Among the headlines this election was its historic voter turnout.
During early voting, a record 21,929 people cast their ballots.
A total of 27,487 of Tipton’s 38,968 active voters cast ballots in the November 2020 election. That is a 70.54 percent turnout.
“I think it’s great,” said administrator of elections Cindy Pinner. “Especially because most of those were early voters. The turnout was fantastic.”
The previous record was set in the 2008 presidential election, in which Barack Obama ran against John McCain. Back then, 25,505 voted, which was a 66 percent turnout.
Of this year’s total, 22,080 votes were cast early or absentee and 5,407 people voted on election day.
“It was busy (on election day), but not busy like it was in 2016. More people early voted, which lightened the load.”
The turnout percentage by precinct is as follows:
- Northeast Covington: 59.32
- Southeast Covington: 69.58
- Tipton West: 73.53
- Atoka: 72.25
- Munford: 73.25
- Southwest Tipton: 71.50
- Austin Peay: 74.87
- Wilkinsville: 69.51
- Brighton: 68.67
Austin Peay had the highest turnout in the 2016 election as well. Northeast Covington historically has the lowest turnout in the county.
During the 2016 election, overall turnout was 11.6 percent less than it was in 2012.
Democratic candidate Joe Biden, who only won in Northeast Covington, has broken the record for most votes ever cast for a presidential candidate.
Obama earned 69,498,516 votes in 2008. At press time, with several states still counting ballots, Biden had earned more than 70.5 million. Trump has 67.3 million.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
