‘When you feel safe, you feel free’: Nashville city leader describes increased security measures at early voting polls

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Metro council member told News 2 that while people might not notice, there are extra security precautions for early voting locations.

Following the 2020 election, Green Hills Councilmember Jeff Preptit said threats and intimidation are increasing on both state and federal levels.

"We have seen state and federal trends of acts of threats and intimidation against not only people coming out to vote but against our election workers," District 25 Councilmember Jeff Preptit said. "There has been a number of situations with the secretary of state's office of credible threats against both state and local election officials."

These past threats and acts of intimidation have prompted law enforcement to increase security measures.

Where to cast your ballot during early voting in Nashville

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) told News 2 there have been zero issues with security at the early voting locations, but they are not leaving security up to chance.

"The Office of Emergency Management, as well as MNPD, are working with our state and federal partners to make sure that there are robust contingency plans and a robust response," Preptit explained.

A spokesperson for MNPD said the details of the security measures currently in place for election sites are confidential. Preptit told News 2 that confidentiality maintains the security plans.

"We aren't creating a situation where folks are going to be able to target our response because what we know is that there is this deep-seated infiltration that these groups are seeking to not only intimidate voters but also to stifle our security response," Preptit said.

Sample ballot for Davidson County

"It's important to feel safe because you don't feel intimidated. That's the most important," early voter Keashye Durman said. "When you feel safe, you feel free."

"One of the things that we have to deal with here in the south is that we do have a legacy of legitimized voter intimidation," Preptit explained. "So, understanding that legacy throughout the south and understanding where we have come as a nation. We got to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward and making sure that we are protecting democracy."

Some security procedures are not new, like campaign materials or recording inside the voting site. In addition, campaign posters, merchandise and voter solicitation are limited to a 100-foot boundary of the poll location.

"Especially in Nashville and here in Green Hills, people feel safe," said Tennessean voter Hallie Brannick. "I believe that Nashvillians band together to make sure there is no harassment."

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"There is a clear line that cannot be crossed as it relates to any threats or act of intimidation or anything that is intended to dissuade somebody from either voting or voting their preference," Preptit expressed.

"I think if people start feeling unsafe, they are going to stay home, and we don't need anyone staying home," early voter Dawn Robinson concluded. "We need them to turn out."

In Davidson County, voters can cast an early ballot at any of 13 different locations in order to skip the lines on Election Day. To view when early voting locations open,.