Rutherford County residents, including those in Murfreesboro, will see an unusually crowded and consequential August ballot that reflects recent state redistricting and a slate of local contests. Early voting begins July 17 and continues through Aug. 1, with Election Day set for Aug. 6.
What’s on the ballot
The Aug. 6 election combines state and federal primaries with local races for Rutherford County, Murfreesboro and Smyrna offices, plus judicial contests for the Tennessee Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Voters will pick party nominees who will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
- Early voting: July 17–Aug. 1
- Election Day: Aug. 6
- Polling locations: Nine total — six in Murfreesboro, two in Smyrna, one in La Vergne
- Uncontested local races: 16
- Governor candidates: 8
- U.S. House candidates: 22 competing for seats that include Rutherford County
"Two congressional districts will be on Rutherford County ballots for perhaps the first time"
That shift reflects a redistricting plan approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. Rutherford County has been entirely inside the 4th Congressional District since 2012, represented by U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Sherwood. Under the new map, portions of the county will be moved into the 9th Congressional District — the Memphis-based district represented by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen — effective in early 2027 after the Nov. 3 general election.
Local contests and names to know
Several countywide and local offices appear on the ballot. Among those listed for Rutherford County are:
| Office | Candidate(s) |
|---|---|
| Rutherford County Sheriff | Kenneth Barrett (R); Kevin D. Dodds (I); Rhett Rankin (I) |
| Rutherford County Mayor | Randy Allen (R) |
| Rutherford Circuit Court County Clerk | Jeff McKinney (R) |
| Rutherford County Clerk | Lisa Duke Crowell (incumbent, R) |
Randy Allen won a May 5 Republican primary that saw him unseat the incumbent mayoral lineup that included Joe Carr and Craig Harris. A number of other local contests — 16 in total — are uncontested heading into the August general election, which will still include judicial and other county posts.
What this means for Murfreesboro voters
For Murfreesboro residents, the combination of redrawn congressional lines and a crowded primary calendar means voters may see different federal choices depending on precinct boundaries. With six early-voting locations inside the city, county election officials are providing multiple options for residents to cast ballots ahead of Aug. 6.
Voters interested in specific ballot items should check their precinct information and polling locations before heading to the polls. The primary results will determine party nominees who will face independents and any other qualified candidates in the Nov. 3 general election, after which the new congressional map will take effect in early 2027.
Local officials encourage eligible voters to use the early-voting window if possible to avoid long lines on Election Day and to confirm their polling place, especially with the county appearing on ballots for two congressional districts this cycle.
