Tennessee breaks early voting record

Eighty-five years old walker still casting her vote. (photo courtesy of The Equity Alliance)

On the first day of early voting, a record-breaking 273,325 people cast their ballot by in-person voting or absentee by-mail. This was a 91% increase from the first day of early voting in 2016 and a 120% increase over 2012.

“I’m excited that Tennesseans are engaged and are making their voices heard at the polls,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “We are on pace to break our previous early voting turnout record, which was set in 2016.”

Early voting for the state and federal Primary and County General election runs Monday to Saturday until Thursday, Oct. 29. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Tennessee voters can find their early voting and Election Day hours, polling locations and more with the GoVoteTN app or online at <GoVoteTN.com>. The GoVoteTN app is free to download in the App Store or Google Play.

Voters need to bring valid photo identification (current or expired) to the polls. A Tennessee driver license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government is acceptable even if expired. College student IDs and IDs issued by a local library are not permitted.

While visiting the polls, Tennesseans are encouraged to wear a face covering and maintain a six-foot distance from poll officials and other voters.

Anyone experience difficulties at the polling site can call the national ‘Election Protection Hotline’ at 1-899-Our Vote.

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