Due to flooding from the heavy rains that struck the area over the weekend, the ­­Davidson County Election Commission asked Chancellor Russell Perkins to postpone Tuesday’s scheduled county primary election. Following an emergency hearing Monday afternoon, Chancellor Perkins granted that request. The election has been rescheduled for May 18.

“This was a very difficult decision for the election commission to make,” said Ray Barrett, Davidson County’s administrator of elections. “However, the flooding conditions would make it difficult – if not impossible – for many of our residents to participate in an election tomorrow. As a result, the commission felt that a delay was the proper course of action.”

“We are thankful that Chancellor Perkins granted our request,” added Lynn Greer, the election commission’s chairman. “We are also asking the news media to publish and broadcast information about this delay as often as possible to help us get the word out. We don’t want people endangering themselves by trying to get to the polls in unsafe conditions.”

“We support the Davidson County Election Commission’s decision to delay the election,” said Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “A delay is warranted under these circumstances.”

The delay will not affect those people who have already voted early or with absentee ballots. Those ballots will be counted after the polls close on May 18. The deadlines for voting early or by absentee ballot will not be reopened as a result of the delay.

Important: The delay and court order only applies to Davidson County. Elections scheduled in other counties are proceeding on Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

For further information, please contact Ray Barrett at 615-862-8800.