Early voting is underway across Tennessee for the Aug. 6 State Primary and State and County General Elections, giving registered voters the opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day in races ranging from governor and Congress to county and municipal offices.
The early voting period runs through Saturday, Aug. 1, with voting locations and hours varying by county. Election officials encourage voters to take advantage of the expanded schedule, which includes weekday, evening and Saturday voting opportunities.
One of the biggest changes facing Tennessee voters this election cycle is the implementation of new congressional district boundaries following statewide redistricting. Several counties have been divided between multiple congressional districts, meaning neighbors may receive different ballots depending on where they live.
Among those affected is Montgomery County, which is now split between Tennessee’s 5th and 7th Congressional Districts. Election officials are encouraging voters to verify their congressional district before heading to the polls by using the Tennessee voter look-up tool or contacting their local election commission.
The newly configured 5th Congressional District has become one of the state’s most closely watched Republican primary contests, featuring incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles and former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher.
Hatcher, a fifth-generation Tennessee dairy farmer, livestock veterinarian and former agriculture commissioner under Gov. Bill Lee, has built his campaign around executive experience and a focus on delivering results. Throughout the campaign, Hatcher has contrasted his leadership style with that of Ogles, saying: “I consider myself a work horse and my opponent is a show horse.”
While Ogles remains the better-known candidate and carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump, Hatcher has attracted attention with endorsements from several prominent Tennessee Republicans, including former Gov. Bill Haslam. The race has become increasingly competitive in the newly drawn district, which includes many rural and agriculture-based communities where Hatcher’s background has resonated with voters.
In addition to congressional races, Tennessee voters will nominate candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, the Tennessee General Assembly and a variety of local offices, depending on where they live. Many counties, including Montgomery, are also electing county mayors, sheriffs, county commissioners, school board members and judicial officials.
To vote in Tennessee, residents must have been registered at least 30 days before the election and present a valid photo identification issued by the state of Tennessee or the federal government. Acceptable identification includes a Tennessee driver’s license, Tennessee photo ID, U.S. passport or military identification. College student identification cards are not accepted.
Because the election includes party primaries, voters will be asked whether they want a Republican or Democratic ballot. Those who prefer not to participate in a party primary may request a general election-only ballot in counties where that option is available.
Election officials remind voters to verify their polling location and district assignments before voting, particularly in areas affected by redistricting.
Early voting continues through Aug. 1, while Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 6, with polls open statewide from 7 am to 7 pm—hours may vary slightly by county. Additional information, including polling locations and voter registration status, is available through local election commissions and the Tennessee Secretary of State’s voter information website.
