CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Claiborne County voters re-elected Mayor Joe Brooks in Thursday’s election, but the county will now move forward with a special process to select its next mayor following Brooks’ death last week.
Brooks, 56, died in a motorcycle crash on State Route 33 near the Claiborne County line before Election Day. Despite his death, his name remained on the ballot and he won re-election.
Because Brooks was elected to a new term but is unable to take office, state election officials say the mayor’s position will officially be declared vacant on Sept. 1.
According to Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins, the vacancy will trigger a special election process. Candidates interested in seeking the mayor’s office will have a qualifying period from Sept. 1 through Sept. 9 to enter the race.
The next mayor of Claiborne County will then be selected by voters in a special election scheduled for Nov. 3.
The unusual circumstances mean that while Brooks won the election, Claiborne County residents will return to the polls later this year to elect someone to serve the upcoming mayoral term.
Brooks had been seeking another term as county mayor when the fatal crash occurred. His death came just days before voters cast ballots in Thursday’s election.
