A heavy turnout was expected today as Hamilton County voters weigh in on a tightly contested U.S. Senate race as well as a contest to replace Bill Haslam as governor.
Already, 67,463 Hamilton County residents have gone to the polls during early voting - far higher than in earlier years.
The polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The contest between Republican Marsha Blackburn and former Governor Phil Bredesen, Democrat, for the Senate seat being vacated by former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker has drawn national attention.
Republican businessman Bill Lee and former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, a Democrat, are vying for governor.
Other races that are drawing attention include Third District Congress, where longtime Rep. Chuck Fleischmann is opposed by Democrat Danielle Mitchell. Rick Tyler is running as an Independent.
Veteran state Senator Bo Watson in District 11 is challenged by Democrat Randy Price.
One closely watched state House race is in District 30, where there are several challengers to take the place of Rep. Marc Gravitt, who was elected register of deeds when Pam Hurst retired. On the ballot are East Ridge City Council member Esther Helton as well as Democrat Joda Thongnopnua and Independent J. Michael Holloway.
Robin Smith, former state Republican Party chairman, is running against Democrat Jean-Marie Lawrence for the House District 26 seat vacated by Rep. Gerald McCormick, who moved to Nashville.
Incumbent Patsy Hazelwood is opposed by Democrat Brent Morris in House District 27.
Republican Lemon Williams Jr. and Democrat Yusuf Hakeem, a former City Council chairman, are seeking to succeed Rep. JoAnne Favors in District 28.
Rep. Mike Carter is opposed by Democrat Tammy Magourik in District 29.
There are also some interesting municipal races to attract voters.
On Signal Mountain, seven candidates are vying for three open council seats. Mayor Chris Howley did not seek a new term. Candidates include former Mayor Bill Lusk, incumbent Councilman Dan Landrum, Joe Durek, Rob Hensley, Dun Monroe, Susannah Murdock and Rick Saporta.
In East Ridge, former Vice Mayor Jim Bethune is challenging Councilman Brian Williams for mayor. There are two open council seats and eight running, including former Councilman Denny Manning and current Councilman Jacky Cagle. Others are Mike Chauncey, Jeff Ezell, Bob Gilreath Jr., Robert Jones, Greg Shipley and Andrea Witt.
East Ridge Court Clerk Patricia Cassidy is opposed by Wayne Thompson.
In Red Bank, former Council member Ruth Jeno is running against Jimmy Mathis for commissioner at large. Terry Pope is unopposed for District 1 and Ed Lecompte has no opposition in District 3.
Soddy Daisy is choosing two commissioners with three running. Candidates are Mayor Robert Cothran, Bill Layne and Commissioner Rick Nunley.
Candidates for three seats on the Lakeside Commission are Michelle Wilson and incumbents Valerie Boddy and Ken Wilkerson.
Ethan White and Phil Garver are running for two commission seats in Collegedale.
Sarah McKenzie is unopposed for Walden alderman.