Early Voting Set to Begin Soon
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Early Voting Set to Begin Soon
By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]
Scott County voters will have the opportunity to cast a ballot ahead of August’s Election Day as Tennessee’s early voting begins Friday, July 17, 2026. Early voting continues until Saturday, August 1, 2026, for citizens seeking to participate in the State and Federal Primary and County General Election. In Scott County, early voting will be available at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville and Oneida City Hall.
Eligible residents who are not yet registered to vote should note that the voter registration deadline is Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Voters who qualify to vote by mail must submit their absentee ballot request no later than Monday, July 27, 2026.
Though 2026 local primaries have caused both confusion and frustration, the August election will serve purposed two-fold. At the state and federal level, it gives Republican and Democrat voters a chance to select their party’s nominees for offices including Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate, Tennessee House of Representatives, and State Executive Committees. The winners of these party primaries will advance to the November midterm General Election, which is seen as a pivotal one as control of the federal house and senate hangs in the balance.
At the local level, however, August serves as a General Election, where voters will directly elect county and local officials to soon take office. Scott County voters will choose candidates for County Mayor, County Sheriff, County Commission, School Board, as well as several other constitutional offices, including County Trustee and County Clerk.
“It’s been challenging to help everyone understand the process,” Gabe Krahn, Scott County’s Administrator of Elections, told SCN, earlier this year. Much of that confusion stemmed from the local primary process, as Krahn noted that public awareness remains a key focus in Scott County elections.
For those interested, early voting offers a convenient alternative to voting on Election Day, allowing voters greater flexibility – particularly with wide summer travel – while helping to reduce Election Day lines. Whether casting a ballot early or on the August 6th Election Day, every eligible voter is encouraged by SCN to participate in selecting the leaders who will represent Scott County and Tennessee.
Election Day is Thursday, August 6. For early voting hours, sample ballots, and additional election information, visit VoteScottTN.gov.
