In Tennessee, Democratic voters outpace GOP in early voting growth

The number of Tennesseans voting early in the Democratic primaries has risen sharply from the last two midterms, outpacing the growth of GOP voters.

Both parties saw higher turnout than previous elections, up roughly 30% from the last midterm election in 2022 — and up slightly from the last with an open governor’s race in 2018. Gubernatorial elections usually draw more voters.

Compared to 2018, the number of Democratic early voters was up nearly 7% while Republican voters increased by less than 1%.

Tennessee’s mid-decade redistricting may have boosted Democratic turnout. Counties that were split between different congressional districts account for some of the starkest gaps between Republican and Democratic voters.

Once considered a Republican stronghold, Williamson County’s Democratic turnout grew at nearly double the rate of GOP voters there, the difference between a 35% and 65% increase.

MORE: Tennessee redrew its congressional map. Here’s who’s on your primary ballot.

The biggest explosion of Democratic early voters was in Washington County, which includes Johnson City in the eastern corner of the state. Compared to 2018 turnout, voters asking for a Democratic ballot there increased nearly 116%, despite Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District being among the least affected during redistricting.

Early voting ended Saturday. Primary election day is Thursday, Aug. 6.