Nashville Sees Strong Early Voting Ahead of Election Day
As we approach Election Day, Nashville is buzzing with excitement, and it seems the early voting numbers are reflecting that energy! Just last week, early voting wrapped up, and according to the Secretary of State’s Office, over 2 million people took advantage of this opportunity in Tennessee. This represents about 42 percent of all registered voters getting their ballots in before the main event on November 5.
A Little Dip in Numbers but Still Exciting
Now, if we compare this to the early voting numbers from 2020, we see a slight decrease. Back in 2020, over 3 million voters participated when we included early voting, absentee ballots, and those voting on Election Day, marking a turnout of around 68 percent. That year even broke the state’s record with a staggering 2.6 million total votes cast in what was an unprecedented election cycle due to the pandemic.
This year’s total early voting numbers, which include early absentee ballots, are still impressive at 2.2 million. However, that is around 2.9 percent less than the 2020 total. Interestingly, the in-person early voting saw an increase of more than 60,000 voters compared to previous elections. The only downside? There was a substantial 60 percent drop in absentee ballots this year, likely due to the calmed fears surrounding COVID-19 that led many to vote by mail last time around.
Breaking Records and Looking Forward
Despite the mixed numbers, Doug Kufner, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Secretary of State, was all smiles as he reported that Tennessee’s early voting went off without a hitch. “Thanks to the dedication of local election administrators, staff, and poll workers,” Kufner said, “we saw more than 2.13 million registered voters cast their ballots in person – a new record!”
In Nashville’s Davidson County alone, over 209,000 residents participated in early and absentee voting, which makes up around 48 percent of active voters there. While this number shows a significant increase compared to both 2016 and 2012, it does show a troubling drop of over 13 percent from 2020’s encouraging figures. This could mean that overall turnout might not hit the same high we saw during the last presidential election.
Counties on the Rise
It’s important to note, however, that not all counties are experiencing this dip. Fifty-seven of Tennessee’s 95 counties, especially some in Middle Tennessee, have actually surpassed their early voting totals from 2020. For example, Wilson County saw an increase of 4.3 percent, with more than 58 percent of voters casting their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Kufner remains optimistic: “We anticipate a robust Election Day turnout, and we encourage all registered Tennesseans who have not yet voted to make their voice heard on Nov. 5,” he stated. For those who wish to head to the polls on Tuesday, they will be open until 7 p.m. It’s essential to remember that on Election Day, ballots need to be cast at your assigned polling location, so voters are encouraged to check where they need to go on the state’s website.
Preparing for the Matchups Ahead
As folks gear up for Election Day, it’s not just about turnout; we’re also diving into matchups for significant positions like the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. It’s fascinating to think about how every vote can shape local and national policies moving forward.
So, there you have it, Nashville! The early voting numbers show that while we may have slightly dipped from previous highs, there are still many reasons to celebrate and be hopeful for a strong turnout on Election Day. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and make your voices heard!
