Election officials say voter turnout down in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Tuesday, People stood outside the Bethlehem Community Center polling place to campaign for their candidates.

Voters say it is important to let your voice be heard.

“Everybody has a freedom of speech. Everybody has the freedom to vote. If you don’t vote then how can you say you tried to make a difference?” Anthony Daniels said.

Election officials at the Bethlehem Community Center polling place say voter turnout is low. Some residents say even though it’s not a Presidential election, people should always vote.

“Every vote counts. Trust me. Try it, you should see. Because if you don’t stand up for something you will go for anything,” Daniels said.

At the Concord Baptist Church polling place, voter turnout was also down. Officials say it was steady but nothing compared to November.

The weather didn’t stop city council candidate Darrin Ledford.

“We are out here today in Concord in the pouring down rain and wind because we believe that everyone should come out and vote. And we believe that this is not only an important election for the future of our city but this is a very important right that we have,” Ledford said.

Even though Ledford is running unopposed for the District 4 City Council position, he thinks it is important to be out campaigning.

“I still believe in the process. I believe in doing the work so even though we are in an unique position, I believe that the process is extremely important. And I am willing to stand out in the pouring rain because I believe in our city,” Ledford said.

Ledford believes this election will have a major impact.

“All politics and all government is local. It is very important that you realize what happens on a local level is extremely important. It affects our lives. Whether it is from taxes, development, schools, you need to go out and vote,” Ledford said.

Nearly 7,700 people in Chattanooga voted early.