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Early Voting Opens Strong in Putnam County 471 ballots cast on first day; Republicans lead early turnout
A portion of the voter affidavit signed during early voting highlights a lesser-known requirement: in primary elections, voters affirm party affiliation or intent under penalty of perjury. A local poll worker, who asked not to be identified, said the language surprised them during training and noted many voters may be unaware of it.
Early voting for the May 5 Putnam County primary election is off to a strong start, with 471 ballots cast on the first day, according to the Putnam County Election Commission.
A review of the early voting report shows Republican voters making up the majority of those participating on opening day, providing an early snapshot of voter engagement across the county.
A review of the early voting report shows Republican voters making up the majority of those participating on opening day, providing an early snapshot of voter engagement across the county.
Breakdown by District
The first-day totals span precincts across Putnam County (Note: early voting is cast at the Election Commission):
- Precinct 1A Capshaw: 44 total voters, including 36 R and 8 D
- Precinct 2A Northeast: 31 total voters, including 23 R and 8 D
- Precinct 3A University: 10 total voters, including 4 R and 6 D
- Precinct 4A Burks Middle School: 21 total voters, including 16 R and 5 D
- Precinct 4B Monterey City: 6 total voters, all 6 R
- Precinct 4C Poplar Grove: 6 total voters, including 5 R and 1 D
- Precinct 5A Cookeville Community Center: 15 total voters, including 12 R and 3 D
- Precinct 5C Prescott South: 23 total voters, all 23 R
- Precinct 6A Cane Creek: 39 total voters, including 29 R and 10 D
- Precinct 7A Burgess Falls: 35 total voters, including 32 R and 3 D
- Precinct 7D Twin Oak: 16 total voters, including 12 R and 4 D
- Precinct 8E Buffalo Valley: 5 total voters, all 5 R
- Precinct 8G Upperman: 22 total voters, including 17 R and 4 D
- Precinct 9B Double Springs: 56 total voters, including 53 R and 3 D
- Precinct 10A Pavilion: 32 total voters, including 28 R and 4 D
- Precinct 11A Bangham: 19 total voters, including 13 R and 6 D
- Precinct 11B: 26 total voters, including 24 R and 2 D
- Precinct 12A Algood: 65 total voters, including 58 R and 7 D
Early voting in Putnam County is conducted at a central location, the Election Commission at 705 County Services Dr., Cookeville, rather than individual precincts. Voters can take advantage of early voting from April 15 through April 30, Voters may cast a ballot at this location during the early voting period regardless of their home precinct. On Election Day, voters must report to their assigned precinct.
During the Primary vote, voters must select which political party’s primary ballot they wish to cast. Tennessee does not require party registration, but voters are required to declare a bona fide affiliation with the party whose ballot they request.
During the Primary vote, voters must select which political party’s primary ballot they wish to cast. Tennessee does not require party registration, but voters are required to declare a bona fide affiliation with the party whose ballot they request.
As part of the process, each voter signs a declaration affirming:
- They are eligible to vote in the election
- They have not already voted
- They will not attempt to vote again
- They are a bona fide member of, or intend to affiliate with, the selected party
This declaration is made under penalty of perjury which is also covered for poll workers during their training.
Providing false information or attempting to vote improperly may result in legal consequences, including fines or prosecution under state law. Election officials emphasize that this requirement helps ensure the integrity of the election process.
While the first day shows a clear early advantage in Republican participation, election data reflects that early voting trends often evolve over time. Opening day typically reflects highly engaged voters, with broader turnout building throughout the early voting period and into Election Day.
Residents across Putnam County are encouraged to participate and make a plan to vote. Early voting will continue through April 30 ahead of Election Day on May 5. As turnout grows, participation across precincts and parties will provide a clearer picture of voter engagement in this year’s primary.
For now, the takeaway is straightforward: early numbers offer insight, but the final outcome depends on full participation from voters across the county.
