Wilson voters more than 75K strong

Wilson County Election Commissioner Philip Warren has his work cut out for him getting ready for the Nov. 6 General Election.

Warren had a good idea of the number of voters in the county Tuesday after the registration deadline came the day before.

"We have 75,713 now, and we'll have around 76,000 when we're through going through the mail," he said. "We've got quite a bit to process yet."

He said of the county's estimated 117,000 residents, having 76,000 registered to vote is a high percentage. Warren said he wants to see a high turnout at the polls in November.  

"We want all these people to vote," he said. "When you are in charge of elections, you get excited about all of them, especially one that includes a presidential election. It's wonderful."
 
Program to honor veterans, active duty service members
 
In a move to thank the people who make voting possible in our democracy, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, the Wilson County Election Commission and local veterans organizations are teaming up to encourage voters to honor active duty and veterans of our nations armed forces.

Hargett recently announced the “Tennessee Honor Vote” program that will provided citizens an opportunity to dedicate their votes in the November election to those who are serving or who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Voters who wish to participate may go to govotetn.com/honor or to the link on the Wilson County Election Commission's website at wilsonelections.com and post a personal message to one or more service members. The messages will be posted online for visitors to the site to read. Voters leaving a message will receive a button in the mail to wear when they come vote that says “I’m voting in honor of their service.”

Bob Haley, a veteran and Wilson County election commissioner, is heading up the program in Wilson County.

“This is another great way to show appreciation to those who served our country in the Armed Forces”, Haley said.

Dates to remember

Early voting for the Nov. 6 election is from Oct. 17 through Nov. 1. There are four locations to choose from in Wilson County, including the Watertown Community Center, Election Commission Office in Lebanon, Mt Juliet Community Center and Gladeville Community Center. All four locations will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m until 1 p.m.

The last day to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 30.

Warren said he encourages everyone to vote early and avoid rush and lines.

"Choose a pretty day, and don't forget your photo ID," Warren said.

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