Knoxville Voters: Get Ready for Election Day!
Hey there, Knoxville! The day we’ve all been waiting for is almost here—Election Day! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 5. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or voting for the first time, it’s a great idea to brush up on the rules and the candidates before you head to the polls.
Polling Hours and Locations
So, when can you vote? In Knoxville, polling places open at 8 a.m. ET and close at 8 p.m. ET. If you’re in the central time zone in Middle and West Tennessee, the polling hours are from 7 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT. Be sure to check your specific polling location online at sos.tn.gov/govotetn. You can easily find it by searching your name or address. Remember, you can only vote at your assigned location on Election Day!
Possible Long Lines
Heads up—there might be long lines on Election Day, especially as folks finish work. But here’s the good news: as long as you’re in line before the polls close, you’ll still get to cast your ballot! 🙌 So hang in there and enjoy the experience of voting!
Absentee Ballots
Now, if you’ve been thinking about absentee ballots, it’s important to note that if you haven’t mailed yours in, that deadline has passed. In Tennessee, absentee ballots must be returned by mail and should be sent by USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Hand delivery isn’t an option, and there are no ballot drop boxes in the state. However, if you’re a Knoxville voter, you can drop off your absentee ballot at two post office locations by 4 p.m. on November 5.
Forgot Your ID? No Worries!
If you forget to bring your ID or if there’s a question about your registration, don’t worry. You can still cast a provisional ballot. You’ll just need to present your ID or proper registration to your local election commission office within two business days after Election Day. For Knox County voters, the main election office is located at 300 Main St., Suite 229 in downtown Knoxville.
Study Your Ballot Ahead of Time
It’s a good idea to know what’s on your ballot before you go. The Knox County Election Commission publishes sample ballots available online, so take a look to avoid surprises. Whether you’re interested in local candidates or more significant issues, being informed will make your voting experience smoother.
Prohibited Items at Polling Places
Now a quick note on what you can and can’t bring with you. If you’re thinking of sporting campaign gear like T-shirts or buttons that promote a candidate or issue, you’ll need to leave those at home; they aren’t allowed in polling places. However, you can use your mobile device to reference notes or look up information about candidates, but do keep it on silent mode!
The Excitement of Election Night
Wondering how long it will take to get the results? Election officials expect that results for Knoxville’s elections should be available by around 11 p.m. on Election Night. However, keep in mind that long lines at the polls can delay the vote counting process. So, your patience will definitely be appreciated as everyone’s votes are tallied.
Wrapping Up
As Election Day approaches, make sure you’re mentally prepared and ready to make your voice heard. Whether you’re standing in line or chatting with fellow voters, just remember—that this is your chance to make a difference!
So let’s gear up, Knoxville! Let’s head to the polls and cast our votes. We can’t wait to see you there!
