Q: If I voted in May, do I need to vote again in August?
A: YES, this is a completely different election than the one in May. That one was a Local Primary Election and this is the Local General Election.
Q: What is the difference between a Primary Election and a General Election?
A: A Primary Election is like a preliminary election. The purpose of a Primary is to determine who will be on the General Ballot.
Q: Why are many of the candidates on the August ballot the same ones that were on the May ballot?
A: In May, there were really two different elections. There was the Republican Primary and a Democratic Primary. The top vote getter(s) in the Republican Primary and the top vote getter(s) in the Democratic Primary now advance to the General Election were they will compete against each other as well as any Independent candidates that have qualified. The winners of this General Election will be the office holders for the next four years. So even if you voted for your favorite candidate in May, you need to vote again in August.
Q: In order to vote, will I have to say if I am a Republican or Democrat?
A: Maybe. All voters will receive the Local General Ballot which will include all local candidates regardless of political party affiliation. If that is all you want to vote in, then you do not have to identify a party. However, if you choose to also participate in the State/Federal Primary election, then you will be asked to identify which ballot you would like to receive.
Q: How do I know where I need to go to vote?
A: You will find your voting location on your Voter Registration card. You can also access this information on the GoVoteTN app. Of Course, you are always welcome to call the Election Office at 989-4039 and we will be happy to check that for you.
Q: Why did you close the polling place that I have voted at all my life?
A: Unfortunately, in recent years, the county has struggled to provide funding for elections. This year, in an effort to cut costs, the County Commission asked us to close and consolidate as many of the polling locations as possible.
Q: Which polling places did you close?
A: Voters who have historically voted at Harmony (Estes church of Christ) were moved to the Sweetlips Precinct. Voters from Deanburg were moved to the Montezuma Precinct. Voters who have been voting at Beech Springs Baptist and the Friendship Community Center were consolidated and now all of those voters will vote at The Laurel Venue.
Q: Doesn’t voting in a venue cost a lot more than voting in a community center?
A: Not in this case. The Beachys, who own The Laurel, have graciously offered to let us use their facility at no cost. They are excited to be able to support our local community in this way.
Q: Do I have to vote at the location that is listed on my Voter Registration Card?
A: If you choose to vote on Election Day (August 6), then the law does require you to vote in your residential location. Every registered voter is eligible to vote during Early Voting at the Election Annex located at 126 Crook Ave., in Henderson.
Q: What if I am not able to get to Early Voting or my precinct on election day?
A: You may be able to vote an Absentee ballot by mail. Voters who wish to utilize this type of voting should contact our office as soon as possible. It is a multi-step process and we want to ensure there is enough time to get your ballot back before close of polls on Election night. There is one thing to remember, you must have voted in person before you are able to vote absentee because we have to validate voter identity. Contact our office with any questions you may have.
Q: What do I need to bring to be able to vote?
A: Voters must present an acceptable Tennessee or Federal identification. The most common forms of ID are Tennessee Driver’s License, Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit, Passport or Military ID> Out of state identification is not acceptable. If you have moved within the county, but have not changed your address with the Election office, please try to get that fixed before Election Day. If you need to change your address on Election Day, you will need to bring proof of your new address.
Q: When does voting take place?
A: Early Voting takes place at 126 Crook Ave., in Henderson, Tennessee, from July 17 through August 1. Voting will open daily at 10 a.m. Voting will close at 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is the late voting night, where the poll is open until 7 p.m. There will also be voting on Saturdays until 1 p.m.
Election Day voting will take place August 6. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
