As the presidential election draws nearer, many state and local residents are signing up to become registered voters.
“We had tremendous success getting Tennesseans to register or check their status during September, which was National Voter Registration Month,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Throughout the month of September, Hargett’s staff worked with officials across the state to promote voter registration. One of the methods used was an extensive social media campaign that encouraged residents to print off signs declaring they are registered to vote and post pictures of themselves on their social media accounts to encourage others to register.
Hargett was joined by many residents, including some famous Tennesseans, in posting photos online.
Locally, new voter registrations were on the rise according to Carter County Administrator of Elections Tracy Harris.
Between Sept. 1 and Oct. 7 a total of 498 Carter County residents turned in voter registration forms.
There are only a few days left to register in order to be eligible to take part in the upcoming election in November.
“Now the deadline is approaching,” Hargett said. “If you plan to vote in the presidential election, your voter registration application must be received or postmarked by Tuesday.”
Early voting for the Nov. 8 election is slated to begin on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and run through Thursday, Nov. 3. In Carter County the early voting polls will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon during the early voting period. Early voting will be held at the Election Commission Office located at 116 Holston Ave.
In addition to promoting voter registration, the State Election Commission and Hargett have also been encouraging voters to take advantage of the GoVoteTN app for smart phones, which is available for free in the App Store or on Google Play. The app allows users to find their polling locations, view and mark sample ballots, see their elected officials, districts and county election commission information as well as access online state and federal election results.
Hargett is also promoting participation in the state’s Honor Vote program by dedicating their vote in honor of someone who is currently serving or has served in the U.S. military. Enrolling allows voters to share their dedication online, across social media and by wearing a commemorative button on Election Day in honor of the veteran or service member they choose.
Voters can sign up online to participate in Honor Vote by visiting www.GoVoteTN.com.
The Carter County Election Commission office is located at 116 Holston Ave., Elizabethton. For more information on the meeting, upcoming elections or voter registration questions, contact the office at 423-542-1822 or by email to elections@cartercountytn.gov.