Oak Ridge League of Women Voters

10/10/2026

A Successful Conclusion to Our 2026 Candidate Forum Season!

The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge hosted its final Candidate Forum of 2026 on Thursday, October 8, welcoming more than 130 community members for an evening of civic engagement and conversation!

Candidates from several local and state races shared their qualifications and responded to questions submitted by the audience, giving voters an opportunity to learn more about those seeking to represent their communities.

The forum included candidates for:
TN State Senate, District 5
TN State House, Districts 32 and 33
Oak Ridge City Council
Oak Ridge School Board
Anderson County Commission, District 8 (special election)

During the District 8 special election session, Gina Grubb participated, while Don Layton’s prepared statement was read to the audience in his absence. The seat became unexpectedly vacant when the winner of the August election was unable to assume office, giving this session added weight and urgency.

A special thank-you to Phil Yager, former Anderson County Commissioner, for moderating the forum and helping facilitate an informative and respectful discussion. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who attended, submitted questions, and helped make this event possible.

The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge is proud to provide opportunities for voters to become informed, engage with candidates, and participate in our democracy. Thank you to our community for another successful forum season!

10/09/2026

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

Tennessee, the deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 5. If you aren't registered, or you've moved since you last voted, take care of it today at GoVoteTN.gov. It takes just a few minutes.

08/18/2026

Robert Walker, board member of the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, was at the Anderson County Resource Fair on Sunday, August 16, helping people check their voter registration status and register to vote.

Thank you, Robert, for your dedication to helping our community stay informed, engaged, and ready to make their voices heard!

08/07/2026

The “Perfect 36” marks Tennessee’s defining moment in history — the moment our state became the crucial 36th vote to ratify the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920, securing women the right to vote and forever changing the course of American democracy. That victory wasn’t inevitable; it was hard‑won through courage, strategy, and the unwavering determination of suffragists who refused to be silenced.

The Suffrage Coalition, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is proudly carrying that legacy forward. They are on a powerful mission to uncover, preserve, and celebrate the bold history of the women who fought for equality. With more than 1,000 historic artifacts collected and statewide suffrage monuments brought to life, they are now embarking on our most ambitious endeavor yet — the creation of the Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Cultural Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Their vision is simple and electrifying: to ensure the courage, grit, and triumphs of the suffragists are never forgotten. This museum is not just a tribute to the past — it is a spark for the future. By building it, we are igniting inspiration, strengthening communities, and investing in a world where equality continues to advance.

Opening in 2028 in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Women’s Suffrage Museum will be far more than a collection of exhibits. It will be a vibrant cultural hub where stories leap off the walls, where visitors of all ages can learn, connect, and be moved, and where the legacy of the suffragists fuels the next generation of changemakers. This is where history meets hope — and where every visitor leaves empowered to carry the torch of equality forward.

Your support matters. Donations are always needed to bring this vision to life. Visit https://womenssuffragemuseum.org/ to give and become part of a future that boldly reflects on the past.

-President Joye Montgomery

08/01/2026

“LWV is appalled to witness the Tennessee legislature deconstruct representative democracy in our state. Redistricting with the intent of silencing, the voices of the Black and Brown voters of Memphis/Shelby County is in affront to the very founding tenets of America.”

-Debby Gould, LWVTN President

08/01/2026

07/20/2026

ANDERSON COUNTY DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESUMES CAMPAIGN
Liz Henry has announced the resumption of her campaign for Anderson County Commissioner - District 8. This reverses her earlier decision to suspend her campaign due to health concerns caused by an accident she had while traveling.

Ms. Henry is running against Phil Yager-I, Jawrell Cook-R, and Don Layton-R. Voters will elect two commissioners.

LWVOR would like to remind all voters that early voting is in progress NOW and will end on August 1, 2026.

Last day for Absentee Ballots is Monday July 27, 2027.

ELECTION DAY IS AUGUST 6, 2026