The Cumberland County Election Commission is moving forward with early voting plans despite a recent fire that forced the office into a temporary location.
The elections office moved into a temporary location at 2876 North Main Street in Crossville at the former Lansford Kawaski site after a fire caused major damage. Cumberland County Administrator of Elections Jill Davis said crews have been working quickly to prepare the new site ahead of voting.
“Well, we’ve been very busy trying to get ready for that everything is going well,” Davis said. “We expect to be open Wednesday morning for early voting.”
Early voting will begin Wednesday and run through April 30, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, at the temporary location on North Main Street. Davis said the biggest challenge will be making sure voters are aware of the location change.
“We just need to get the word out that the new location is on North Main Street now instead of Northside Drive,” Davis said. “We’ve put it in the paper, and we will be advertising on the radios.”
Davis said the fire destroyed several key pieces of equipment, including voting machines, electronic poll pads, and precinct supplies. However, Davis said replacements have already been secured.
“We do have all of our machines replaced, and the supplies are coming in every day,” Davis said. “We’ll be ready for election day and early voting as well.”
Importantly, Davis said no voter data was lost in the fire. As early voting approaches, Davis said she wants to remind residents to come prepared.
“Just come to our new location and have your Tennessee or federal photo ID ready to vote,” Davis said.
Despite the disruption, Davis said voters should expect a smooth process as the county moves forward with the upcoming election.
