Next year is an election year here in Tennessee.

Candidates across parties are already coming forward for offices that will be on the ballot.

This week, at a Labor Day picnic at Chester Frost Park, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp – a Republican – told family, friends and supporters that he’s running for a second term next year.

Among those at the picnic: Tennessee U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, who announced last month that she’s running for the Republican nomination for Tennessee Governor next year.

As we hear from more candidates across parties for more offices in next year’s elections, we’ll also hear more about civics.

Recently, the League of Women Voters of Chattanooga launched a series of civic education classes with The Chattery.

The classes, free and open to the public, are on the first Sunday of each month, starting at 4 PM, at The Chattery – at 231 Broad St – and the next class is this Sunday, September 7th.

Sandy McCrea is the League’s President.

Jennifer Holder is operations director of The Chattery.