The Ad War May Be Raging, But So Far Only One Candidate For Nashville Mayor Has Filed

Judging from the airwaves, Nashville’s mayoral race is in full swing.

But with just four days remaining until the filing deadline, only one candidate has completed the paperwork to appear on the August ballot.

According to the Davidson County Election Commission, only former school board chairman David Fox had returned the qualifying petition needed to run for mayor as of the close of business Friday.

The delay on the part of other candidates is not particularly unusual. With just 25 verified signatures needed to appear on the ballot, many treat their signature petitions as a formality. 

But the candidates for mayor stand in contrast to those running for other citywide offices this August. 

Vice-mayor candidate Tim Garrett returned his signature petition two months ago. His opponent, David Briley, did so earlier this month.

And all but nine of the 26 at-large candidates for the Metro Council have turned in their signatures.

Time is ticking away. The deadline to turn in a petition is Thursday.

Candidates then have one week to take their name off the ballot. After that, the field for the August election will be set.