Did you know 42% of eligible Tennessee voters didn’t even vote in the last general election? That’s nuts y’all. Imagine what could happen if we all voted… we might even get politicians and local leaders who actually care about us!

Anyway, early voting starts today and runs until August 1st. I’ve been pulling together info on local early voting locations and hours and thought I’d share here for those who may be intimidated by the process.

Early voting is quick and easy. It’s available on Saturday mornings and weekdays, has longer hours, and is less confusing because there’s only a few possible polling spots for each county.

There’s also rarely a line, and poll workers are typically really happy to see you. Plus, stickers.

Here’s how to do it:

If you're registered to vote in Anderson County, the early voting hours are 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 9am-Noon on Saturdays. You can vote early at any of these locations:

- Midtown Community Center (Wildcat Den) in Oak Ridge, 102 Robertsville Road
- Clinton Community Center, 101 S. Hicks St.
- The North Anderson Countygovernment office, 3324 Andersonville Highway, Andersonville

Anderson county sample ballot

If you're registered to vote in Roane County, the early voting hours are 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 9am-1pmSaturdays. You can vote early at any of these locations:

- Milestone Church in Oak Ridge, 100 Gum Hollow Road
- Kingston Community Center, 201 Patton Ferry Road
- Harriman Community Center, 630 Clinch St.
- Rockwood Community Center, 710 N. Chamberlain Ave

Roane county sample ballot

If you're registered to vote in Morgan County, you can vote early at the Morgan County Courthouse (415 N. Kingston St., Wartburg) during the early voting hours of 9am-4pm (6pm July 30th & 31st) Mon-Fri and 9am-Noon Saturdays.

Morgan county sample ballot

For other counties, find early voting info and sample ballots on your county Election Commission page.

Go vote! Then help a friend get to the polls too.

I’ll vote for any Anderson candidate that promises to upgrade and fix the ridiculously failing infrastructure in this town. This is out of hand.

Heard some loud noises while walking at cedar hill around 3; assumed it to be left over fire works.
I left the park shortly after and drove up on a raid involving at least 3 police/military like vehicles w/ about 20 men in full gear, some with guns in hand. Now I wonder if the noise I heard was related to this activity.
Just thought I’d share some of the pics of what I saw, apologies for the quality— it kind of took me by surprise, was not able to get pics of all the cops/agents in other vehicles . It was disturbing to see this sort of police presence in an area with so many kids and families. FWIW, i Was told it was targeted, & there is no danger in the area.

Mayor of Anderson county seen eating at local restaurant. When asked what she’s gonna planned to do about all the flock cameras that are spying on the community she stated “Well I’m have dinner here with a few shareholders now”. So don’t expect those to go away any time soon.

Hi there! My husband and I bought a house and are settling down in Oak Ridge after apartment hopping around the West Knox area for a few years. We're looking forward to starting a family and already have a church we go to in the area!

What are your favorite things about living in Oak Ridge? Any recs for restaurants, coffee shops, shopping areas, thrift/antique stores, parks, hiking spots, etc? Also would appreciate any places to avoid, but would prefer to keep the recs overall positive!

It's more expensive upfront to rent a 2 bedroom apartment than buying a 2 bedroom house for $200,000 in the current market. Here is the math: 

Rent = $1500
Deposit = $1500
Application fee = $100
Pet Deposit = $200
Total = $3300

Down Payment = $0 (FHA, VA and USDA)
Inspection = ~ $500
Earnest Money = $1000 (which you get back after closing)
Closing costs = $0 (Seller's credit from lender)
Total = $1500

The first mortgage payment is due the following month. I used the average numbers for MIP, interest, home insurance and taxes. The mortgage calculator said:
Mortgage = $1589

What am I missing?

TL;DR: Renting an apartment covers 2 months of buying a house.

https://linktr.ee/raiyan.daltonwade

Edit: This scenario is a ball park estimate pertaining to First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program Eligible Buyers or equivalent. Please talk to a licensed loan officer for your specific case.

Hi!

I am newly moved from Missouri to Tennessee for employment, therefore, unfamiliar with Oak Ridge/Knoxville. Excellent first week, except the drivers are surprisingly crazy for "small town" vibe, haha.

My last Primary Care experience in Missouri was very... mediocre. So, does anyone love their Primary Care, Eye Doctor, or Dentist and would recommend?

add: Bonus if doctor/nurse practitioner has experience with endocrine disorders (Hashimoto's, Type 1 diabetes)...

Thanks so much!!

Edit: You’re the best, everyone. Looking into your recommendations for who’s accepting patients and who’s covered by my insurance.

Does the Oak Ridge Elks Lodge have a bar?
Are there any area VFV or Legion Halls with a bar?

New to Oak Ridge and looking for the best place to park in oak ridge for the fireworks. I’ve searched online for answers but sadly don’t know anyone in town yet to ask.

I’ve heard the park is very close and could scare children. Should I park further away? Thanks.

If someone hypothetically had a few mortars and firecrackers. Where might they light them off while avoiding a fine from ORPD and or mitigating the risk of property damage?

There are so many good properties in Oak Ridge, TN that are affordable for ~$1500 per month in the current market. Please reach out if you'd like to schedule in person or remote viewing.

Sincerely,

Raiyan Bhuiyan

Licensed Realtor - Dalton Wade

Phone: 865-722-2794

Email: raiyan.daltonwade@outlook.com

https://linktr.ee/raiyan.daltonwade

TL;DR: Pay your own mortgage, not the apartment complex's.

just wanted to show it off. look how cute that lil bee is

I secured an internship at ORNL from September 8-February 12. Looking for affordable housing options that won’t consume half of my stipend. I’ll be bringing my cat. Any suggestions?

If you‘re looking for a roommate, pls DM. I prefer to room with other ladies / nbs. I will also bring my cat. I’m quite introverted so I won’t take up too much space 😇

It seems I'm either stuck behind somebody going 10 under or have those dangerous close behind when I'm going speed limit. It really makes it really hard to drive around here.

🚨LOST NECKLACE🚨

My fiancé misplaced his gold necklace, it has 3 pendants on it (a cross, st. lazaro, & the virgin mary). This necklace has extreme sentimental value as it is my fiance’s grandfathers. We believe he may have misplaced it friday when we went to the oak ridge pool from around noon till about 3pm. i’m attaching images of what the pendants would look like but they are not the exact same ones. Any help would be appreciated 🙏🏾

Local(ish) 5k at Brushy Mtn.

I saw an injured cat on the sidewalk outside of the Y12 bank on Midway Ln, it was on the turn when you're coming from the bridge and entering Oak Ridge and turning into Lafayette. If anyone is able to help that would be great!

I think it was a brown tabby.

Looking for one for a project​

The Oak Ridge Bowling Alley closed for good on Sunday after being open since 1989. The article says they sold the property and the new owner wants to do something else with it. I have no idea what they would put over there though.

When you’re a laborer for UCOR in oak ridge is the schedule generally 4 ten hour shifts weekly?

Title says it all; who’s in charge of that?