TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Mar 12, 2021

State Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, and State Rep. Tom Leatherwood, R-Arlington, have introduced legislation to make judicial and countywide elections nonpartisan in counties with populations of 500,000 or more, the Tennessee Star reports. According to the latest census estimates, only Shelby and Davidson counties would be impacted. Past attempts to make such a change have not been successful due to the opposition of elected officials in the affected counties. That has not changed. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners recently approved a resolution opposing the bill. Supporters argue that the change would improve local government processes. Opponents say it is unconstitutional to single out specific counties for different treatment.