RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - The Volunteer State keeps finding creative ways to encourage citizens to exercise one of their most important rights—voting. And here in Rutherford County, a lot goes on behind the scenes to make the process as easy and accessible as possible for registered voters.
EARLY VOTING
EARLY VOTING is one of the biggest boosts to participation. It stretches the opportunity to vote over a two‑week period, beginning 20 days before each election and ending 5 days prior. For the upcoming election, that means Early Voting runs October 14–29, 2026, giving residents plenty of time to cast their ballots.
But voting actually started even earlier. Rutherford County Election Administrator Alan Farley told WGNS News, “That occurred last week in senior living facilities. State law requires us to go to senior living facilities in our county and allow their registered voters to cast their ballots.” Election officials carried in small table‑size electronic voting machines, ensuring seniors could vote comfortably and securely. It’s one more way Tennessee goes the extra mile.
Rutherford County also continues to offer something most Tennessee counties don’t—countywide Vote Centers. Instead of reporting to a single assigned precinct, registered voters here can cast their ballot at any Vote Center in the county. That flexibility makes the process easier for busy residents who may be commuting, shopping, or simply out and about.
Early Voting Centers include: Christ Life Church in Smyrna, Lane Agri‑Park Community Center, La Vergne Multi‑Purpose Building, Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, Murfreesboro SportsCom, the Election Commission Annex on Vine Street, and World Outreach Church’s Leadership Park. All are open Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM and Saturdays 8AM–noon.
The Rutherford County Election Office on the Public Square is also a Vote Center, offering extended hours: Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM and Saturdays 8AM–noon.
This countywide convenience began right here. Rutherford County was selected as Tennessee’s pilot county for the Vote Center model back in 2018. Eight years later, the system remains a major plus for voters. The Election Commission has kept the program strong, maintaining the technology, staffing, and real‑time verification needed to make Vote Centers work smoothly.
And the convenience doesn’t stop with early voting. On Election Day, voters can still cast their ballot at any Vote Center. If you live in Kittrell but find yourself in Smyrna when you’re ready to vote, you can simply vote there. The goal is participation—wherever you happen to be.
Farley expects a solid turnout this year. “My projection for this election will be in the 82,000–83,000 range. That is around 38% turnout with 222,428 registered voters.”
WGNS will have full election coverage beginning at 7:00PM on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, as Your Good Neighbor Station wraps up its 79th year and heads toward our 80th anniversary. Remember, take advantage of EARLY VOTING, Oct. 14-29, 2026.
VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS
Murfreesboro
Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro)
Middle Tennessee Assoc of Realtors (311 Butler Drive, Murfreesboro)
Murfreesboro SportsCom (2310 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro)
Rutherford County Election Commission Annex (426 E Vine Street, Murfreesboro)
World Outreach Church - Leadership Park (1921 New Salem Hwy, Murfreesboro)
Longer hours are the Election Commission Office (#1 South Public Square, Murfreesboro) Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM and Saturdays 8AM-noon.
Smyrna
Christ Life Church – Smyrna (1004 Hazelwood Drive)
La Vergne
La Vergne Multi-Purpose Building (5093 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne)
Hours for all of the above VOTE CENTERS: Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, and 8AM-noon on Saturdays.
