In a county that was once heavily Democratic, so many people are voting Republican this time that the election office is ordering 15,000 extra GOP ballots.
Charlotte Mullis-Morgan, election administrator, said, "We thought we had a gracious plenty ballots, but Republicans are outvoting Democrats 5-1. That was much higher than we expected."
Ms. Mullis-Morgan said there are plenty of ballots available for early voting, which continues through Saturday. She said the extra Republican ballots are for Tuesday, Aug. 5 - election day.
Ms. Mullis-Morgan said there is heavy interest in the 3rd District House contest to replace Zach Wamp in Congress.
Another race drawing heavy attention is the governor contest, in which Chattanoogan Wamp is one of the prime contenders.
"There's a lot of activity, too, in the county clerk race," Ms. Mullis-Morgan said. Chester Heathingon, who is on the Republican ticket, is trying to unseat veteran Democrat Bill Knowles. Some Republican leaders have endorsed Mr. Knowles.
Ms. Mullis-Morgan said the extra ballots will be here by Aug. 5.
She said she does not yet know the cost.