With the MLK holiday, the weather, and Fred Thompson behind us, early voting is picking up in Knox County. 1646 people voted yesterday, bringing the total to 8200.

As mentioned yesterday, early voting turnout will most likely continue to increase and could be heavy on the last two days.

In the 2006 county primary and the 2004 presidential primary, nearly half of early voters voted in the last three days of early voting.

Around the state, turnout through Tuesday is higher in Knox County (6553 at 8 locations) and Davidson County (6568 at 8 locations). Hamilton Co. had 2795 at 3 locations and Shelby Co. had only 1153 at 19 locations (which sounds wrong -- maybe there's a problem with their Diebold machines!).

Knox County is the per-capita leader among major metros in getting out the early vote and making it convenient for voters.