Tennessee Early Voting Surges Past 2022 Midterms
Tennessee voters cast 1,280,642 ballots during the 14-day early voting period for the 2026 midterm elections, marking a 45.15% increase compared to the same point in the 2022 election, according to data from the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Division of Elections. While the turnout outpaced the 2022 midterm cycle, it remained 98,198 ballots, or 7.12%, lower than the 1,378,840 early and absentee ballots cast during the 2018 midterms.
The 14-day early voting window concluded on Thursday, Oct. 29. State figures show that the final day alone drew 150,355 voters, representing a 35.06% jump from the same day in 2022 and a 21.55% increase over 2018, as reported by WSMV. The statewide totals include in-person early voters, absentee by-mail ballots and voters at licensed facilities.
How Turnout Compares Across Tennessee Counties
According to state records, 94 counties have higher 2026 cumulative numbers through 14 days than they did at this stage in 2022. However, when measured against the 2018 midterms, the geographic distribution of voters shifted significantly across urban centers and newly redrawn legislative districts.
Shelby County led the state with 183,896 early and absentee voters. That total stands over 52% higher than 2022 and sits 2.5% below the county’s 2018 early voting turnout. Davidson County recorded 148,556 early and absentee voters, marking a 57% increase from 2022 but an 8% decline compared to 2018, according to Axios. Davidson County reported more than 100,000 early voters and no ballot marker complaints since earlier voter concerns.
Several counties surrounding Nashville surpassed their 2018 benchmarks:
- Rutherford County: 67,625 voters, up 2.5% from 2018.
- Sumner County: 37,491 voters, up 4.4%.
- Wilson County: 36,631 voters, up 2.5%.
- Maury County: 19,870 voters, up 1.2% from 2018.
- Montgomery County: 32,636 voters, up 4.8% from 2018.
Redrawn Congressional Districts Shape Competitive Races
The high participation rates in Middle and West Tennessee carry heightened stakes following the Tennessee legislature’s decision in May to redraw congressional boundaries. Republican lawmakers redrew district maps, dividing Shelby County among the 5th, 8th, and 9th congressional districts, and reshuffled Davidson County’s division among Districts 4, 6, and 7.
In the 9th Congressional District, Justin Pearson is defending a seat against Brent Taylor. Beginning near the Memphis airport along the state’s southern boundary, the territory reaches northward to incorporate a segment of Williamson County. Shelby County tallied 183,896 early votes, while Fayette County recorded 9,593 votes—exceeding 2018 figures by 0.45%. Williamson County logged 73,450 early votes, 1.4% behind 2018.
Meanwhile, the newly designed 5th Congressional District features a race involving Chaz Molder. Both Molder and Pearson received backing from the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee through its “Red to Blue” program. Candidates across Shelby County’s three congressional districts raised a combined $4.6 million in campaign funds during the third quarter.
Polling Locations and Election Day Schedule
Election Day takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polling places across the state remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Secretary of State’s office directs voters to GoVoteTN.gov for more information.
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