Long lines and scarce parking: Tennesseans show out in droves for the first day of early voting

On the first day of early voting, Nashvillians came out in droves to cast their ballot for the 2024 election.

At the Green Hills Public Library, cars lined the main road and pulled into the grass, as drivers circled the parking lot for a spot.

Today’s the first day of early voting in Tennessee, and the Green Hills polling place in Nashville is PACKED — people have taken to parking off the main road. pic.twitter.com/ulnCYD2zEX

— Marianna Bacallao (@MariannaBac) October 16, 2024

Inside the library, a line with a more than hourlong wait curved around the bookshelves. Waiting near the YA section, regular early voter Donna, who declined to give her last name, told WPLN News she’s glad for the line.

“It’s amazing,” Donna said. “I remember back in the days when people didn’t ever turn out to vote. So, I think the interest in politics and voting is the right thing for people.”

While the line comprised of many regular early voters, nurse Ariel Meyer said she picked the day because it worked with her schedule.

“I work during normal voting hours. So, today was the time to come in before the election,” Meyer said.

Farther ahead in line, Stacey Schlitz said abortion access was the big issue that brought her to the polls early.

“This is a very important election, and I want to make sure that my vote is counted,” Schlitz said. “I believe in a woman’s right to choose, and I think that a vote for Kamala Harris is going to change the current trend in the country.”

While well-established polling places like Green Hills and Edmonson libraries boasted long lines, voters at Nashville’s newest early voting site didn’t have nearly as long of a wait.

And…parking reports from the Green Hills Library are also ☹. The Lentz Public Health Center is only ~4 miles away, Green Hills Early Voters. With a nice parking lot. Hillwood High School is a 5 mile drive! Parking available….

— Davidson County Elections (@DavidsonVotes) October 16, 2024

The Lentz Public Health building is now among 12 other locations to cast an early ballot through Oct. 31.