BY BRITTNEE NAVE

STAR CORRESPONDENT

With early voting now in full swing at the Carter County Commission Election Office, first-time voters can pose for the cameras.

According to Tracy Tanner-Harris, Carter County Administrator of Elections, the voting office is currently featuring photos on their Facebook page of individuals who are voting for the first time.

“If I hear they are a first-time voter, I always try to get their picture,” she said.

One featured voter was Seanna Bailey, who voted this past Saturday.

“I was very nervous at first, but it was sort of like a dream,” said Bailey. “I have vivid memories of going with my dad to vote when I was little and now I get to do my duty as an American and vote on my own.”

Bailey was shown holding a sign stating that she was voting for the first time.

“They asked if I would be interested in taking a photo with the sign saying that I was a first time voter and that photo just sealed the deal and made it feel real,” she said.

According to Bailey, voting is a way for people to have their voices heard.

“It’s the way to get your voice out as an American citizen,” she said. “People have sacrificed their lives for the right to vote, so you should take advantage of it.”

In addition to Bailey, three other first-time voters have also been featured so far.

Early voting is from Feb. 12-25, and Election Day is on March 3. Voting is for the presidential preference primary and the county primary. Votes will not be tallied until Election Day.

Early voting hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Election Day hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Those wishing to participate in early voting must do so by appearing in person at the election office with an ID that has been issued by the state of Tennessee or the U.S. Federal Government. You must also declare party affiliation for the primary.

“If you don’t vote for the change you want to see, you can’t complain about how our country is ran,” said Bailey.