More than 150,000 Tennesseans have already decided to enjoy the convenience of early voting.

Through the first five days of early voting, 153,768 people had voted statewide. At that pace, the total number of people who vote early could more than double the 209,474 who voted early for the August 2008 election and exceed the 447,910 who voted early for the August 2006 elections.

“I am very pleased with the turnout we have seen during the first few days of early voting,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “The Tennessee General Assembly has made it convenient for Tennesseans to vote. I am glad our citizens are utilizing the benefits of voting early.  These numbers suggest that early voting continues to be a popular option for Tennesseans.”

“I am encouraged by the large number of registered voters who have already voted,” Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins said. “I expect many more will utilize the convenience of early voting.”

Early voting continues Mondays through Saturdays through July 31. In each of Tennessee’s 95 counties, citizens may vote at their local election commission headquarters. In addition, some counties have satellite locations where people may also vote early.

For a complete list of locations and early voting hours, contact your local election commission. Information about how to reach county election commissions throughout Tennessee is available at:  http://tnsos.org/elections/election_commissions.php