Early voting concludes, primary election Thursday

The early voting period concluded Saturday in Cocke County for the August 1 state primary and county general election.

Cocke County Administrator of Elections Josh Blanchard reports that a total of 1,414 early and absentee ballots were cast from July 12-27. It is anticipated the number of absentee ballots will increase through Thursday, the last day for the election commission to receive mail-in ballots.

This August 1 election features a contested primary for U.S. Senate on both the Republican and Democratic ballots, a contested primary for U.S. House of Representatives on the Democratic ballot and several other uncontested races.

“I am pleased with the early voting turnout considering how light the ballot is in Cocke County this time,” Blanchard said. “Turnout for this election is exceeding my expectations. I encourage everyone who wants to vote in the state primary and who missed early voting to cast their ballots Thursday at their assigned poling place.”

Voting hours for Thursday are 9 a.m through 8 p.m. Below are some precinct specifics to know.

Central Precinct (Newport Community Center) now votes in gym. Voters at the Central precinct (Newport Community Center) will vote on the lower level of the community center in the gym and can access the gym through the new entrance that faces Cosby Highway. Voters will no longer access the Newport Community Center from the old upper-level entrance off Prospect Ave.

Armory votes in drill hall. Voters at the Armory precinct will vote in the drill hall (large multi-purpose area) instead of the classroom. This is where voting was held in March earlier this year but a different location than 2022.

Cocke County High precinct votes in the cafeteria. Voters assigned to CCHS will vote in the cafeteria. This is where voting was held in March earlier this year but a different location than 2022.

Northport precinct is at the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Building. The election commission reminds voters that the Northport precinct has moved to the DAV Building at 148 Pine St. Look for the DAV sign (white with red letters) off North St (Hwy 321) and go to the top of the hill.

If voters are unsure of their polling place, they may called the election commission office weekdays at (423) 623-2042 or use the online voter lookup tool at GoVoteTN.gov. For more information visit CockeCountyElections.org.