Along with a record overall voter turnout in Marion County, a record number of absentee voters cast their ballot early. 10,298 of the 19,316 ballots cast were absentee, meaning over half of the voters did so early. Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia says that while it may not be quite to the extent it was this year, he expects that absentee voting will remain a popular option in the future.

“I do expect absentee voting to continue to be popular. I don’t know if it will reach these levels if there isn’t COVID, but people are really starting to like it. Groups are sending out the request forms, which makes it easier for people. I don’t know if the state will do that again, but I think absentee voting will continue to be strong. That’s just something that will be part of the fabric of elections in the future, unless there are changes made in the overall process.”

Marion County voting totals are available at KNIAKRLS.com. An interview with Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia can be heard on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.