Early Voting Begins Wednesday, October 16

With all that has been going on the last two and a half weeks, voting may not have been top of mind for some. But, we are three weeks out from what some claim is the most important presidential election since 1860. November 5 is three weeks from today, and that is the day that Americans will head to the polls for the state and federal election. Early voting begins tomorrow. In Cocke County, early voting will once again be held at the Western Plaza Shopping Center.

Hours for early voting will be 9am to 5pm weekdays, and Saturdays from 9am to noon. The last two days for early voting are October 30 & 31. Hours those two days will be 9am to 6pm.

You must be registered to vote to cast a ballot. Voters who vote in-person must show a valid photo ID issued by the Tennessee or federal government, such as a Tennessee driver license or a VA card with photo. College IDs or out of state drivers’ licenses are not valid forms of ID.

Cocke County Administer of Elections Josh Blanchard says Tennessee law forbids Clothing or items attached to clothing that bear the name of a candidate or a position on the ballot, or items for or against a candidate on the ballot, in the polling place and inside the 100-foot campaign boundary of the doors of the polling site. Those who do not vote early will have to vote on November 5 at their regular polling place. Hours for voting on Election Day are 9am to 8pm. For more information, go to CockeCountyElections.org, call the election commission office at 423-623-2042, or visit the office at 157 Western Plaza.