(The Center Square) – More than 2.13 million Tennesseans voted early in the Nov. 5 general election, and 3.08 million voted overall, a new record, according to Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Hargett met with Gov. Bill Lee and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on Monday to certify the results.
“For months, we have prepared for what was expected to be a robust voter turnout for the Nov. 5 presidential election,” Hargett said. “We are encouraged by the record number of voters who cast a ballot and let their voices be heard, and we hope to see turnout continue to trend upward in future election cycles.”
The turnout beat 2020 numbers when 3.07 million voters cast their ballots and 2.1 million voted early.
Former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the Volunteer State, winning 1,966,865 votes to Harris’ 1,056,265, taking the state’s 11 electoral college votes. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn won reelection to her post, defeating Democrat Gloria Johnson.
No significant problems were reported during the election, which had an added challenge in northeast Tennessee, where Hurricane Helene devastated some communities.
Mark Goins, coordinator of elections, said it could not be done without the poll workers.
“We sincerely appreciate our local election administrators, their staff, and poll workers for their dedication and preparation for this historic election,” Goins said.