Knoxville Marks Major Milestone as Early Voting Wraps Up
As the crisp autumn air settles in, Knoxville has been buzzing with activity as early voting for the November 5, 2024, Presidential and Federal/State General Election comes to a close. The excitement and anticipation are palpable, especially as we approach a crucial moment in deciding the future for our communities, state, and nation.
A Record Turnout
Knox County residents have shown impressive initiative this year, with a grand total of 163,303 early votes cast. That’s not just a number—it’s an indication of how engaged people are in their civic duties. In addition to early voting, we also saw 7,503 absentee ballots sent from nursing homes and other voters unable to make it to polling places.
As of October 23, 2024, Knox County has 336,151 registered voters, breaking down to 318,311 active voters and 17,840 inactive ones. That puts the early voting participation at a remarkable percentage, reflecting a strong desire for community involvement.
Looking Back at Past Elections
To put this into perspective, let’s take a quick look at how we stood during previous presidential election cycles:
- November 2020: Early voting concluded with a notable turnout, though not as high as this year’s numbers.
- November 2016: The early voting numbers were lower than what we’re seeing this year, indicating that folks are becoming increasingly eager to make their voices heard.
The First-Timers
One encouraging statistic this year is the emergence of new voters. A total of 23,415 first-time voters in Knox County have cast ballots during early voting. This influx of fresh faces is not only exciting but also vital for the health of our democracy.
Demographics at a Glance
When examining the makeup of registered voters in the county, there’s an interesting age range that deserves attention:
- From young adults just starting out to seasoned voters with years of experience, voter participation spans across all ages.
- Registered voters also come from various genders, although it’s worth noting that not all gender information is collected.
Early voting by gender reflects a similar trend. Again, we have a mix of participation without full disclosures on gender, but the overall engagement remains impressive.
District-Level Trends
Breaking it down further, votes cast can also be analyzed by Tennessee House of Representatives districts and city council districts. This granularity gives a clearer view of which areas are particularly engaged or may need more support in future elections.
Join the Celebration!
And for those looking to celebrate the hard work of our first responders, mark your calendars! On November 20th, there will be a free lunch for all men and women in law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders at Jackson Terminal from 11 AM to 2 PM. It’s a fantastic opportunity to honor those who protect our community!
Stay Tuned for Election Day!
As we gear up for the big day on November 5, it’s essential to stay informed. Be sure to check various sources for updates, and don’t forget that one station in Knoxville will provide wall-to-wall coverage on election day, so you won’t miss a moment of the action!
All in all, the energy surrounding early voting in Knoxville is a testament to the dedication of our voters. Whether you’ve already voted or are planning to do so on Election Day, every voice matters. Let’s make history together!
