NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — State democrats are calling for Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to allow residents to vote absentee in the November Presidential election.
The state reps, including Memphis Democrat London Lamar and Knoxville's Gloria Johnson, said they were worried about the dangers the COVID-19 pandemic presented for voters.
"I am officially calling on Governor Bill Lee, secretary of state Tre Hargett, Election commissioner Mark Goins and the Tennessee Legislature to implement universal absentee voting. Universal absentee voting is the most efficient and effective way to make sure that Tennesseans can exercise their right to vote during a pandemic," said Representative Lamar.
Lamar said she worried Tennessee's poor voter turnout numbers could be further influenced by the pandemic. However, she believes universal absentee voting could help.
"If Universal absentee voting could save the life of one Tennessean, it is both necessary and beneficial," she said.
Representative Johnson said she'd spoken with election officials who were concerned that the state's polling places would be unable to find staff.
She said polling workers are typically in an older population which increases their risk of serious symptoms if they're infected with COVID-19.
