Strong Turnout in Early Voting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - There's no question this year's primary is getting a lot of attention and it seems to be resonating with Shelby County voters.

Some analysts believe the primary might come down to who votes and when they vote. With early voting coming to an end at the end of this week, the early voting numbers are already on the rise with political wars heating up and early voting in full swing.

The numbers have risen compared to the popular 2006 primary.

"Well there's definitely more of a turnout this year and it's slanted a certain way," said Jackson Baker a Political Analyst for the Memphis Flyer.

Numbers from the Shelby County Election Commission show that with more than 600,000 registered, this early vote has already netted over 41,000 votes and there's still a week left.

"There's a much stronger turnout from the suburban part of the county than there has been in recent years," said Baker.

In 2006 almost 79,000 early voting ballots were cast. Baker said much of the increase in early voter turnout comes from the highly publicized 9th Congressional Race.

"And the other is a Republican gubernatorial race on the GOP side and some of the same people are torn between which primary to vote in because you cant do both," said Baker.

You still have time to get out and vote. Early voting will end this Saturday at 4:00 pm.