The polarizing presidential campaign has officially resulted in Tennessee's largest-ever turnout for early voting. More than 1.6 million people cast ballots — easily surpassing totals from President Obama's elections.
More: See the county-by-county breakdown
It was never a question for Carol Langenback, an empty-nester from Wilson County. Donald Trump wasn't her first choice. But she couldn't imagine voting for Hillary Clinton. Langenback has a list of grievances, like acceptance of abortion and the constant controversy.
"Scandal after scandal after scandal, and she's bringing in Syrian refugees she wants to bring in," she says. "We can't protect the world."
Voting at the same site in downtown Lebanon, retiree Bob Duckwiler is just as adamant, but against Trump. Duckwiler says he was intrigued by the billionaire's candidacy at first, but not any more.
"He's just too dangerous for our country. He's just too unstable," he says.
Neither presidential candidate has been campaigning in Tennessee, which is not considered a battleground. Still, election officials predict the final tally next Tuesday could break the state's turnout record.
More: See the turnout from 2012 and 2008
Some voters in Nashville were in line until 10 o'clock Thursday night after the polls closed at 7. It was the biggest day for turnout in Davidson County this year.
But while voting numbers set a statewide record, the largest urban areas are running a bit behind 2008. Shelby County is basically flat, and Nashville is down roughly 10 percent.
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