If the first day of Early Voting is any indication, a heavy turnout is guaranteed.
Voters lined up outside the auditorium at the Madison County Agriculture Complex at 311 North Parkway to cast their ballot, and after the first 23 minutes of voting, 148 people had cast ballots.
“We were really surprised this morning, said Kim Buckley, administrator of elections, “We expected a big crowd, but we did not expect the line to go all the way back to Parkway, so there is somewhat of a traffic problem (but) I just want to let everyone know there are more days of Early Voting – we’ll go through October 29.”
Voting hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., weekdays.
Saturday hours will be from 9 a.m. until noon. On the last two days of early voting, October 28 and 29, voting hours will be extended until 6 p.m.
In order to vote in person, you must present a photo ID issued by the State of Tennessee such as a driver’s license or a handgun permit. ID’s issued by other states will not be accepted.
Alternatively, you can present a photo ID issued by the U.S. government such as a passport or a military ID. The ID does not have to be current. It can be expired.
The voter registration card is not required for voting, but it is helpful to the election officials if you have it. Social distancing will be practiced and entrance to the voting place will be limited to a number deemed to be safe by election officials.
Voters are encouraged to wear a face covering and have their ID out and prepared to show when they enter the building. To accommodate social distancing, fewer voting machines are being used. Voters are encouraged to view a sample ballot prior to voting and hopefully reduce the time spent in the voting booth. The sample ballot can be viewed on the election commission website at www.madisonelection.com.
(PHOTO: Voters line up to cast ballots at Madison County Agriculture Complex)
