Early voting for the May primary began Wednesday, with Putnam County election officials expecting a slight increase in turnout.
Putnam County Administrator of Elections Jennifer Murphy said early voting always starts 20 days before an election and ends five days before election day. Murphy said turnout for early voting in May elections is typically lower than in larger election cycles.
“Normally, we don’t have a lot of contested races,” Murphy said. “And this time, we have several offices that are contested. So hopefully that’s going to bring out a few more people to come out and early vote.”
Murphy said early voting will take place at the Election Commission office, located at 705 County Services Drive in Cookeville. Murphy said voters are only required to bring a valid Tennessee or federal government-issued photo ID.
“That is all that’s required,” Murphy said. “A voter wallet card, what you receive in the mail from our office, that is not required. It does just help us look you up during early voting, but it is not required.”
While some voters may be hesitant about lines, Murphy said early voting generally allows for a quicker experience compared to Election Day.
“You get to come in and hopefully not wait in line,” Murphy said. “We can usually move people through the line much more quickly.”
Early voting for the May primary runs from April 15 through April 30. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 5pm, Thursdays from 8am to 7pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.