Federal primaries: what's on the ballot?
By Karis Cooper, Intern
On August 1, Nashvilleans will elect several local officials and cast their primary ballots for state and federal races. In a three part series “What’s on the ballot?”, we’ll explain the local, state, and federal positions up for election this month. What do these officials do? How long do they serve? What even is a primary election? For the answers to these questions and more, follow along on our blog or download the full August Election Guide.
These guides might not include all the elections or relevant information, so be sure to check in with your local election commission!
Federal Primaries
Tennessee has Congressional primaries on August 1 and general election on November 5! The general election in November will also include the president.
A primary is where people choose which candidate from each party they want to run in the general election against the other party's candidate. The Democratic Party and Republican Party both have state and federal primaries on August 1. Tennessee has open primaries, which means that in order to vote in the primary election, you do not have to be registered with a specific political party. However, you can only vote in one party’s primary at a time.
United States House of Representatives:
There are nine congressional districts in Tennessee, each of which will elect one representative. Different states have different numbers of representatives based on population, with each state having at least one.
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the U.S. Congress, and together with the U.S. Senate comprises the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Both the Senate and the House vote on legislation, the budget, and declarations of war. All revenue bills must originate in the House. The House can also bring impeachment charges to be tried in the Senate. If there were to be a tie in the Electoral College, the House would elect the president.
Term length: 2 years
United States Senate:
This year, one member will be elected to the United States Senate to represent Tennessee. Each state is represented by two Senators, who serve staggered terms.
The Senate is the upper chamber of the U.S. Congress, and together with the House of Representatives comprises the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Both the Senate and the House vote on legislation, the budget, and declarations of war. The Senate also approves presidential appointees, approves treaties, and tries impeachment cases brought by the House of Representatives. The Vice President is the President of the Senate and votes on issues if the Senate comes to a tie.
Term length: 6 years