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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
At the conclusion of early voting in Tennessee, many counties saw high voter turnout, some even setting or breaking records. Hamilton County is one such example as official tallies indicate that 117, 254 people cast their votes between October 15-31 this year via absentee ballot or in person.
Adeline Mollica, a Chattanooga resident, joined thousands of others outside the Hamilton County Election Commission to cast her vote and believes this year’s election holds great significance for many, “I think it’s become a really big deal for people, and people really care about the issues this year.”
Another voter, Flint Chaney, mentioned that people gladly wait for other ventures, so waiting in line to vote is a small sacrifice. “We stand in line to get into a concert venue and shows. You stand in a line at an amusement park. I think everyone believes that the stakes are high on both sides,” he said.
And Hamilton County voters aren’t the only ones turning out en masse across the state.
Montgomery County saw over 50,000 of its approximately 144,000 registered voters cast an early ballot. This number represents significant turnout for a county which historically experiences low voter percentages, and Election Day numbers are expected to be higher than past cycles.
Other counties of note include Cheatham, which saw a roughly 54% turnout, Anderson and Roane at almost 51%, Wilson at 59%, and Loudon and Williamson counties with early turnout at 60% and 61% respectively.
According to the Secretary of State, over two million Tennesseans, roughly 45% of registered voters across the state, cast a ballot early this year, and significant turnout is also anticipated for Election Day on Tuesday.
Overall, it appears Tennessee citizens are overwhelmingly invested in the 2024 general election. Perhaps this newfound enthusiasm by voters will spark a turnaround in Tennessee’s status as one of the lowest-ranked states in the nation for voter registration and turnout.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
