• What's Up Columbia!
  • Posts
  • VOTE TODAY: State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election

VOTE TODAY: State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election

Issue #166

01 Aug

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 96

🗳 VOTE TODAY: State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election

🚴‍♀️ Bike Tennessee: New Initiative Aims to Boost Rural Tourism Through Cycling

🎤 Friday: Muletown Songwriters Night

📌 Friday: Downtown Walking Tour With Mingle Maury

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, August 1st

Friday, August 2nd

Saturday, August 3rd

Sunday, August 4th

Tuesday, August 6th

VOTE TODAY: State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election

Today, August 1st, primary elections will be held for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate (even-numbered districts), and Tennessee House of Representatives. General elections will be held for vacant state judicial offices and applicable county offices.

This election features a U.S. Senate race, with incumbent Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee vying for a second six-year term. Blackburn is widely expected to secure the Republican nomination, facing minimal opposition from primary challenger Tress Wittum.

The Democratic primary, however, presents a more competitive landscape. State Representative Gloria Johnson from Knoxville and Memphis-based activist Marquita Bradshaw, who was the party's Senate nominee in 2020, are the frontrunners. They're joined in the race by Lola Denise Brown and Civil Miller-Watkins, all competing for the opportunity to challenge Blackburn in the general election this November.

Another race drawing attention is the Republican primary for the 5th Congressional District. Incumbent U.S. Representative Andy Ogles from Columbia is running for reelection, facing a challenge from Courtney Johnston, who currently serves on the Metro Nashville council. This contest could potentially reshape the district's representation in the House.

Ahead of the Aug. 1 State and Federal Primaries and County General Elections, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and the Division of Elections are reminding all registered voters casting a ballot that they have two options for the reporting of suspicious activity — via text or by placing a call into the Division’s toll-free hotline. 

“It is easy for registered voters to cast a ballot in Tennessee, but hard to cheat,” said Secretary Hargett. “Should registered voters notice anything out of the ordinary on Election Day, we urge them to text or call us and report any suspicious activity that may arise.”

Tennesseans can text 'TN' to 45995 using a cell phone or other texting device. They will receive a secure link where they can submit concerns directly to the Division of Elections. The Division reviews reports of possible voter fraud, misinformation, intimidation, or any other Election Day impropriety and works with county election commissions, district attorneys, and other parties to take proper action. 

“Our system focuses on giving voters direct access to report potentially suspicious activity,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “Voters can remain confident their concerns are being heard by state election officials.”

Voters can also report voting issues or get answers to Election Day questions by calling the Division of Elections Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

The Secretary of State’s office is Tennessee’s trusted source for election information. For more information about the Aug. 1 elections, including polling locations, times, and candidate lists, or to view a sample ballot, download the GoVoteTN app, or visit GoVoteTN.gov. 

Bike Tennessee: New Initiative Aims to Boost Rural Tourism Through Cycling

Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development is pioneering a new program in the South aimed at attracting cycling enthusiasts to the state. The initiative, called Bike Tennessee, features 52 carefully curated road cycling routes designed to promote cycling tourism in rural communities.

This innovative program is currently only available in one other state, Oregon, highlighting Tennessee's forward-thinking approach to tourism. The initiative aligns with the governor's executive order to support rural counties, offering a cost-effective and sustainable way to boost smaller communities.

To develop these routes, the department collaborated with Shannon Burke, owner of Velo View Bike Tours in Chattanooga. Burke, who relocated from California, was drawn to Tennessee's diverse terrain and year-round cycling opportunities. His expertise was instrumental in identifying routes that balance low traffic with scenic beauty and safety.

The program utilizes Ride with GPS, a popular cycling navigation platform, to make the routes easily accessible to users. All 52 routes are designed as loops of varying distances and difficulties, simplifying logistics for cyclists.

While Tennessee may not have traditional tourist draws like casinos or beaches, rural tourism still accounts for a significant portion of visitor spending. The state's tourism industry has been thriving, with record-breaking visitor numbers and spending in recent years. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a major attraction, and initiatives like Bike Tennessee aim to further diversify the state's appeal to tourists.

Launched statewide in May, Bike Tennessee represents a new chapter in the state's tourism strategy, offering visitors another compelling reason to explore the scenic beauty of Tennessee.

For more information, visit tnvacation.com/biketennessee

Friday: Muletown Songwriters Night 🎤

First Fridays is here again! We are thrilled to participate by hosting a Songwriters Night! Join us!

Friday, August 2nd
5pm-8pm
August Sage & Wings 1-1 open for food & drinks
Live music by Muletown Songwriters

FREE admission

Friday: Downtown Walking Tour With Mingle Maury

Want to discover Maury County?

Join us for a taste of downtown with our very special welcome tour presented by Mingle Maury! Learn about local spots, county history, and meet local officials all while walking historic downtown Columbia before Columbia First Fridays.

Recalling a time when we never met a stranger.... and newcomers were welcomed into our homes to share a meal of southern hospitality. Walk away knowing a little more about your new county.

Let's Mingle, Maury!

Friday, August 2nd
Meet at The Baker Group
710 N. Main St. 200, Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Thursday, August 1st

Taylor Hughes, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, August 2nd

Box of Rox, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
The Sternwheelers, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Austin Brothers, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 3rd

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Tom Saffel & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
2 Way Mirror, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
New Binge Music, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Ember’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 4th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Gentry Blue, Rebel Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
Archer, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Brian & Aletha Golden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk