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How does early voting turnout compare to 2020? It depends on where you live.
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How does early voting turnout compare to 2020? It depends on where you live.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — With the election just eight days away and early voting underway in Tennessee, the big question is: Have you voted yet?

After looking at early voting numbers statewide, county by county, the answer depends on where you live.

How do these totals compare to the same time during the last presidential election in 2020?

Figures released by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office reveal large swings in voter turnout leading up to last Friday.

For example, the two counties with the biggest declines in early voting participation compared to the same time last year are Shelby County, with a 33% drop, and Nashville’s Davidson County, with a 21% drop.

Montgomery County also made the list of the top 10 counties with the biggest decline so far in early voter turnout, down 13%.

But other counties tell a different story: DeKalb County leads the state in percentage voter turnout increase since 2020; An increase of 35%. Greene County in East Tennessee is seeing a 30% increase in early voting so far, and Maury County is seeing nearly the same.

Of course, 2020 was a different time; It was seemingly a world away. Amid the COVID pandemic, it’s possible this has something to do with rising early voting numbers in many counties.

Looking at the numbers, the data shows that counties that have shown a decline in early voting participation so far are seeing an increase compared to eight years ago, in 2016.

Road trip to see some of our neighbors’ best Halloween decorations

Halloween is just a few days away. This year, Americans are expected to spend nearly $12 billion on candy, costumes and decorations. In the last few years, it seems like a lot more people are trying to decorate their homes. Forrest Sanders had the chance to visit several communities in the central part of the state to check out some of the Halloween decorations.

-Lelan Statom