election in which a governor is to be chosen, the same being the 2026 November general election, and the Secretary of State is directed to place such proposed amendment on the ballot for that election.

ADOPTED: April 21, 2025

SUMMARY OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1

This amendment adds text to Article II, section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution that prohibits the Legislature from imposing a State property tax on real, personal, or mixed property.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #3

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9

A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to Article I, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the rights of crime victims.

WHEREAS, House Joint Resolution No. 94 of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly, which proposed amendment of Article I, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the rights of crime victims, was considered and agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each of the two houses, as shown by the yeas and nays entered on their journals; and

WHEREAS, such resolution proposing such amendment was published in compliance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that a two-thirds majority of all members of each house concurring, as shown by the yeas and nays entered on their journals, that it is proposed that Article I, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by deleting the section in its entirety and substituting the following:

Section 35. That to preserve and protect the rights of victims of crime to justice and due process throughout the 

criminal and juvenile justice systems, a victim, as defined by law and which may be expanded by the General 

Assembly, shall have the following rights, which shall be protected:

(1) The right to be treated with fairness for the victim's safety and dignity;

(2) The right, upon request, to reasonable notice of all public criminal proceedings and all public juvenile 

delinquency proceedings involving the accused;

(3) The right to be present at all public criminal proceedings and all public juvenile delinquency proceedings 

involving the accused;

(4) The right upon request to be heard in any proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, and 

parole, as well as any public proceeding when relevant during which a right of the victim is implicated;

(5) The right to be heard and informed of all parole procedures, to participate in the parole process, to 

provide information to the parole authority to be considered before the parole of the offender, and to be 

notified, upon request, of the parole or other release of the offender;

(6) The right to be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system, 

including reasonable protection, as defined by the General Assembly, from the accused or any person acting 

on behalf of the accused;

(7) The right, upon request, to reasonable notice of any release, transfer, or escape of the accused or 

convicted person;

(8) The right to full and timely restitution from the offender;

(9) The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the 

conviction or sentence;

(10) The right to be informed of the minimum sentence the offender will serve in custody and the scheduled 

release date;

(11) The right to have the safety of the victim, the victim's family, and the general public considered before 

any parole or other post-judgment release decision is made;

(12) The right, upon request, to confer with the prosecution; and

(13) The right to be fully informed of all rights afforded to crime victims.

A victim may assert the rights enumerated in this section, not as a party, but in the manner further provided by 

the General Assembly protecting the victim's right to standing. The General Assembly has the authority to enact 

substantive and procedural laws to further define, implement, preserve, and protect the rights guaranteed to 

victims by this section. This section must be interpreted to preserve and protect the rights of all persons to due 

process. This section, or any law enacted under this section, does not create a basis for vacating a conviction. This 

section does not restrict the powers of the District Attorney General or the inherent authority of the court.

Other than as provided in the preceding paragraph, this section does not create a cause of action or claim for 

damages against the state or a political subdivision of the state; an officer, employee, or agent of the state or of any 

of its political subdivisions; or an officer or employee of the court.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee, the 

foregoing proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people at the next general election in which a governor is to 

be chosen, the same being the 2026 November general election, and the Secretary of State is directed to place such 

proposed amendment on the ballot for that election.

ADOPTED: April 21, 2025

SUMMARY OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9

This amendment changes Article I, section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution by clarifying existing rights for crime victims and adding new rights. The amendment gives victims new rights: to fair treatment; to be informed about and participate in the parole process; to be protected from harassment, intimidation, and abuse; to be informed of the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve, as well as their scheduled release date; and to have their safety, their family’s safety, and the public’s safety taken into account before any decision is made to release the convicted criminal. The amendment also maintains or clarifies victims’ existing rights: to be informed about legal proceedings involving the accused or convicted criminal; to be present at public criminal proceedings; to be informed of any release, transfer, or escape of the accused or convicted criminal; to talk to prosecutors; to make statements about conviction, sentencing, or release of the accused person; to a speedy resolution of the case; to restitution from the convicted criminal; and to be informed of their rights. The amendment does not restrict the powers of prosecutors or courts and does not create a cause of action or claim for damages against the State of Tennessee.

ELECTION NOTICE

For November 3, 2026

State/Federal General Election

Municipal Elections for Sunbright and Oliver Springs

To the voters of Morgan County, TN, notice is hereby given of State/Federal General Elections and Municipal Elections for the City of Sunbright and the Town of Oliver Springs. These elections will he held November 3, 2026, in all eligible voting precincts in Morgan County, Tennessee. 

