Early voters pour into polls

Wilson County Commissioner of Elections Philip Warren's goal was to have as many registered voters as possible vote early to ease the crush on Election Day. For the final tally of early voters, it seems to be a clear case of mission accomplished.

Thursday was the last day to vote early in Tennseee, and the commission's final count shows 30,925 votes cast since Oct. 17. Thursday alone, 1,055 people voted in Lebanon and 1,219 in Mt. Juliet.  

"The totals look good; 42 percent of our 76,000 registered voters have voted early," Warren said. "It exceeds our expectations."

He credits the high turnout with getting the word out early and often about the advantages of early voting.

"You all have done a great job of getting the word out," he said. "We tried to put it in everything we've done for the past year, and Wilson County has been paying attention."

He said not only had a lot of voters chosen to vote early, but early voting also went smoothly at all four county locations.

I credit the voters and our staff. We have well trained, good workers. He said the feedback he has gotten is election commission workers were upbeat and cheerful throughout the process.

"That makes a big difference," Warren said. " We've heard that from all over the county. I'm very proud of our workers."

Now, it's on to Election Day on Tuesday, and Warren is certain the voting machines will hold up.

"We plan on it to go well, we plan for everything," he said. "Optimism and preparation are the keys."

So once Election Day is in the books, it will be a case of no rest for the weary.

"For the next year it will be list maintenance, making sure people are where they're supposed," he said. "There will be no rest for us, but it will be without the pressure of an election coming up."

So it's on to Election Day and getting the contests, local and national in the books.

"Wilson County has great people; the voters have been wonderful," Warren said. "I think we've done an excellent job for a county with 76,000 voters, and I think Election Day will go well."

Staff writer Mary Hinds may be reached at 615-444-3952, ext. 45 or maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com.