Early Voting in Moore County just started last week and as of the first five days a larger percentage of locals voted early this year than compared to that same point in the 2016 Presidential Election. As of the latest number from the Tennessee Secretary of State, 1,154 locals have voted early so far and 39 have cast absentee ballots for a total of 1,193 votes. In 2016, only 612 local folks voted early through day five. There are an estimate 4,962 registered voters in Moore County.

It’s a trend happening statewide. As of Monday, 909,388 total ballots had been cast in Tennessee. That’s 23 percent of the estimated 3.9 million registered voters in the state.

“Our office and election commissions across Tennessee have been preparing for this election and specifically the new challenges of running a safe election during COVID-19 since March,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “It is because of their hard work and diligent planning that we are seeing voters have a smooth voting experience.”

Early voting for the State and Federal General election runs Monday to Saturday until Thursday, Oct. 29. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Tennessee voters can find their early voting and Election Day hours, polling locations and more with the GoVoteTN app or online at GoVoteTN.com. The GoVoteTN app is free to download in the App Store or Google Play.

While visiting the polls, Tennesseans are encouraged to wear a face covering and maintaining a six-foot distance from poll officials and other voters. Visit the Secretary of State’s Facebook Page for updates on voting totals. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}