October 31, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County has just recorded the largest turnout ever for early voting in an election.
During the 14 days of early voting for the November 5 election, a total of 6,397 cast ballots. There are currently 14,085 registered voters in DeKalb County.
On Thursday, October 31 the last day of early voting saw a turnout of 399 including 394 in person and 5 by absentee.
Election day voting Tuesday, November 5 will be from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at all 12 precincts in DeKalb County. WJLE will have LIVE election return coverage starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday when the polls close.
Four years ago in November 4,606 cast ballots during early voting locally. For the entire election in November 2020 (election day, early voting, and absentees) 8,542 voted in DeKalb County. Eight years ago in November 2016, a total of 7,065 people voted in DeKalb County including 3,073 on election day and 3,992 early votes/absentee.
The turnout for early voting each day was as follows:
Wednesday, October 16: A total of 643 including 492 in person, 100 by absentee, and 51 at the nursing home/Webb House.
Thursday, October 17: A total of 465 including 452 in person and 13 by absentee
Friday, October 18: A total of 530 including 521 in person and 9 by absentee
Saturday, October 19: A total of 323 including 314 in person and 9 by absentee
Monday, October 21: A total of 431 including 425 in person and 6 by absentee
Tuesday, October 22: A total of 776 including 551 in Smithville at the courthouse, 205 in Alexandria at the fairgrounds, and 20 by absentee.
Wednesday, October 23: A total of 362 including 359 in person and 3 by absentee
Thursday, October 24: A total of 346 including 326 in person and 20 by absentee
Friday, October 25: A total of 365 including 359 in person and 6 by absentee
Saturday, October 26: A total of 329 including 322 in person and 7 by absentee
Monday, October 28: A total of 317 including 301 in person and 16 by absentee
Tuesday, October 29 a total of 812 people voted in DeKalb County including 499 in Smithville , 300 in Alexandria, and 13 by absentee.
Wednesday, October 30 a total of 299 people voted in DeKalb County including 292 in person and 7 by absentee.
Thursday, October 31 a total of 399 voted including 394 in person and 5 by absentee
On the ballot this year is the Presidential election as well as races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives (District 6), Tennessee Senate (District 16), and Tennessee House of Representatives (District 40).
In DeKalb County, two referendums are on the ballot regarding a $50 wheel tax and the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $65 million for a judicial center and jail.