By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The Moore County Election Commission — at the direction of the Republican-controlled state legislature — conducted a Republican Primary Election on Tuesday in Lynchburg, but with just one local Republican candidate, the local race was decidedly low stakes.

Before we get into the results, we’d like to explain why on earth Metro Moore County spent money on a primary election with a single candidate in the first place.

Last fall, Republican state officials forced Republican primaries in all 95 counties — requiring election officials to host a primary for the first time in Moore County history.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, there were nine Tennessee counties who did not have Republican primary elections including Claiborne, Clay, Giles, Henry, Lake, Lincoln, Maury, Morgan, and Union counties — most because no Republican candidate qualified.

Traditionally in Moore County and other counties across the state, local candidates run as non-partisan, but one lone Moore County candidate, William Raline, who’s running for Moore County Sheriff, chose to affiliate with the Republican Party — thus his name appeared as the only name on the May 5 ballot.

According to election officials, the estimated cost of the primary is $30,000, which should be reimbursed fully by the state.

According to the unofficial results supplied by the Moore County Election Commission, 120 local voters cast ballots out of a pool of 5,531 registered voters. Along partisan lines, there were 95 Republican ballots, 25 Democrat ballots, and 24 blank ballots. Voter turnout was 2.17 percent.

In the only race with a named candidate, William Raline received 52 total votes. There were also 22 write in votes for his August opponent, Tyler Hatfield. As always, there were some quirky write ins in other races including Jack Daniel, Nearest Green, and Jesus.

The focus now turns to the August 6 election. The voter registration deadline is Tuesday, July 7 and early voting begins on July 17 and extends through Saturday, August 1. Absentee ballots must be requested by Monday, July 27. •

About The Lynchburg Times: The Lynchburg Times covers Moore County elections as part of its commitment to community accountability journalism. This work is supported by readers, small business partners, and corporate underwriters.