Davidson County logged 28,070 early voters, compared with 1,813 during the same period in 2022, a reported increase of 1,448%. Shelby County recorded 33,205 voters, up 86% from 17,784 four years ago. Together, the counties reported 61,275 early votes during the opening three days.

The election includes a governor’s race, while new congressional maps approved in May have also become a focus. The boundaries divide parts of Davidson and Shelby counties, and critics argue the changes weaken the political influence of communities that have historically backed Democratic candidates.

“All elections are important. But certainly, this election season carries tremendous weight, significance, and impact,” said Aaron Marble, senior pastor of Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Marble and two other ministers joined a Souls to the Polls effort Saturday at the Bordeaux Library in North Nashville, encouraging residents to vote. Stephen Handy, lead pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church, said the effort was aimed at helping younger generations understand the stakes and their ability to participate.

Handy argued that turnout in both counties could affect the political balance of the race. Marble said the changes to voting districts made using the right to vote especially important. Nashville Indivisible member Susan Shann, who had already voted, said she was urging others to cast ballots because many people may not understand the effect of redistricting.

Tennessee voters may cast early ballots at any early-voting site in their own county; they do not have to use their assigned Election Day precinct. The early-voting figures reflect participation in the two counties during the opening three days, not statewide turnout or final election results.