NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's the longest ballot in Nashville history and you can start voting on it Friday, July 15.
Residents will be voting in two elections: the primary for state and federal elections and the general election for local races.
Officials are sending out a warning ahead of voting this year to be prepared ahead of time because of the one-of-a-kind lengthy ballot. It includes races for candidates running for governor, Congress and the state legislature. On the local level that includes school board members, mayors and judges.
Because of its length, voters are encouraged to read through the ballot at home. That will not only prepare them for what's to come the day of, but also speed up the process for everyone involved.
The first day of the election also wrought some confusion for voters in Davidson County. Some voters showed up to early voting locations which don't open until Wednesday, July 20.
The county opens the Howard Office Building site first for most elections. That location was open Friday.
"I went to Madison Library first," said voter Chayla Chasten. The library is one of the eleven voting sites in the county. Chasten said she checked the county website and realized her error, heading to the Howard polling place afterwards.
"I figured I'd get a jump on it because sometimes I wait to long and then I have to do the whole thing. I just had a baby. So, I wanted to get out here before everybody else was and put the vote in," she said.
Davidson County Administrator of Elections, Jeff Roberts, said it's expected to be a big turnout in the county.
"We're thinking 120-130,000. Somewhere in that range," said Roberts.
Once all of the early voting sites in the city are open, voters can go to any one they choose. Unlike election day, the county opens the locations for the convenience of voters.
Early voting runs through July 30. Election Day is August 4. If you choose to vote absentee and you send it through the mail, you'll need to buy extra stamps because of the weight.
Nashville's full sample ballot is available for viewing now.
