More Tennesseans cast an early ballot this year compared to the last midterms in 2022 — but not as many as the last open race for governor. Compared to 2018, when current Gov. Bill Lee was first elected, voter turnout was down 7% statewide.
Usually, about half of all registered voters vote early with the other half voting on Election Day. This time, roughly a quarter of all registered voters cast an early ballot.
Williamson County had the highest turnout in the state. The county was redistricted earlier this year, incorporating half of the county into Memphis’ new 9th Congressional District, stretching from the city in the southwest corner of the state up to the heart of Middle Tennessee. Two Memphis lawmakers, Democratic state Rep. Justin J. Pearson and Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor, are facing off for that district with little direct connection to the area…