While this response is not the "legal response" you're looking for, I do have a couple of basic questions about the ballot. 

For the first time in years, I did not vote early in this Primary Election, because I must admit, I'm confused, and I've also never written in a candidates name before, so I'm not real clear about how to do this.  There was a sample ballot in yesterday's KNS, but the names of the certified write-in candidates are not listed. 

I recall reading articles in the KNS about the certified write-in candidates, but what would help is a sample ballot with their names in italics listed as certified write in candidates in the appropriate areas on the ballot for which they have been certified. 

Although I am a Democrat, I usually vote in the Party Primary where I believe my vote will count most.  Since this area is unreasonably Republican dominated, it is rare that Democrats on a ballot are opposed, which generally, seems to be the case this time around, as well.  Without being able to look at a sample ballot that has all of the names on it in the various categories, I haven't even been able to decide the Primary in which my vote will count most. 

Frankly, while not voting is against my very values, etc., I'm giving serious consideration to not voting at all on Tuesday, because I'm confused.  For the record, I'm a well educated professional who's interested in both local and national politics, and try to keep up with things as much as possible. 

Does anyone know whether the KNS, or any other form of media, including blogs, has developed a sample ballot that shows the write in candidates names in the appropriate areas for which they are certified and, if so, where the information can be found?  Information about how to write in a candidates name, as well as what each one stands for in a brief synopsis would also be of help. 

My time is very limited Tuesday, and I fear there will be horrific long waiting lines to vote, because of all the confusion, and the fact that many voters may be writing in candidates names for the first time ever.  I put off voting early because of the massive confusion, and I was just as confused on the last day of early voting, as I am now, only a couple of days from the actual Primary. 

If anyone knows of some helpful information in the form of a sample ballot with all names, including certified write in candidates, as well as something that contains a very brief synopsis about what each candidate stands for, I know a lot of us would appreciate learning where said information is, providing it can be accessed and printed off easily. 

I really am leaning toward not voting in this Primary, because of the confusion, not knowing the names of the certified write in candidates and the offices for which they are running, or even how to write in a candidates name.  Moreover, the last thing I have time to do on Tuesday is stand and wait in long lines to vote, because you know the process will move slower due to all the write in candidates, people not knowing how to write in candidates names, and overall confusion. 

Unless I can get a hold of a sample ballot that lists every candidates name, including write-in's, by the appropriate offices and Party by which they are running, and a very brief synopsis about what each candidate stands for, it honestly seems to be more of a hastle then it's worth.  I always have a sample ballot marked with the names I want to vote for, so I'm in and out of the voting machine quickly.  Knowing no more then I know now, and not being overly passionate regarding any particular race, I may not vote Tuesday, unless some sort of said information is readily available, and I can get in and out of the voting place quickly. 

If any of you know where I can obtain the type of sample ballot and brief reference about each candidate in a concise easy to read format, as well as how one goes about writing in a candidates name in the voting booth, I would really appreciate said information. 

What I don't have time to do is hop, skip, and jump all over the place to various articles and blogs that may only address one or two particular races, but not everything. 

Thank you in advance for any information along these types of brief, concise lines you may be able to provide.

Great find, Randy! That certainly makes it look like Brook Thompson's instructions are flawed. I'm no lawyer either, but that's pretty straightforward English. The rub is that this could lead to lots of names on the general election ballot and the possibility of the winner having a plurality, but not a majority.

The county charter is available through knoxcounty.org, but it's hard to find. For some reason the Law Director is about the only county officer without a home page. The only way I can ever find the charter is with the search tool and a well chosen search string.

There is a link to the Knox County Code on the Knox County home page. Right now, it the first item in the news section. It takes you to municode and you will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to get to the link that will actually bring up the code.

If you go to the Knox County Election Committee page, they have links to pdf copies of all the write in ballots and list of the write in candidates.

Try this:

(link...)

I hope it's what you are looking for.