More Tennesseans voting early

(The Center Square) – Nearly 77,000 Tennesseans went to the polls on the first two days of early voting for the Aug. 6 primary, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State's Office.

The turnout is 50% higher than in 2022 and 23% higher than in 2018.

Democratic turnout is 82.1% higher than in 2022, when Jason Martin squared off against two challengers to win the governor nomination. When compared to the 2018 primary won by former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean over two candidates in the gubernatorial contest, the numbers are 39.4% higher, according to the results.

This year's Democratic candidates for governor are Carnita Atwater, Tim Cyr, Jerri Green, Adam Kurtz and Kevin Lee McCants.

Republican turnout has also increased from the two previous gubernatorial elections, with 20.5% more voters going to the polls early this year than in 2018, the last contested Republican gubernatorial primary. Gov. Bill Lee defeated five candidates to take that nomination. He was not opposed in 2022. The statistics show that more than 48% additional voters have cast their ballots this year when compared to 2022.

This year, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, state Rep. Monty Fritts and U.S. Rep. John Rose are vying for the Republican nomination.

Voter turnout increased the most in Davidson County, increasing by 515.84% in 2022 and 312.64% in 2018. Davidson County also has a triple-digit increase in the number of Democratic voters when compared to 2018 and 2022, according to the secretary of state's office.

Early voting continues until Aug. 1.