Tennesseans encouraged to vote early beginning July 17

By Glenda Atkinson,

Staff Reporter

Early voting for the Tennessee State and Federal Primary and County General Election begins Friday, July 17, and runs Monday to Saturday until Saturday, August 1. Election Day is Thursday, August 6. Lewis County Election Commission office will be open for early voting from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays through August 1.

"The safety of voters and poll officials are our top priority," said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. "With social distancing measures and many other safety precautions in place for this election, I urge voters to take advantage of Tennessee's generous early voting period."

Early voting provides Tennesseans the opportunity to avoid Election Day crowds and can shorten your wait time. Early voting also offers the flexibility of evenings and Saturdays along with multiple polling locations in many counties.

During early voting and on Election Day, Lewis Countians are encouraged to do their part. This includes wearing a face covering and maintaining a six-foot distance from poll officials and other voters. Voters should expect to see signs with further safety instructions at their polling locations. All poll officials will be wearing face coverings and will be trained to social distancing measures.

"County election commissions have been planning for a safe and secure election for months," said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. As part of our commitment to safety, the state is providing masks, social distancing resources, gloves, gowns and face shields for poll officials."

Voters who have moved within the county or have had a name change since the last time they voted has until

August 1, 2020 to update their registration. It can be done online at GoVoteTN.com or through the local election commission office located at 35 Smith Avenue in Hohenwald. By making sure your registration is up to date, you can shorten the time you will need to spend at your polling location.

For those voting early or on Election Day, you should remember to bring valid photo identification with them to the polls. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, by Tennessee state government or by the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.

For further questions concerning voting, contact the Lewis County Election Commission office at 931-796-0510.