Madison County officials prepare for Election Day

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — In less than 24 hours, Tennessee voters will have their last opportunity to vote in the state primary and county general election.

“We’re just excited. We’ve prepared for months for this election — now it’s happening,” Madison County Administrator of Elections Kim Buckley said. “Hoping a lot of people will come out and vote tomorrow.”

Wednesday morning, polling officers pulled into the Election Commission preparing for the big day.

“You pick up all your equipment and everything. I’m ready for it,” polling officer Linda Piner said. “I was able to work during the early election and enjoy that, and we’re ready for a big day tomorrow.”

During the last two weeks of July, more than 6,000 people took advantage of early voting. Even though more than 60,000 Madison County residents are registered, according to officials the county averages 12,000 to 13,000 voters during the state elections.

“Hopefully we’ll do better than that,” Buckley said. “But I would expect at least about 6,000 or 7,000 people tomorrow.”

Although voters were able to cast their ballots early at the Election Commission, that won’t be the case come Election Day. Voters will only be allowed to vote at their assigned polling place.

“You have an assigned voting place. That place is not Madison County Election Commission office or the auditorium where you vote early,” Buckley said. “It’s another place.”

Thirty-three voting precincts are set up across Madison County at churches, community centers and schools. To find your polling location, check your voter registration card, call the Election Commission or visit their website.

“I’m looking forward to a bunch of people coming in to vote,” Piner said. “You need to execute your right and your privilege to vote every time there’s an election.”

Voters must show a photo ID issued by the state of Tennessee or the federal government in order to vote.