Posted: Friday, July 3, 2009 10:12 am

The Rutherford County Election Commission received word Thursday that Gov. Phil Bredesen has set dates to hold special elections regarding the vacancy created by the resignation of state Rep. Curt Cobb (D-District 62).

Cobb resigned his post in the legislature, which he has held since 2002, earlier this week to serve as Bedford County’s new Clerk and Master.

The writ of election, issued Wednesday, July 1 calls for a special primary election to be held Thursday, Aug. 27 and a special general election to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Given these dates, the qualifying deadline for this office falls on Thursday, July 16 at noon for all candidates. Candidates who intend to run as independents in this special election must also file their petitions by noon on Thursday, July 16.

The 62nd district covers a portion of southwest Rutherford County, including the town of Eagleville, all of Bedford County and a portion of Lincoln County. As of today’s date, some 2,412 Rutherford County voters in precincts 8.1, 8.3 and 8.4 are eligible to vote in these special elections.

Those residents of this district who reside in Rutherford County and are interested in running for this position may pick up petitions now from the Rutherford County Election Commission during the regular office hours between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The original petition must be signed by at least 25 voters who are registered in the candidate’s house district and filed with the Election Commission before the qualifying deadline. A certified duplicate must also be filed with each county within the district before the qualifying deadline.

Interested candidates shall be a citizen of the United State, at least 21 years of age, and shall have resided three years in Tennessee and one year in the district immediately preceding the election.

Residents of the 62nd district who are not registered to vote in Rutherford County must register to vote at least 30 days, by July 28, before the election to be able to vote in this election.

For additional information, contact Administrator of Elections Hooper Penuel at 615-898-7743.