Madison County voters turned out early in bigger numbers than they did in the last midterm, but not in the numbers seen four years before that. According to the state's final early-voting comparison, 16,171 Madison County residents cast early or absentee ballots by the end of the 14th and last day of early voting on Thursday, Oct. 29.
That total is about 34.5 percent higher than the 12,026 early voters the county recorded at the same point in 2022. It is also about 17 percent lower than the 19,521 who voted early in 2018, a gap of 3,350 people. The statewide figures show the same shape: Tennessee's early and absentee total rose roughly 45 percent from 2022 and sat about 7 percent below 2018. Madison County trailed the state on both measures.
The last day was the busiest
The state's daily turnout file shows Madison County saved its biggest crowd for the finish. On the final Thursday, 1,772 voters came through, more than on any of the other 13 days. Tuesday, Oct. 27 was the next busiest at 1,506. The two Saturdays of early voting were the lightest, with 467 and 677 voters.
What the numbers mean
These figures count people who voted, not how they voted. They include in-person early voters, mailed absentee ballots and residents who voted at licensed facilities such as nursing homes. No early ballot is counted toward a result until Election Day, so nothing about the early turnout says who is ahead in any race. A lighter early vote can also be made up at the polls on Tuesday.
Local voters interviewed by NBC 39 gave a mix of reasons for turning out. One said high gas and food prices made them hope the election could change things, while another said voting is a right and a way to feel like a good citizen. Lori Lott, the county's administrator of elections, told the station that preparing the county's 259 pieces of voting equipment is a three-day process.
Looking ahead
Early voting in Tennessee ran from Oct. 14 through Oct. 29. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and county election offices have until Monday, Nov. 23 to certify results. Raw 100.5 will report results for Jackson and Madison County as they become available.
Sources: Daily Deskline, Tennessee Secretary of State turnout reports as cited by Daily Deskline, NBC 39