Tennesseans planning to vote early in the March 1 presidential preference primary, or “SEC Primary,” have until Tuesday to cast their vote.
According to the Tennessee Division of Elections, so far 140,003 Tennesseans have chosen to vote early, which may be an important option this election cycle because of unpredictable winter weather. The number of presidential candidates as well as the number of delegates could also create incredibly long ballots for some voters. Six Southern states will join Tennessee to help decide who could be the next president of the United States. The Volunteer State’s clout could mean more primary interest than in years past.
As of Thursday, a total of 1,324 had voted early in Carter County — 1,070 in the Republican Primary and 253 in the Democratic Primary.
Presidential candidates in the Tennessee Republican Primary include Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Jim Gilmore, Lindsey O. Graham, Mike Huckabee, John R. Kasich, George Pataki, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum and Donald J. Trump. Although Christie, Fiorina, Graham, Huckabee, Paul and Santorum have officially withdrawn as candidates, their names will still appear on the ballot.
Candidates on the Democratic Primary Ballot include Hillary Clinton, Martin J. O’Malley and Bernie Sanders.
Early voting ends Tuesday, Feb. 23. Election Day is Tuesday, March 1.
Carter Countians voting early can cast their ballot at the new Election Commission Office in the old 911 Building at 116 Holston Ave. The polls will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday and Friday.