Two people are running unopposed in next month's Democratic County Primary, which will include the primary for president as well.

Stanley Smotherman is running unopposed for the office of Highway Superintendent and Rhonda Clanton faces no challengers for the seat of property assessor.

Those who have not registered to vote have until Jan. 7 to do so if they want to be eligible to participate in the February election.

But while the Democrats are holding a primary in Bedford County, the Republican party have chosen not to have one. Aside from voting for presidential candidates, voters will also choose Republican delegates, but not democratic ones.

Early voting kicks off in Bedford County on Jan. 16 and will run until the 31st. Tennessee does not have party registration, and anyone may vote in either primary -- however, on a given election day, you can only vote in one party's primary.

Aside from the primary in February, voters will be making two more trips to the booth this year

On August 7, the general election for Assessor of Property, Highway Superintendent, all nine Road Board seats and the first, fifth, sixth, eighth and ninth district School Board seats will take place.

The election will also include two alderman seats in Bell Buckle, plus the party primaries for State Representative, State Senator, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator, which is the seat currently held by Lamar Alexander.

Then comes the big day on Nov. 4, when the general election for President, State Representative, State Senator, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator takes place.

Shelbyville voters will vote for seats in city council wards 1, 3 and 5, while Wartrace will fill three alderman seats and Normandy will vote for two.

Also the early voting machines that will be used in the Feb. 5 Presidential Preference Primary and the Democratic County Primary will be set up and available for inspection for those who wish to do so on Tuesday, Jan 15 at 9 a.m.

Those who wish to make the inspections are asked to contact the Election Commission Office at 684-0531.