More than a dozen candidates are competing for their parties’ nominations Tuesday to fill a vacant Tennessee congressional seat in the closely divided U.S. House.

Tennessee’s first congressional special election in nearly 40 years has drawn over a dozen candidates seeking to succeed Republican former Rep. Mark E. Green, who resigned this summer following passage of his party’s sweeping tax and spending package.

A Tennessee special election to replace a Republican congressman who stepped aside this summer has attracted crowded primaries for both major parties.

The 7th Congressional District race promises diminishing returns that include low voter turnout and a less than desirable candidate pool.

Your neighbors are watching and will know if you miss this critical special election," the mailer reads, in part. The postcard, sent from an unverified source, also reads "The TN Republican party HQ will see whether you have voted" and "we are compiling an official list of Republicans who fail to vote.

New legislation passed this year to ease the process of restoring a person’s right to vote after a felony conviction. The law complements Senate Bill 6002, passed during the special session, which created a clear system for issuing temporary licenses and permits to non-citizens living in Tennessee.

Matt Van Epps secures Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's endorsement in the competitive 11-candidate Republican primary for the U.S. House seat vacated by former Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.

Some incumbent board members say they won’t align with a party. But local Republicans hope to seize on MSCS criticism to establish a stronger local presence.