Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett warned voters on Election Day about a text message going around with the wrong voting hours, WBBJ reported.
The key point for voters is that the correct times have not changed. All polling places in Tennessee close at 7 p.m. Central Time, which covers Jackson and the rest of West Tennessee, and at 8 p.m. Eastern Time for counties in the eastern part of the state. Because the state spans two time zones, the closing time is the same moment statewide.
Hargett also reminded voters of an important rule. Anyone who is in line when the polls close will still be allowed to vote. Voters who arrive just before closing should get in line and stay there, even if the line is long.
Misleading messages about when or how to vote have shown up in many elections, and election officials generally urge voters to confirm details with their county election commission or the state before acting on a text, social media post or forwarded message. Hargett's warning came as voters across Tennessee headed to the polls Tuesday in the November general election.
Voters who have trouble at the polls or questions about where they are registered can get help from the Tennessee Secretary of State's Division of Elections. Local county election commissions can also answer questions about polling places and what identification to bring. Tennessee requires voters to show a government-issued photo ID.
The takeaway is simple. Ignore any message that lists a different closing time, and if you are in line by 7 p.m. Central, you can cast your ballot.
Raw 100.5 will keep following election news across West Tennessee and the rest of the state as results come in tonight.
Sources: WBBJ