Jacksboro election drawing few voters

With the town of Jacksboro elections less than 10 days away, voters have failed to turn out in large numbers.

As of Tuesday, only three percent, 39, of Jacksboro’s 1300 registered voters had cast a ballot in early voting, according to Administrator of Elections Dean Sexton.

“We have had a very, very low turn out,” she said.

Some days have seen as few as two voters making their selection for the next group of town leaders.

Sexton said she was unclear as to why voters had been apathetic during early voting. However, she said a few voters had remarked it was only in recent days they became aware of the impending election.

Mayor Jack Cannon is seeking another term to lead the town in the election. He is unopposed.

Incumbents Avery Burden and June Forstner are also seeking another four-year term. They face opposition from Tommy Higdon. The top two vote getters will be declared the winners, Sexton said.

Mattie Lou Nance is also running for re- election. She was previously appointed to sit in Don Baird’s seat, which he stepped down from, until the election. She is now running for the two years left on the term. Michael Sharp has thrown his name in the ring for that seat as well.

With early voting ending on Monday, Sexton said she hopes to see an increase in voter traffic at the election commission.

Jacksboro is the only municipality in the county to still hold elections in April.

Caryville, LaFollette, Jellico and the county hold their elections in “November with the national elections,” Sexton said.

The election will be held April 4 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Jacksboro Middle School will be the only polling site.