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How Helene is changing election day

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How Helene is changing election day

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Early voting is set to begin in Tennessee in just a week.

But this year the election opens as East Tennessee continues to reel from the effects of Hurricane Helene. To ensure voters have access to the polls, some counties are taking precautions.

Many East Tennessee counties have extended hours for early voting. Find out about election office hours in your county at tnsos.org.

“The devastation in northeast Tennessee is heartbreaking and unimaginable,” Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said in an Oct. 9 news release. “However, I continue to be amazed at the planning and resilience of our local election officials.”

According to Unicoi County Elections Director Sarah Fain, people displaced by the flooding are still eligible to vote. Displaced people are advised to use their original address if they do not yet have a new permanent residence.

Here's a county-by-county breakdown of everything East Tennessee voters need to know.

Johnson County

Despite extensive flood damage in Johnson County, all polling locations will be ready by Election Day, according to Mike Fritts, chairman of the Johnson County Election Commission. The Trade Community Center is the final location to have power restored, which will occur in the coming days.

All early voting in Johnson County will take place at the National Guard Armory Facility, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City.

Carter County

According to Tracy Tanner-Harris, elections director for Carter County, two precincts in Carter County were damaged by the flooding, so the county opened alternate polling locations on Election Day.

Voters will attend Hampton Elementary School instead of Hampton High School, and Elk Mills Precinct voters will attend Little Milligan Elementary School on Election Day.

All early voting must be done at the Carter County Election Commission, 116 Holston Ave., Elizabethton.

Unicoi County

Fain said Temple Hill Elementary School voters will vote in the school library, not the gym, due to flood damage.

Individuals should enter the building directly via the library entrance on the left rear of the building.

Washington County

Voting in Washington County will continue as usual; There are no changes to the districts.

Early voting takes place at the following locations:

  • Johnson City Fire Station, 106 Gray Commons Circle, Gray.
  • Freedom Hall, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City.
  • Old Jonesborough Middle School, 308 Forest Drive, Jonesborough.
  • Washington College Academy, 116 Doak Lane, Limestone.

Greene County

No polling places in Greene County were damaged by the flooding, according to Justin Reaves, elections director. However, the county continues to offer extended hours for early voting.

Displaced residents who have already established a new permanent residence will receive help on a case-by-case basis. These individuals should call the county election office for more information.

Cocke County

No polling places in Cocke County were damaged and all will be operational on Election Day. However, the Cocke County Election Commission office has moved to 157 Western Plaza Drive, Newport.

Early voting will be held at the Western Plaza Shopping Center, 157 Western Plaza Drive, Newport.

When does early voting take place in Tennessee?

Early voting in Tennessee runs from Wednesday, October 16th to Thursday, October 31st.

When is Election Day 2024?

Election Day is November 5th. Find your polling place at go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov.

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