On the heels of a record early voting turnout across the state, Bradley County election officials are gearing up — and are ready — for the start of Election Day voting on Thursday.

The ballot includes County General and State Primary races, as well as the heavily debated Wheel Tax Referendum, the latter of which is thought to have been a major factor in the large early voting turnout in Bradley County.

Locally, 8,155 voters took advantage of the two weeks of early voting. Statewide, more than 220,000 voters cast their ballots, according to information provided by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. Early voting ended last Saturday.

Polling places will open in Bradley County on Thursday at 8 a.m. They will close at 8 p.m.

Bradley County Elections Administrator Fran Green said voters who visit polling places Thursday should bring appropriate photo identification. And, they should take special care in casting their votes in the electronic machines to make certain that their votes are recorded.

As in the past, election workers will be available at all polling places to provide instructions on how to properly operate the voting machines. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the process should ask a polling place worker for instructions prior to casting votes on the machines.

“A number of voting districts changed recently and voters need to make sure before pushing the button to cast their ballot that they have filled it completely with their choices,” Green said.

Voting locations will be at McDonald Ruritan Club, Hopewell Elementary School, Walker Valley High School, the Bradley County Senior Center, Michigan Avenue Elementary School, Blue Springs Concession, Community Services, Black Fox Elementary School, Cleveland High School, Stuart Elementary School, Waterville Community School, Valley View Elementary School, Blythe-Bower Elementary School, Oak Grove Elementary School, E.L. Ross Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School and Lee University.

Machines used during early voting have been secured until Thursday’s precinct elections.

Voters can follow election returns Thursday evening at www.bradleyelections.com.