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Early Voting Starts This Wednesday in Tennessee. Here’s What Voters Need to Know

Issue #836

October 13, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 88, low of 58

🗳️ Early Voting Starts This Wednesday in Tennessee. Here’s What Voters Need to Know

🎥 Free Documentary Screening to Explore the History of Columbia’s Carver-Smith High School

🗓 MEGA List of Upcoming Events!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Early Voting Starts This Wednesday in Tennessee. Here’s What Voters Need to Know

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding all registered Tennessee voters that the early voting period for the November 3 State and Federal General Election begins on Wednesday, October 14.

“Early voting makes it easy for registered Tennesseans to participate in the electoral process,” said Secretary Hargett. “With early voting beginning… now is the time to make a plan to vote. I encourage every eligible voter to take advantage of this convenient opportunity and participate in shaping the future of their communities, state, and nation.”

Early voting runs through Thursday, Oct 29. Registered voters can find polling locations and hours, view sample ballots, check their voter registration status, and much more by downloading the free GoVoteTN app or visiting GoVoteTN.gov.

Those voting early or on Election Day must present a current or expired photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government when you vote in person. College student IDs, non-U.S. Citizen ID’s and IDs issued by local governments or other states are not accepted. To learn more about exemptions and how to get a free photo ID, along with more information about early voting, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov.

Prior to casting a ballot, Tennessee voters are strongly encouraged to review the three proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot in order to plan ahead. Each amendment will appear on the ballot as a separate yes-or-no question.

The summaries of the proposed amendments are available to read here.

The summaries, prepared by the Office of the Attorney General pursuant to Tennessee law, are intended to help voters better understand each proposed amendment before Election Day. For more information, visit GoVoteTN.gov, or download the free GoVoteTN app.

Free Documentary Screening to Explore the History of Columbia’s Carver-Smith High School

Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative (CPJI) is partnering with Columbia State Community College to host a screening of the documentary Carver-Smith: Told by Those Who Lived It. The screening will take place on Thursday, October 15th at 6:00pm in the Ledbetter Auditorium on the Columbia Campus. Admission is free.

The Columbia State History Department and the Office of Belonging and Student Resources will screen this new documentary about Columbia’s historic Black high school, produced by the Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative and funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Looking to make friends in Columbia? Join the What’s Up Columbia! Dinner Club on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 PM. We’ll match you with five people for dinner at a downtown restaurant, then all the tables meet up at a surprise after-party. Book your seat here.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, October 13th

Wednesday, October 14th

Thursday, October 15th

Friday, October 16th

Saturday, October 17th

Sunday, October 18th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, October 13
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6-9 PM

Thursday, October 15
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6-9 PM
Rett Stocstill - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, October 16
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Ben Guidry - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Stevierock - Acapulco Mexican Grill, 6:30-8:30 PM
Nick Bentley - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Tom & Robert - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Kathy Troccoli - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Bird and the Bear - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Brandon Bartley - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, October 17
Ben Daniel - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Martin Lane - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Maury County Community Band - Riverwalk Park, 3 PM
Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 4-7 PM
Box of Rox - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Mt Pleasant Music on the Porch Series - Delta Recovery, 6-9 PM
Stevierock Acoustic Duo - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Sarah Morey & Kolton Armstrong - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, October 18
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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