A Resolution Calling for a Runoff Election in Washington County Commission District 13

A Resolution Calling for a Runoff Election in Washington County Commission District 13

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WHEREAS, the Washington County General Election was held on August 6, 2026, for the purpose of electing members of the Washington County Commission and other county offices; and

WHEREAS, voters across Washington County demonstrated renewed energy and engagement in this election, participating in competitive local races, supporting candidates throughout the county, volunteering in their communities, and making their voices heard about the future of their local government; and

WHEREAS, this growing participation strengthens our county and our democracy, and every opportunity to encourage residents to vote, engage with candidates, discuss local issues, and participate in the democratic process should be welcomed; and

WHEREAS, the reported results of the election for Washington County Commission District 13 show Democratic candidate Cindy Humphrey and Republican candidate Kenny Huffine each receiving 507 votes, resulting in an extraordinary and exact tie between the two candidates; and

WHEREAS, the Washington County Administrator of Elections has reported that verification of the results produced the same vote totals and that no provisional ballots remain to be counted; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-8-111 provides a mechanism for resolving a tie in an election for a county or civil district office and authorizes the county legislative body to either cast the deciding vote or adopt a resolution calling for a runoff election between the candidates receiving the same number of votes; and

WHEREAS, when the law provides a choice between allowing elected officials to determine the outcome of an election and returning that decision to the voters themselves, the Executive Committee of the Washington County Democratic Party firmly believes that the voters should have the final say; and

WHEREAS, the voters of District 13 cast an equal number of votes for Cindy Humphrey and Kenny Huffine, and therefore neither candidate received a mandate to represent the district; and

WHEREAS, a runoff election would give the people of District 13 the opportunity to resolve that tie directly, while creating another opportunity for voter participation and sustaining the remarkable civic energy demonstrated during this election; and

WHEREAS, greater voter turnout and participation should be viewed as a benefit to Washington County, because representative government is strongest when more residents take part in choosing their leaders; and

WHEREAS, a regularly scheduled election will take place on November 3, 2026, providing an opportunity for election officials to explore whether a District 13 runoff can be conducted in conjunction with that election while minimizing additional costs to taxpayers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY THAT:

1. The Washington County Board of County Commissioners should exercise its authority under Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-8-111 to adopt a resolution calling for a runoff election between Cindy Humphrey and Kenny Huffine for the office of Washington County Commissioner, District 13; and
2. That this request is grounded in a simple democratic principle: We owe it to the people of District 13 to respect their voices and give them the final say in who represents them. When 1,014 voters divide themselves exactly evenly between two candidates, the appropriate response should be to ask the people to decide, not to make that decision for them; and
3. The Executive Committee welcomes the growing energy surrounding local elections in Washington County and believes a runoff can further encourage voter turnout, civic participation, and public engagement in the decisions that shape our communities; and
4. The Washington County Election Commission and Administrator of Elections should identify the earliest lawful and practical means of conducting such a runoff, including whether it may be held in conjunction with the November 3, 2026, election, in order to minimize additional costs and administrative burden; and
5. Democracy is strengthened when residents know their participation, their votes, and their voices matter, particularly in an election where a single additional vote would have determined the outcome.

Adopted this 7th day of August, 2026.