Beginning Wednesday, October 13, registered voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the November 2nd general election.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting if they wish.

“Early voting gives individuals the peace of mind of not worrying about being rushed on Election Day to get to the polls,” Secretary Hargett said. “Many people enjoy the convenience and flexibility of early voting because it allows them to work voting into their busy schedules.

“In November 2008, approximately 58 percent of the registered voters in Tennessee took advantage of early voting,” Secretary Hargett continued. “I expect a significant number of voters to vote early this election as well.”

Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins will be kicking off the first day of early voting by casting his own ballot.

“Early voting is convenient and has become very popular in Tennessee,” Coordinator Goins said.   “I know I will be busy on Election Day, so voting early ensures my vote will be cast within my schedule. It just makes sense to vote at a time convenient to me. I believe 1 million voters in Tennessee will take advantage of early voting this election.”

If 1 million voters do cast ballots early, that would set a record for a non-presidential election.

For people who cannot or would prefer not to vote on Election Day, early voting provides an additional 14-day period to cast ballots, including two Saturdays this election. 

Tennessee’s 95 counties conduct early voting at their local election commission offices. Some counties also offer early voting at satellite locations. Contact your local county election commission office for early voting hours, locations and sample ballots. Early voting ends Thursday, October 28.