Early voting gets under way in Jackson
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Early voting kicked off Wednesday in Jackson as voters headed to the polls to cast ballots in the upcoming city election. “I think, you know, the mayor’s election of course is the big thing,” voter Mike Saunders said. Saunders said he always votes early and has a candidate he wants to support in this election. “I had talked to him several times, and I felt like he was going in the right direction, so I wanted to vote for him,” Saunders said. Madison County Administrator of Elections Kim Buckley said more people voted in the first hour Wednesday than in the entire first day of early voting four years ago. “I would anticipate a heavier turnout because the office of mayor has opposition in it this time,” Buckley said. Workers said the crowd has been consistent. Voters say they want their voices to be heard. “I want to have a say-so,” voter Marbry Hardin said. “I know it’s just one vote, but it is a say-so.” The election commission said the process does not take long because people are just voting for mayor and a city council member. Saunders said it is simple. “Everybody should try to get out and vote,” he said. “I mean, it’s such a privilege to do it, so you just need to take advantage of it.” Early voting runs through April 30. Voters can cast ballots Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Election day is May 5. You must have a state- or federal-issued photo ID in order to vote.
