Editors Note: Our previous headline was confusing, leading many to believe that early voting sites were closed. That is not the case. Libraries were offering curbside service, but that service has been suspended due to the heat. We're sorry for the confusion.
Curbside pickup at public libraries in Nashville serving as early voting sites has ended for the remainder of the early voting period, the Davidson County Election Commission announced Saturday.
This change is due to heat indexes of over 100 degrees in the forecast for the next several days.
For the protection of voters during the heat emergency as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the libraries will be closed to all but voters from July 18 until the early voting period ends August 6.
"We appreciate the flexibility of Nashville Public Library patrons and staff, as we navigate conducting an election during two health emergencies," said Davidson County Administrator of Elections Jeff Roberts. “Normally, voters can queue inside the library as they wait their turn to vote, but social distancing requirements limited that number. After Director Chief Swann, Nashville Fire Department/OEM, declared a heat emergency on Friday, Library Director Kent Oliver and his leadership team took immediate action to open their buildings and bring voters in from the heat.”
Library locations impacted by this change are the Bellevue, Bordeaux, Edmonson Pike, Green Hills, Hermitage, Madison and Southeast branches.
In addition to social distancing, COVID-19 safety protocols at early voting locations include poll officials wearing personal protective equipment, the availability of hand sanitizer upon entry and exit, one-use pens and recyclable ballot marking devices.
Voters should also wear a mask.
A complete early voting schedule and maps to each early voting site can be found at the Nashville Election Commission web page.
