VOTING: Deadline to register is Monday; + Attention New Residents: Voting in R.C. is Very Different

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - Early voting for all voters in Rutherford County runs April 15–30, 2026. And if you’re new to the area, here’s something important: elections work differently here than in most of Tennessee’s other 94 counties. Thanks to the Rutherford County Election Commission, our county uses the Vote Center model — a system designed to make voting easier and more convenient. You can use any VOTE CENTER available for either "Early Voting" or on the "May 5, 2026 Rutherford County Primary". There are more available VOTE CENTERS on the May 5 Primary date (listed below). However, there are nine (9) EARLY VOTE CENTERS. Their location and hours of operation are at the bottom of this story.

✔️ No more precinct‑only voting

In Rutherford County, you do not cast your ballot at a single assigned precinct.

Election Administrator Alan Farley explains it this way: “To make it easier and to encourage more voter participation, Rutherford County voters can cast their votes at any VOTE CENTER location.”

That applies to both Early Voting and Election Day.

✔️ Vote where you are

You simply vote at the nearest VOTE CENTER when you’re ready to cast your ballot.

• Live in Kittrell but work in La Vergne? Vote near work.

• Live in Eagleville but shopping in Murfreesboro? Vote while you’re in the 'Boro shopping.

Wherever you are in Rutherford County, you can vote there.

✔️ Why Rutherford County uses Vote Centers

Rutherford County was selected as the pilot county for Tennessee’s Vote Center model--and the trial “was a success”!

After the pilot was approved statewide, only a handful of counties adopted the model. Not because it didn’t work — but because VOTE CENTERS require:

• Real‑time voter verification

• Instant access to every ballot style

• Electronic poll books

• Reliable countywide internet

• Redundant backup systems

• IT staff capable of supporting dozens of locations

Many rural counties didn’t have the infrastructure, budget, or need to make the switch. Rutherford County, fast‑growing and tech‑ready, was the perfect test case — and the system continues to work smoothly here.

✔️ Registration deadline

To vote in the May 5, 2026 primary — including during early voting — you must be registered by Monday, April 6, 2026.

Bottom line

Rutherford County makes voting easy. Early voting is April 15–30. Vote at any Vote Center. Just be registered by April 6.

Now, all registered voters — get out and vote.

List of QUALIFIED CANDIDATES for the May 5, 2026 County Primary Election

Sample ballot for DEMOCRATS

Sample ballot for REPUBLICANS

Location of ELECTION DAY Vote Centers in Rutherford County Open 7AM-7PM on Election Day

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS BELOW: Mon - Sat (April 15 - 30, 2026)

And if you ever suspect VOTER FRAUD, the Voter Fraud Hotline is 877-850-4959