RE: Statement Regarding Petitioner Chad Christopher Barnhart

HUNTINGDON (March 6) — Herein is a statement from the Carroll County Election Commission regarding Chad Christopher Barnhart’s ineligibility for a countywide race in the upcoming May 5, 2026, election.
Chad Christopher Barnhart’s name will not appear on the May 5, 2026, Republican primary election ballot because the Carroll County Election Commission cannot place him on it without a court order restoring his citizenship rights.
Mr. Barnhart was not told he qualified for the May 5, 2026, ballot. Individuals filing a nominating petition are informed (verbally and in writing) whether they have the necessary number of registered voter signatures and whether they have met the deadline for filing a nominating petition. They are informed that filing a petition is part of the process.
In preparation for approving ballots for the May 5, 2026, primary elections, the Tennessee Division of Elections vetted the candidates for durational residency requirements and for felony convictions. When signing a nominating petition, candidates attest that they meet the qualifications for the office they are seeking. Mr. Barnhart was provided a copy of the first page of his petition, along with a letter indicating his petition was approved for him to continue in the process. Another copy of Mr. Barnhart’s petition letter was provided to Mr. Barnhart for his attorney.
The May 5, 2022, voter registration application completed by Mr. Barnhart states that he has not been convicted of a felony. Mr. Barnhart’s statement on the official election document did not give the Carroll County Election Commission notice to advise Mr. Barnhart of the need for a court order restoring his citizenship rights to run for a public office. Although Mr. Barnhart’s voting rights were restored through an administrative process, this restoration only applies to voting. To seek a public office, he must have his citizenship rights restored by a court. A copy of his voter registration application was provided to Mr. Barnhart for his attorney.
Mr. Barnhart did not have a court order restoring his citizenship rights by the qualifying deadline for the May 5, 2026 primary. Because he didn’t have the court order in place, the election commission is not allowed to put his name on the primary election ballot.