Early Voting Kicks Off in Knoxville!
Hey there, Knoxville! It’s that exciting time of year again when the buzz of election season fills the air, and early voting is just around the corner. If you’re looking to get a jumpstart on casting your ballot, you’re in luck, as early voting begins this Wednesday, October 16 and runs until October 31. Mark your calendars because the general election is right on its heels, set for November 5.
What You Need to Know About Early Voting
For those registered to vote, the early voting process is designed to be convenient and flexible. All you need to do is choose a poll location that works best for you. This year, three new early voting locations have been added to the mix: Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut, Gibbs Ruritan Club in Corryton, and Baker School on the UT Campus. How great is that?
If those spots don’t fit your plans, don’t worry! You can still vote at several other locations across the city, including the City-County Building, Carter Senior Center, Downtown West Shopping Center, and many more. A full list of polling sites includes:
- City-County Building
- Carter Senior Center
- Downtown West Shopping Center
- Eternal Life Harvest Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
- Halls Recreation Center
- Knoxville Expo Center
- New Harvest Park
- Meridian Baptist Church on Chapman Highway
- Karns Senior Center on Oak Ridge Highway
Voting Hours to Remember
When planning your visit to the polls, keep the voting hours in mind. Most days, the polls are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and a bit earlier on Wednesday, when they’re open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. If you prefer to vote on the weekend, you have two options: October 19 has voting open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and October 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Keep in mind that both the Karns Senior Center and Meridian Baptist Church have special hours, so check in advance to see what works for you. Also, note that the UT polling place will only be open during the last week of early voting, from October 28 to 31.
Your Ballot Breakdown
Now, let’s talk about that ballot! It’s a hefty three-page document that covers a lot of ground. You’ll be selecting electors for the U.S. Presidency, as well as candidates for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and Tennessee Senate. Depending on where you live, you may also find names for candidates vying for the Tennessee House of Representatives.
If you’re a city voter in Knoxville, you’ll have a couple of charter amendments to consider as well. One amendment pertains to integrating the Fifth District into the election rotation with the others, while the second asks how future city elections will be held. Both amendments call for a straightforward “For or Against” decision from you, the voter.
Your Voice Matters!
So there you have it, Knoxville! Early voting is a fantastic way to make sure your voice is heard—after all, every vote counts! Make a plan, grab your friends or family, and head out to the polls. Let’s make this election season one to remember!
