Exciting Early Voting News for Knox County Residents
Hey there, Knox County! As the countdown to the presidential election heats up, we’ve got some great news for those looking to cast their ballots early. That’s right, your local leaders have added three new polling places to make early voting more accessible for everyone in Farragut, Corryton, and the University of Tennessee campus. So, let’s dive into the details and help you get ready to vote!
Early Voting Schedule
Early voting is set to run from October 16 to October 31. This period provides you with the flexibility to choose when and where to vote, making it a whole lot easier to fit into your schedule. Remember, specific dates and times can vary by county, so it’s a good idea to check in advance. With over 300,000 registered voters in Knox County, long lines on Election Day are likely, which makes voting early a smart move!
Polling Locations
The addition of new polling places means you can pick a spot that’s most convenient for you. During the early voting period, you can head to any of the early voting locations while they’re open—just check the hours. As a reminder, there are no polls open on Sundays. Here are some locations you can visit:
- Carter Senior Center
- City-County Building
- Downtown West
- Eternal Life Harvest Center at Five Points
- Gibbs Ruritan Club
- Halls Recreation Center
- Knoxville Expo Center
- New Harvest Park
- Village Green Shopping Center
- Meridian Baptist
- Karns Senior Center
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Start making plans now so you can avoid the rush!
Registration and Absentee Voting
If you’re not yet registered, you need to get on that! The registration deadline for this presidential election is October 7. You can easily check your registration status at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup. If you find you need to register or want to change your info, go to ovr.govote.tn.gov or visit the Knoxville Election Commission office located at 300 Main St. in Knoxville.
For those unable to vote in person, don’t forget about absentee voting. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 29, so try to get those requests in early! Email requests can be sent to absenteeballot@knoxcounty.org. Keep in mind that various eligibility restrictions exist for absentee voting. Some examples include voters who are over 60, will be out of county on Election Day, or are away for military service. For the full list of qualifications, head over to sos.tn.gov.
What’s on the Ballot?
As you prepare to vote, don’t forget that it’s not just the presidency that’s on your ballot. Voters will also decide on a U.S. Senate seat, various U.S. House of Representatives seats, and important local legislative seats. There’s a lot at stake, and every vote counts!
Election Day Essentials
Mark your calendars: Election Day is November 5. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re in line by the time polls close, don’t worry—you’ll still be able to cast your vote. Just make sure you’re at your registered polling place, especially since some locations may have changed due to redistricting.
Let’s get out there, make our voices heard, and ensure that we’re all set for a great election season. Happy voting, Knox County!
