Early voting starts today in Tennessee

Note: This story was last updated at 1:30 p.m.

Early voting for the March 1 presidential preference primary, or “SEC Primary,” begins today (Wednesday, February 10).

In this election cycle, voting early may be an important option because of unpredictable winter weather, state officials said in a press release. The number of presidential candidates as well as the number of delegates could also create incredibly long ballots for some voters.

Six Southern states will join Tennessee to help decide who could be the next president of the United States. The Volunteer State’s clout could mean more primary interest than in years past.

“I’m trying to remember the last time we were seeing this much attention in a Republican primary, this many people paying attention to Tennessee and Southern states,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett told Politico late last year. “I can’t think of a time.”

Early voting runs Mondays through Saturdays and ends Tuesday, February 23. Some counties will be closed on Monday, February 15, for Presidents Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 1. The voter registration deadline ahead of this primary was Monday, February 1.

See the Anderson County ballot here. It includes candidates for president in the Democratic and Republican parties, delegates at large for the presidential candidates, and property assessor. There is no opposition in the Anderson County property assessor’s race; the incumbent, John K. Alley Jr., is running unopposed.

See the Roane County ballot here. It also includes presidential candidates in both parties as well as delegates at large for the Republican candidates, but it does not include any county offices.

The easiest way for voters to find their early voting and Election Day polling locations, view and mark sample ballots, see their elected officials, districts, and county election commission information, as well as access online election results, is through the GoVoteTN app. Voters can download the free app in the App Store or Google Play to view voter specific information.

Tennessee’s 95 counties conduct early voting at their local election commission offices or at another location designated by the election commission. Some counties also offer early voting at satellite locations. Contact information for election offices can be found here: County Election Commissions.

Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security as well as photo IDs issued by Tennessee state government or the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.

More information about what types of ID are acceptable can be found here: What ID is required when voting? or by calling the Division of Elections toll free at (877) 850-4959.

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