Clarksville, TN – A steady stream of voters, a line stretching out the door and down the sidewalk, and an upbeat atmosphere marked the first day of early voting Wednesday, October 14th, as Clarksville-Montgomery County residents headed to the polls ahead of the November 3rd election.
Early voting opened at the Montgomery County Election Commission with strong turnout, but despite the crowd, the line continued moving efficiently. Voters waited patiently, chatted with others and appeared eager to make their voices heard in an election featuring local races and three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution.
“Early voting has been very busy today. We’ve had lines stretching out the door and down the sidewalk, but the process has been moving quickly,” stated Amanda Joslin, Administrator of Elections for Montgomery County.
The first-day turnout brought candidates from across the local political landscape to the election site, where they greeted voters, expressed appreciation for the support they had received and encouraged residents to participate in the election.
Matt Van Epps Says Montgomery County Feels Like Home
U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps welcomed the opportunity to be back in Clarksville and Montgomery County, a community with personal significance dating to his service at Fort Campbell.
“I’m excited to be in Clarksville and Montgomery County today. This is where I first lived in Tennessee while serving with the 160th at Fort Campbell, so being here feels like coming home. We’ve seen a great turnout, and the conversations I’ve had with voters have been encouraging and energizing. Montgomery County is essential to our campaign, and I’m grateful to everyone who supported us in the last election,” stated Van Epps.
Van Epps also discussed his priorities in Congress, including security, economic opportunity, government accountability and infrastructure improvements. He cited his co-sponsorship of the Stop Insider Trading Act and legislation focused on counterterrorism, along with an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act addressing water and wastewater infrastructure at Fort Campbell.
He encouraged voters to support his campaign again, describing the election in terms of competing approaches to government and emphasizing his positions on keeping taxes low, supporting jobs and improving infrastructure in Clarksville and Montgomery County.
Michael Langford Encourages Voters to Take Advantage of Early Voting
Michael Langford, a candidate for Tennessee House District 75, said the turnout was encouraging and urged residents to take advantage of the early voting period.
“We’ve had a great turnout today, and I want to encourage everyone to get out and vote. Come early vote while you can. The line is short, and you can be in and out in about 10 minutes,” Langford said.
Justin Swallows Focuses on Community Engagement
Justin Swallows, a candidate for Clarksville City Council in Ward 6, discussed the diversity of his district and the importance of making sure residents feel included in local government.
“Ward 6 stretches from the top of Boot Hill out to Hilldale at Tanglewood Drive, just off Madison Street, and down the bypass to Seven Mile Ferry Road on the left-hand side. It’s a very diverse ward, and the issues people face can be very different from one street to the next,” said Swallows.
Swallows said meeting residents and hearing their concerns has been an important part of his campaign. He emphasized the need for more communication between residents and local leaders, saying some people feel they do not have a voice in the decision-making process.
“It’s been encouraging to get out, meet people, and hear their concerns. I think community conversation is something we’re lacking. We’re not going to the people often enough. They don’t have a seat at the table, they’re not part of the process, and they don’t feel seen or heard. That’s what our campaign is all about,” Swallows said.
He added that the turnout and the steady line of voters throughout the day were encouraging signs of community participation.
“We’ve really enjoyed meeting people, and it’s been fun being out here during early voting. We’ve had a line all day long, and that’s been incredibly encouraging. People seem excited to get out and be part of the process, and we’re fired up about it,” Swallows said.
Mark Riggins Asks Clarksville Voters for Support
Mark Riggins, a candidate for Clarksville mayor, thanked voters for their support and encouraged those who had not yet voted to make a plan to participate before Election Day.
“I want to thank everyone who has come out and shown their support. We’ve had a great turnout during early voting, but I still encourage everyone to make their voices heard, whether by voting during early voting, which runs through October 29th, or on Election Day, November 3rd. Your vote does matter, and I truly appreciate everyone’s support,” stated Riggins.
Riggins said he believes his experience would help move Clarksville forward and pledged to remain accountable to residents.
“We believe we have the experience and what it takes to take Clarksville to the next level. One thing I can promise you is that we will never forget who we work for in everything we do,” Riggins said.
Brian Zacharias Seeks Clarksville Mayoral Office, Asking Voters for Support
Brian Zacharias, also a candidate for Clarksville mayor, described his campaign as an opportunity to continue serving the community in a new role.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here as a candidate for mayor of Clarksville, asking for the support of the people in the city I love as I seek to move from the City Council to the mayor’s office,” Zacharias stated.
Wanda Smith Emphasizes Smart Growth and Infrastructure
Wanda Smith, a Clarksville native, said she was grateful to see residents turning out and described her vision for the city as centered on thoughtful growth, infrastructure and a people-first approach to government.
“I am Wanda Smith, a Clarksville native, born and raised right here in Clarksville, Tennessee. I know where we’ve been, and I know where we need to go. I’m so grateful to see so many people turning out to vote early. I want you to know that I’ll be out here waving my flag, sharing a smile, and giving you a big hug today,” Smith said.
Smith said her priorities include managing the city’s growth in a proactive and strategic way while making sure infrastructure, budgeting and residents’ needs remain central to local decisions.
“My vision is built on two principles: smart growth and smart infrastructure. That means being proactive, intentional, and strategic in managing our city’s growth, budget, and infrastructure. For me, government should always be people-centered,” Smith said.
She closed by thanking voters for participating, adding, “Thank you all for coming out and voting. This is the day that the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Three Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot
In addition to the candidates and local races, voters will consider three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution on the November 3rd ballot.
Election officials are encouraging residents to review the amendment language before arriving at an early voting location or Election Day polling place. The recommendation is part of Tennessee’s Know Before You Go Vote campaign, which encourages voters to familiarize themselves with the ballot and prepare in advance.
Voters can review the proposed constitutional amendments, check election information, and find additional voting resources at GoVoteTN.gov. The Montgomery County Election Commission also provides additional information, including the early voting schedule and sample ballot.
Early Voting Continues Through October 29th
Early voting in Clarksville-Montgomery County runs from Wednesday, October 14th, through Thursday, October 29th. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd.
The Montgomery County Election Commission is located at:
Montgomery County Election Commission
350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404
Clarksville, TN 37040
Montgomery County Veterans Plaza
Voters should check the official election website for early voting hours, additional voting locations, and ballot information before heading out.
The strong first-day turnout showed residents taking advantage of the opportunity to vote on their own schedule. Whether voting early or waiting until Election Day, everyone is encouraged to make their voice heard, review the ballot and participate in the November 3rd election. Every eligible voter has an opportunity to take part in the decisions that will shape the community’s future.
Early Voting Photo Gallery
