(The Center Square) – Residents in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District have until Monday to register to vote in the Oct. 7 primary election.
Early voting in the race to decide who will represent each political party for the seat begins Sept. 17.
“When you don’t vote, your voice will be overshadowed by those that do vote,” said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said Monday. “In Tennessee, we want every eligible Tennessean to vote, but the first step is registering to vote. This election will have national implications, if you have not registered or need to update your information, we encourage you to do so before the registration deadline.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Green stepped down on July 4.
Eleven Republicans are vying for the chance to move on to the Dec. 2 general election. Polls have been mixed as to who is in the lead, according to recent reports.
Americans for Prosperity’s Tennessee chapter sponsored the poll of 500 likely voters who were questioned between Aug. 19-23 showed state Rep. Jody Barrett in the lead. The poll shows more than 57% of respondents are still undecided. Barrett garnered 10.1% of the yes votes, followed by state Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, (8.9%) and Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin (7.9%). Matt Van Epps, the former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, was fourth with 7%.
Reeves’ campaign spokesman Brian Floyd called it a “fake poll with less credibility than the Robert Mueller Report and the Steele Dossier.” Pollster John McLaughlin said an earlier poll had different results.
McLaughlin wrote on social media, “Never Trumpers trying to fake with robocalls that tough on illegal immigration, pro @realDonaldTrump Lee Reeves is in a close race. We posted a poll a month ago with @LeeReevesTN with 6 point lead and the Reeves campaign has dropped more mail, radio and canvassing than any other opponent. Bulso was at 3% in our poll.”
Nashville state Reps. Vincent Dixie, Bo Mitchell, Aftyn Behn and Nashville businessman Darden Hunter Copeland are vying for the Democratic nomination.
Independent candidates are Teresa “Terri” Christie, Bobby Dodge, Robert James Sutherby and Jon Throp.
