With turnout far exceeding 2020 election, votes still being cast in Knoxville after 10 p.m.

Liz Kellar, Knoxville News Sentinel
·3 min read

Voters who had been waiting in line since at least 8 p.m. at Ritta Elementary School were still casting votes around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to Elections Administrator Chris Davis.

The site had such heavy turnout for the midterm General Election that by 6 p.m. Tuesday voters were lined up at just one machine because ballots had to be printed out one by one. Anyone in line when polls closed at 8 p.m. could still vote, no matter how long it took.

Davis said results would be posted by 10:35 p.m., and would be 90% reported by then.

“We’re going to far exceed what we did on Election Day 2020. Far exceed," he said.

Earlier: Election Day turnout 'has been crazy' in Knox County

Just a heads up, Knox County residents. If you waited until this afternoon to cast your vote, you're not the only one. It's busy out there, and that has led to long lines at some polling locations.

Don't wait too long.

Knox County Elections Administrator Chris Davis said he heard anecdotally of Election Day wait times ranging from just a few minutes up to two hours.

"The turnout has been crazy," said Davis, who flat out said wait times were due to voters choosing to cast their ballots on Election Day instead of participating in early voting that's offered in Tennessee over several weeks beforehand.

Bearden High School seems to be a hot spot for wait time complaints.

Davis said one printer issue delayed voting at Shoreline Church, but that had been resolved. Additional printers were taken to polling locations in Halls and Farragut to keep things moving.

Voters stand in line to cast their ballot at the Bearden High School.
Voters stand in line to cast their ballot at the Bearden High School.

"I've been telling election workers to take their time with each voter" and not worry about lines, he said. "I'd rather have long lines than have ballots getting screwed up."

Polls close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. can vote, no matter how long it takes.

On the ballot: The midterm elections are today. Here's what Tennessee voters need to know to prepare

Voters casting ballots today must go to their specific neighborhood polling site. To find your polling place, use the Voting Location Search at kgis.org.

Everyone must show ID when they vote. These IDs can be used, even if they're expired:

  • Tennessee driver license with your photo

  • U.S. passport

  • Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

  • Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government

  • U.S. military photo ID

  • Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo

This can help keep the lines moving, too: Read up on the candidates before you go with our election questionnaires.

And here's a simple list of who's on the ballot in Knox County. Your ballot will be customized to your district.

And, of course, check knoxnews.com after 8 p.m. for Tennessee election results!

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County midterm voters turnout has 'been crazy' on Election Day