Early voting underway

The voting machines are up and running, the ballots are ready and Warren County residents are already sporting their “I Voted” stickers as early voting gets underway for the Nov. 3 general election.

Early voting began Wednesday, Oct. 14, giving residents more than two weeks to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Voters will have until Thursday, Oct. 29, to take advantage of early voting, with additional locations opening next week to make the process more convenient.

Early voting is taking place at the rear of the Warren County Administrative Building at 201 Locust St. Warren County Administrator of Elections Susie Davenport said early voting hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 23, voters will also be able to cast their ballots at the Morrison Ruritan and Centertown CIC. Both locations will remain available through Oct. 29 and will observe the same early voting hours.

The ballot includes federal, state and local races, including the election of members of McMinnville's Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Voters will also be asked to consider three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution.

Davenport encouraged residents during Monday night's political forum to familiarize themselves with those amendments before arriving at the polls. The proposals contain lengthy language, and voters can review them in advance at GoVoteTN.gov.

Voters should also remember to bring an acceptable government-issued photo ID when heading to the polls.

For those unable to vote in person, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is Saturday, Oct. 24. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Election Commission by the close of business on Election Day.

Residents who prefer to vote on Election Day itself can do so Tuesday, Nov. 3, when Warren County polling locations will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

One location has changed since previous elections. Voters who previously cast their ballots at Three Star Mall will now vote across the road at the former Health Department building.