Early voting for the metro election began today. Election officials hope this year’s hotly contested mayoral race will draw more people back to the polls.

Historically, over half the voters that show up for the general election do not vote in the run-off.

Ray Barrett, Davidson County Election Administrator, says this is due in large part to the fact that many previous mayoral races weren’t contested in the run-off.

But with this year’s mayoral race still up in the air, Barrett expects more people at the polls.

“We think with all the candidates running—you’ve got some good candidates for mayor, councilman at large, and eight districts. We’re hoping it will bring the voters back out.”

In 40 years of Metro Elections there have only been three times when a run-off has brought out as many voters as the general election.

Last week the metro election commission voted to open more early voting sites. Through August 28th, the only location open for early voting will be the Davidson Country Election Office. All sites will be open August 29th through September 6th.

For a complete listing of the early voting schedule, click here. (outside link)