Election Day Is Thursday - Here's What You Need to Know

Issue #787

August 05, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 88, low of 71

🗳️ Election Day Is Thursday - Here's What You Need to Know

🥎 2027 Midstate Classic Announced 

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Election Day Is Thursday - Here's What You Need to Know

Secretary of State Tre Hargett wants Tennessee voters to have the information they need before heading to the polls for the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election.

On Election Day, poll opening times vary by county. Voters should check their polling location and hours before heading to the polls. All polls close at 8 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. CDT. If you are in line at the time the polls close, you will be allowed to vote. Eligible voters can look up their assigned polling place and hours using GoVoteTN.com or the free GoVoteTN app, available in the App Store or Google Play.

To cast a ballot, voters must bring valid photo identification. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government is acceptable even if it is expired. Student IDs, non-US citizen ID’s and out-of-state driver's licenses are not acceptable. For more information about acceptable forms of identification, visit GoVoteTN.gov.

State law requires polling locations and the area within a 100-foot boundary of each designated entrance to remain campaign-free zones. The display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any candidate, political party or ballot measure on the ballot within this area are prohibited. Voters wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia will not be allowed within the 100-foot boundary.

Tennessee voters are encouraged to report suspected voter fraud or election misinformation to the Secretary of State's Division of Elections. Tennesseans can text "TN" to 45995 to use the Text to Report Voter Fraud system or call the Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

The Secretary of State's office will post unofficial election results throughout Election Night on https://elections.tn.gov/. For more information about the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 election, Tennesseans can access voter-specific Election Day information, including polling times, locations, sample ballots, election results and more, on GoVoteTN.gov or the GoVoteTN app.

2027 Midstate Classic Announced

The City of Columbia is excited to announce that the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers will take on the Belmont University Bruins at the 2027 Midstate Classic on Tuesday, April 13, 2027, at Ridley Sports Complex. 

University of Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly said her team is looking forward to returning to Columbia: "We’re excited to once again be coming to Columbia, TN for the Midstate Classic. Laura Matthews has done a fantastic job building Belmont into an excellent program and we know it will be a great game!”

Belmont University Head Coach Laura Matthews shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: "We are so excited to head to Columbia to face Tennessee. It’s a unique experience, and we are excited to compete in front of a community who has really gotten behind softball.”

Now in its 12th year in Columbia, the Midstate Classic has become one of Middle Tennessee's premier spring softball events. 

City Manager Tony Massey said the featured matchup reflects Columbia's continued commitment to hosting premier sporting events.

"The Midstate Classic has become a tradition our community looks forward to each year. Welcoming nationally recognized programs like Tennessee and Belmont showcases the quality of Ridley Sports Complex while creating an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors."

The annual tournament continues to attract outstanding collegiate competition, and the 2027 featured matchup between Tennessee and Belmont promises to be one of the event's most anticipated contests yet.

Mayor Chaz Molder said the event strengthens Columbia's reputation as a destination for high-caliber athletics.

"Hosting programs of this caliber is an exciting opportunity for our community. The Midstate Classic continues to highlight Columbia as a destination for exceptional athletic competition, and we're proud to welcome these outstanding teams to Ridley Sports Complex."

Additional event information will be shared closer to the tournament date on ColumbiaTN.gov and the City's Facebook and Instagram pages, @CityofColumbiaTN.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, August 5th

Thursday, August 6th

Friday, August 7th 

Saturday, August 8th 

Sunday, August 9th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 6
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM

Friday, August 7
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Nick Black - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
First Fridays with Miles Victor Trio - Puckett's, 6:30-8 PM
Classic Vinyl 931 - Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Live Music on the Square - Brother Maven - Puckett's, 8:30-10 PM

Saturday, August 8
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Trace Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Napier City Limits - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 PM
Brooklyn Ray - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30-10:30 PM

Sunday, August 9
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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