Beginning Friday, registered voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the Aug. 7 state primary and county general elections. Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting.
In Hamilton County early voting will be at four sites through Aug. 2. The Election Commission office at 700 River Terminal Road off Amnicola Highway will open at 8 a.m., while the other three voting locations will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The other locations are the Brainerd Recreation Center at 1010 North Moore Road; Eastwood Church at 4300 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road; and Northgate Mall (beside Applebee’s on the outside of the mall.)
Among closely watched elections are Weston Wamp trying to unseat Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and the House District 27 battle between Tommy Crangle and Patsy Hazlewood to replace Rep. Richard Floyd.
“Early voting allows voters to pick a convenient time to cast their ballots,” said Secretary Hargett. “Because of the length of the August ballot, and the time to read the ballot during the voting process, lines on Election Day are expected to be long. Voting early this election just makes sense.”
Voters may contact their local county election commission office for more information regarding early voting hours, locations and sample ballots. Early voting ends Saturday, Aug. 2.
Voters are also reminded that they can honor active, retired or deceased members of the military through the Secretary of State's Honor Vote program. Those who wish to participate may do so by simply logging on to www.GoVoteTN.com/honor to complete the Honor Vote form. The names of participants and the people they choose to honor will appear on the website. Each participant will also receive a commemorative Honor Vote button.
Secretary Hargett stated, “Tennessee voters have made it clear that they enjoy the flexibility of early voting, and I encourage voters to take advantage of it. I would also hope that many voters use the Honor Vote Program to thank those members of the military who have fought to protect this right.”
If people would like more information about early voting or the Honor Vote Program, call 1-877-850-4959 or visit the Division of Elections web site at www.GoVoteTN.com.