This one turned out to be a big turn out election. We had a total vote of 19,763 ballots cast, 11,964 early, 7,799 day of. That's the largest day of turnout since the advent of early voting, approximately, 60% early and 40% day of. And as usual, administrator of elections, Susan Harrison, and her entire crew did an outstanding job of providing another flawless election process.

In Lenoir City, Todd Kennedy, won a seat on the council. Incumbents, James Brandon and Jim Shields were re-elected. Incumbent Buddy Hines lost his re-election bid. Kennedy ran his campaign on a platform of getting Lenoir City's over development under control. Hopefully, he can have an impact on what mayor Aikens has allowed to go on. This may be the first time in his illustrious career that Aikens will have a councilman who isn't a rubber stamp for everything he wants, as has been the case for many years.

The next Lenoir City election will be in 2024 when three more council seats, the mayor and the treasurer/recorder will be on the ballot.

In Loudon, only one full term incumbent councilman, Tim Dixon, was on the ballot and won re-election. John Cardwell, who won the special election back in August to fill the term of deceased councilman, Johnny James, also won a seat on council. These council seats were for four years.

In the council race for the two year term, New comer, Eric Newman, won a seat on council. Newman is the son of Loudon police officer, and Loudon County school board member, Scott Newman. Retired Loudon police chief, Bear Webb, won the other two year term council seat.

Incumbent Loudon mayor, Jeff Harris won his re-election bid.

All four constitutional amendments passed overwhelmingly in Loudon County and the state. All four will be incorporated into the state constitution now.

Monty Fritts easily defeated his democrat challenger to take the seat of 32nd district state representative.

Glad the elections are over now and we can take a little break from politics.