As the November elections draw closer, several residents in Carter County have decided to make their voices heard by registering to vote.
In recent weeks, Carter County Administrator of Elections Tracy Harris and her staff have seen an increase in voter registrations.
“We have had a bunch of new registrations come in,” Harris said. “It’s been all ages too — young voters and even older people that said they’ve never voted before.”
For those who wish to take part in the November election, just over two weeks remain to register. Harris said the deadline for registrations to be eligible to vote in November is Oct. 11. Registration forms must either be brought to the Carter County Election Commission office by that date, or for those mailing in their forms it must be post marked on or before Oct. 11.
Those who are already registered to vote but need to update their address must do so by Nov. 3, Harris said.
Voter registration forms are available at the Election Commission Office, located at 116 Holston Ave., as well as at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, the various clerk’s offices at the Carter County Courthouse, the Department of Safety driver’s license office and the Department of Human Services Office. Forms can also be printed out online at www.GoVoteTN.com
Residents can also use the www.GoVoteTN.com website to check their voter registration status, see what precinct location they vote at and see their House and Senate districts for both the Tennessee Legislature and the U.S. Congress.
In addition to the increase in voter registration forms, Harris said her office has also been receiving a large number of requests for absentee ballots.
“We’ve got almost 400 absentee ballots out already,” Harris said, adding that could be an indicator of voter turnout on Nov. 8. “It’s going to be a big one.”
Absentee ballots are available to voters age 60 and older, students who attend school out of town, persons with disabilities, caregivers for an elderly or disabled person, and those who will be traveling or working out of town at the time of the election, Harris said, adding voters requesting an absentee ballot must also meet another requirement.
“As long as they have voted in person once before or registered in person they can qualify,” she said.
Voters who wish to receive an absentee ballot can pick up the request form in person at the Election Commission office or request one be mailed to them.
“The request form can be picked up and returned in person, but the ballot itself has to go through the mail,” Harris said.
The last day to request an absentee ballot for the November election is Nov. 1, Harris said.
The Election Commission is still seeking poll workers for upcoming elections. Those would like to sign up to work the polls on election day can sign up at the Carter County Election Commission office. Harris said election workers are paid for each day of the election they work, which includes early voting as well as election day itself.
To qualify, those interested must attend training by the Election Office and live within Carter County.
Workers must be at least 17 years of age to qualify and if they are over the age of 18 they must be registered to vote in Carter County.
For more information on the upcoming election, voter registration, absentee ballots or becoming a poll worker, contact the Carter County Election Commission Office at 423-542-1822.