Election officials calling for residents to register to vote as the October 5 deadline approaches for the November general election.
Fentress County Administrator of Elections Joey Williams said the close proximity of the cutoff date makes physical registration the most reliable method for those seeking to join the voter rolls.
“If you come into the courthouse or our election office, we will give you a voter registration application and you will fill that out complete and we’ll take that and get you registered,” Williams said.
Williams said residents can also utilize the state website to register from a computer or mobile device if they possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license. The registration deadline applies to the November 3 election.
Williams said the office can accept applications from individuals who are currently 17 as long as they turn 18 by election day. Staff members have already begun visiting local schools to facilitate this process for students.
The state uses the Department of Safety database to verify signatures for those who choose to register through the GoVoteTN website.
Voters who are already registered but have moved or changed their names must update their documentation to reflect their current status. Williams said failing to update an address is the most significant challenge officials face during the voting process.
“You show up and they ask you if you’re still at 32 Main Street, ‘No I’ve moved,'” Williams said. “So I’ve got to pull you to the side and get your or that poll official and they’ve got to call us and we’ve got to look their address up and send them to their correct precinct.”
Residents can verify their current registration status, find their polling location, or view a sample ballot by using the state mobile app. Williams said the office also remains available by phone to assist voters with questions about their status.
