Early voting in presidential primary starts today

Feb. 15– Early voting began today, giving registered Tennessee voters the opportunity to cast ballots for the March 6 presidential preference primary.

This is the first statewide election in which voters are required to show photo identification.

Hardin County Administrator of Elections Marilyn Adams is encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting if they wish.

"Early voting offers a convenient way for voters to cast their ballot without worrying about making it to the polls on Election Day," said Adams. "The added flexibility allows individuals to work voting into their already busy schedules.

Early voting is conducted at the local election commission office in the basement of the Hardin County Courthouse.

The office is open for early voting weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., including the lunch hour. Saturday early voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Feb. 28 is the last day to vote early.

Voters will need to present a state or federal issued photo ID in order to vote in person, whether during early voting or on Election Day.

"I thank the county election officials and others who have worked diligently to ensure that voters are aware of the new requirement," said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. "I am confident that their hard work will make this historic election a success."

Examples of acceptable forms of ID, whether current or expired, include driver licenses, U.S. passports, Department of Safety photo ID cards, U.S. military photo IDs and other state or federal government photo ID cards, College students are not acceptable.

People who forget to bring photo IDs with them to the polls can cast provisional ballots, and then return to their local county election commission office within two business days after the election to present their valid photo IDs.

More information about the new law is available by calling 877-850-4959, or visit the Division of Elections website at www.GoVoteTN.com