Thousands of Hamilton County voters are voting early, but this year’s election lacks some sizzle, according to figures from the Hamilton County Election Commission.
In 2006 — a comparable year because it did not feature a presidential election but had a gubernatorial race — more than 40,000 voters got to the polls early, said Hamilton County Elections Administrator Charlotte Mullis Morgan. There are 210,000 registered voters in Hamilton County.
This year, early voters have totaled a fewer than 11,000.
“This is the last week of early voting,” she said. “It might make a difference. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
The high-profile races on the ballot this year are the gubernatorial election and the U.S. House 3rd and 4th District races. There also are a handful of state House races and one state Senate race.
Richard Wilson, a professor of political science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, said 2006 featured a high-profile race for U.S. Senate between former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, a Republican, and former U.S. Rep., Harold Ford Jr., a Democrat.
“That was a pretty spirited race, and turnout was higher,” Wilson said. “My guess is the gubernatorial race is not as spirited at this time. Of course, we have a week to go, so we might get a surge toward the end.”
Voters have ample opportunity with four early voting locations with extended hours. Early voting ends Oct. 28, and the general election is Nov. 2.
KEY DATES
* Early voting ends Oct. 28.
* General election is Nov. 2.
Early voting times and locations
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday
* Brainerd Recreation Center, 1010 North Moore Road
* Northgate Mall, next to Science Theater
* Eastwood Church, 4300 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road
8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
* Election Commission, 700 River Terminal Road
Source: Hamilton County Election Commission
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