Early voting in Davidson County, now wrapped up, was down this year compared with four years ago, the last time Tennesseans weighed in on a gubernatorial race.
In all, 70,470 Davidson County voters took part in early voting between Oct. 13 and Oct. 28. In 2006, 87,800 voters went to the polls early.
The high numbers four years ago can likely be attributed to the highly competitive 2006 race for U.S. Senate between then-Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and then-U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr., which saw both campaigns wage strong get-out-the-vote efforts.
“I think that’s probably it,” said Davidson County Elections Administrator Ray Barrett.
Four years ago, Gov. Phil Bredesen faced challenger state Sen. Jim Bryson. The contest was never in question, with Bredesen ultimately carrying all 95 of Tennessee’s counties.
This year’s biggest draw may be the governor’s race between Republican Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Democratic businessman Mike McWherter, which looks to be tipping solidly in Haslam's favor.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.