Tennessee early voting opens ahead of August 6 gubernatorial primary

What This Story Is About

• Early voting opens Friday in Tennessee ahead of the August 6 primary, with Davidson County voters facing new polling locations, redrawn congressional districts, and a high-profile governor’s race.

Why It Matters

• More than 470,000 Davidson County voters have new congressional districts and potentially new polling places, and election officials are urging residents to review their updated voter registration cards before heading to the polls.

For Context

• Nashville’s congressional representation is shifting once again. The city is no longer in the 5th district and is now split across the 4th, 6th and 7th districts following this year’s redistricting.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Early voting begins Friday in Tennessee for the August 6 election. People wanting to vote need to get ready for new polling locations and different names on their ballot.

This year’s congressional redistricting changed lines people have used for years. More than 470,000 Davidson County voters were sent updated voter registration cards this month with their new information, but officials are preparing to answer a lot of questions at the polls.

Davidson County Administrator of Elections John Richardson said early voting is more useful now than ever before because people can go to any early voting site and have time to think about different candidates in case their are surprised by who is now running to represent their area.

For the first time in decades, Nashville is not in the 5th congressional district that’s currently represented by Andy Ogles. The city is now split across the 4th, 6th and 7th districts.

“Pay close attention to that card,” Richardson said. “See what your new congressional district number is so that when you cast your vote, you know exactly who you’re voting for.”

New polling locations and early voting flexibility

During the early voting window, voters have the flexibility to cast their ballot at any of the 15 locations across Davidson County.

Three new early voting sites have been added this year. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is one of them, replacing the Green Hills Library, which is closed for renovation.

Richardson said the library was a very busy location and they’re preparing to see the large crowds at the Community Foundation.

“The parking is fantastic here,” Richardson said. “We have two parking lots here and there’s a neighboring YWCA parking lot, which allows for folks to easily get in, vote and get on their way.”

A photo ID, such as a Tennessee driver’s license or passport, is required at all polling locations. Richardson said voters can find specific information for early voting and election day at Nashville.gov/vote.

“It’ll tell you exactly where to vote, when you can vote, the different locations,” Richardson said. “You’ve got questions about the recent congressional redistricting? All that information is conveniently available for you online.”

On Election Day, voters must go to their designated polling place. Richardson said his staff worked hard to make sure no voter’s polling place changed with this redistricting, but their entire precinct could’ve been moved to a different district.

What’s on the ballot

The August 6 primary includes a high-profile Republican gubernatorial race. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is leading Congressman John Rose in Republican primary polls. Memphis city council member Jerri Green is leading the Democratic primary polls.

Sen. Bill Hagerty is also up for reelection this year. He’s not facing a primary challenger. There are five democrats running to challenge him in the general election.

The ballot also includes a range of local and judicial general elections that already had their primaries in May.

Richardson said primary elections historically see between 10 and 19 percent early voting turnout, but officials are hoping the competitive ballot pushes participation higher.

“We’re here to serve Nashville and Davidson County voters,” Richardson said.