143,000 Davidson County voters cast early ballots

More than 143,000 people in Davidson County cast early ballots in the 2026 midterm elections. This figure represents roughly one third of the city’s registered active voters.

Statewide turnout for early voting was down 7 percent compared to 2018, the year Bill Lee was first elected governor. While more Tennesseans voted early this year than in the 2022 midterms, participation lagged behind the previous open race for the top executive position.

Historically, about half of all registered voters in Tennessee cast ballots before Election Day. This cycle, only a quarter of registered voters participated during the early voting period.

Williamson County recorded the highest early voting turnout in the state. The county was redistricted earlier in 2026, with half of its area moving into the new 9th Congressional District. That district stretches from Memphis in the southwest corner of the state to the heart of Middle Tennessee.

Democratic state Rep. Justin J. Pearson and Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor are competing for the 9th District seat. Both lawmakers represent Memphis and have limited direct ties to the Williamson County portion of the district. Part of Williamson County also falls within the new 5th Congressional District.

Memphis and its surrounding counties saw above-average turnout compared to other parts of the state, though they did not match the numbers from Williamson County. The new congressional maps are designed to send an all-Republican delegation to Washington for the first time in Tennessee history. Both congressional races are among the most competitive in the state. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.