The State/Federal Offices on the November 3, 2026 General Ballots will be: 

Governor- 4 year term

United States Senate- 6 year term

United States House of Representatives-6th Congressional District- 2 year term

Tennessee House of Representatives-41st District- 2 year term

Offices on the City of Sunbright Municipal Ballot:

Alderman- 4 year term

Alderman (Unexpired Term)- 2 years

Offices on the Town of Oliver Springs Municipal Ballot:

Mayor- 4 year term

Alderman, Ward 1- 4 year term

Alderman, Ward 2- 4 year term

Alderman, Ward 4- 4 year term

· The first day to pick-up a petition for municipal candidates is June 22, 2026 

· Qualifying deadline for municipal candidates will be Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 12:00 NOON 

· The withdrawal deadline for municipal candidates will be Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:00 NOON.

· The first day the armed forces, spouses, and overseas voters to request an absentee ballot is January 1, 2026.

· The first day to request an absentee ballot, other than armed forces and overseas voters, is August 5, 2026

· The last day to request and process an absentee ballot request is October 24, 2026.

· The last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2026 Election will be October 5, 2026.

· Petitions may be picked up at the Morgan County Election Commission Office 

Notice for Elderly Voters or Voters with Disabilities Elderly voters or voters with a disability whose polling place is inaccessible may early vote in person during the early voting period or by absentee ballot. Elderly voters, or voters with a disability, having inaccessible polling places and who will be voting for the first time, may complete an affidavit at the Election Office no later than October 24, 2026, (ten days prior to the election) stating their designated voting location is not accessible and that they intend to vote at the Election Office on election day.

Online Voter Registration For more information on online voter registration or to update your current registration visit:www.govotetn.com 

PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR VOTERS: If you are voting in person during Early Voting or on Election Day, a Federal or State of Tennessee Government issued photo ID is required for voting, unless an exception applies. College student ID's and out-of-state photo ID's will not be accepted. Forms of acceptable identification, even if expired, include a Tennessee driver license with your photo, United States passport, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security photo ID, Photo ID issued by the federal government, United States military ID including a Veteran Identification Card, and a Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo. To learn more about this law and its exceptions, please call the Morgan County Election Commission or visit the Tennessee Division of Elections website at: www.GoVoteTN.com 

The Election Commission office will be closed for the following holidays scheduled prior to election: Labor Day-September 7, 2026

MORGAN COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION:415 N Kingston St, Rm# 105, P.O. Box 266 Wartburg, Tennessee 37887 Phone:(423)346-3190 Fax: (423)346-4350 

Email- Morgan.Commission@TN.Gov Website- MorganElections.com

Office Hours: M-F 8am-4pm

Gary Massengill- Chairman, Mike Gunter- Secretary

Kathy Carroll- Member, John Pemberton- Member, Wayne Brown- Member

Tim Sweat, Administrator of Elections

Ann Heidel, Deputy Administrator of Elections

 Election Workers Needed in Morgan County

Call Office (423) 346-3190

Are You Interested in Becoming a Poll Official?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Secretary of State Tre Hargett today encouraged eligible Tennesseans to consider serving as poll workers in preparation for the August 6, 2026 State and Federal Primary and County General Elections and the November 3, 2026 State and Federal General Election

“Poll workers are essential to the success and integrity of Tennessee elections, and I encourage all eligible Tennesseans to consider serving their communities during the 2026 election cycle,” said Secretary Hargett. “These dedicated individuals help ensure every voter has a smooth, secure, and efficient voting experience.

During early voting and on Election Day, poll workers perform a variety of important duties at polling locations across Tennessee. Responsibilities may include greeting voters, checking voter registration information, answering questions, explaining voting procedures, assisting voters as needed, and helping process ballots at the close of polls. Poll workers are compensated for their service and receive all required training prior to Election Day.

Qualifications to Serve as a Poll Worker
To be eligible, individuals must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be a registered voter if 18 years of age or older
• Be able to read and write the English language
• Not be a candidate on the ballot or a close relative of a candidate in a contested election 

Government Employees Eligible to Serve The following government employees may also serve as poll workers:

• City, County, and Metro employees (unless employed directly under the supervision of an elected official appearing on the ballot)
• State of Tennessee employees
• Federal employees, subject to approval and guidance from their Human Resources Department

“By serving, citizens can help voters in their own community confidently cast their ballots while reinforcing the transparency, accuracy, and security of Tennessee elections,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins.

Tennessee has been ranked number one in election integrity for four consecutive years. The Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office is the trusted source for all election resources. For more information about becoming a poll worker, visit: https://pollworkers.govotetn.com/