NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, has introduced legislation to streamline Tennessee’s municipal election process to ensure consistency and transparency. House Bill 1497 would change the date of municipal elections to coincide with the August primary or the November general election, providing predictability and increased accountability for voters. “Municipal elections are incredibly important […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, has introduced legislation to streamline Tennessee’s municipal election process to ensure consistency and transparency.
House Bill 1497 would change the date of municipal elections to coincide with the August primary or the November general election, providing predictability and increased accountability for voters.
“Municipal elections are incredibly important to the success of communities across our state,” said Cepicky. “This common-sense proposal will encourage more residents to make their voices heard by simplifying Tennessee’s voting calendar, improving transparency and boosting public awareness. The Volunteer State has the most secure elections in the nation, and this is a critical step in Tennessee Republicans’ continued efforts to improve voter participation.”
Currently, municipal elections in Tennessee take place throughout the year. In 2026, elections in cities and towns across the state will be held in January, March, April, May, June, August and November, which could create confusion among residents, diminish awareness of local races and lower participation rates. This legislation details a transition process to align municipal elections with the August or November elections.
House Bill 1497 would also make municipal elections partisan unless a local municipality has a charter provision to the contrary. Elections from the county level to the federal level are generally partisan, increasing accountability and voter education. In 2021, Cepicky helped pass a law to allow school board races to be partisan.
The Volunteer State ranks No. 1 in election integrity and continues to break voter turnout records, with a historic 3.08 million votes cast in the Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election.
State Rep. Scott Cepicky represents District 64 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Maury County.