Press Releases
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Secretary of State Hargett, Sen. Lundberg, Rep. Hicks, & Rep. Hill Announce $3,802 Technology Grant for Hawkins Co. Library System
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Sen. Jon Lundberg, State Rep. Gary Hicks, and State Rep. Timothy Hill today announced a Technology Grant totaling $3,802 for the Hawkins County Library System. These funds will help cover the cost of a desktop and software.“This funding will enable our libraries to offer enhanced technological resources for the benefit of more residents in our community,” said Sen. Lundberg. “This will ensure our library continues to meet immediate and emerging needs.”Technology grants are administered by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Secretary of State’s Office. These grants are funded through the Library Services Act (LSTA), as administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Each grant is matched with local funds.“Public libraries play a vital role in shaping our next generation of leaders,” Rep. Hicks and Rep. Hill said in a joint statement. “These technology upgrades will ensure the public is best served when they visit. We congratulate the library on receiving these funds and look forward to the positive results this investment will have in Hawkins County.”This year $373,869 in technology grants was awarded at 98 libraries across the state. These grants are used to purchase or replace computers, software, networking software, and other electronic equipment for library staff and patrons.“Thank you to Sen. Lundberg, Rep. Hicks, and Rep. Hill for their continued support of our local libraries,” said Secretary Hargett. “Technological upgrades at libraries address the unique needs of patrons in the communities these facilities serve. I appreciate Sen. Lundberg’s, Rep. Hicks’, and Rep. Hill’s partnership, dedication, and advocacy on behalf of Tennessee’s libraries.” To learn more about grants for public libraries administered by the Library & Archives, visit sos.tn.gov/tsla
Secretary of State Tre Hargett Encourages Tennesseans to Register to Vote During National Voter Registration MonthThe deadline for eligible citizens to register is Oct. 7 for the Nov. 5 State & Federal ElectionNASHVILLE, Tenn. – To commemorate National Voter Registration Month, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging all eligible Tennessee residents to register to vote.“More Tennesseans than ever are registered to vote, but we want all eligible citizens to register and participate in the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election,” said Secretary Hargett. National Voter Registration Day is September 17, and the deadline to register and be eligible to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.The fastest way to register, update, or check your registration status is through the free GoVoteTN App or online at GoVoteTN.gov. Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.gov.“We anticipate a robust voter turnout for the presidential election,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “If you have not registered or need to change your address, don’t wait. This will ensure your voice is heard during early voting or on Election Day later this fall.”Early voting for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election begins Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 31. For more information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov, or download the free GoVoteTNApp.
Secretary of State Tre Hargett Encourages Citizens to Become Poll Workers for Nov. 5 State & Federal Election
Aug. 22, 2024NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Ahead of the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is again encouraging Tennesseans to consider becoming poll workers later this fall.“Our poll workers are critical to a successful election,” said Secretary Hargett. “We anticipate a robust voter turnout, and there is always a need for poll workers, especially during a presidential election cycle.” During early voting and on Election Day, poll workers conduct various tasks — including greeting voters, answering questions, explaining how to cast a ballot, and counting votes at their community locations. They are paid for their work and for attending required training sessions. Most citizens are eligible to work at polling locations, regardless of political affiliation. The minimum age is 16, and anyone over 18 must be a registered voter in the county where they desire to serve.Other qualifications include:1. Be able to read and write in the English language.2. Cannot be a candidate or close relative of a candidate.3. Cannot be supervised by a county or municipal elected official on the ballot.All City, County, and Metropolitan government employees (unless working directly under the supervision of an elected official on the ballot) are eligible, as are state employees. Federal employees should consult with their individual Human Resources Department to determine eligibility. “Poll workers are the backbone of elections,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “These individuals and their efforts ensure all citizens know that Tennessee’s results are accurate and our elections remain secure.” Tennessee has been ranked number one in election integrity for three consecutive years; the Secretary of State’s office is also the trusted source for all election information. For more information about becoming a poll worker, please visit https://sos.tn.gov/pollworkers
Tennessee Students Urged to Participate in Secretary of State’s Mock Election for Nov. 5 ElectionNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee students will soon have the opportunity to make their voices heard in the upcoming Secretary of State’s 2024 Tennessee Student Mock Election. “Through their participation in the Tennessee Student Mock Election, students have a unique opportunity to see how registered voters in Tennessee select their elected officials,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “This experience enables our next generation of leaders to become civically engaged, so they eventually become lifelong voters.”The Tennessee Student Mock Election is a non-partisan, educational experience that gives students a chance to learn about the process of selecting elected officials. It is open to all Tennessee students in Pre-K through 12th grade from public, private, or home school associations.Registration is now open, and schools can begin reporting their election results on the first day of Tennessee's early voting period — Oct. 16. The final day to submit results is Oct. 29.The Secretary of State's office provides all materials for participating schools — including printable mock ballots, “I Voted” stickers and a Tennessee Student Mock Election “I Voted” sign that students can use in photos on social media platforms.Launched by the Secretary of State’s office in 2016, more than 50,940 students from 285 schools participated in the most recent mock election held in 2022. The mock election is one of the Secretary of State’s longstanding civics education initiatives to prepare students to be actively engaged citizens.For more information about the 2024 Tennessee Student Mock Election and other civic engagement initiatives, please visit sos.tn.gov/civics
Historic “Dear Governor” Exhibit at the Tennessee State Library & Archives Remains Open to the Public Through October
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — The Tennessee State Library & Archives wants to remind all citizens they still have an opportunity to view the historic “Dear Governor” exhibit through October. “This exhibit profoundly demonstrates the importance of preserving and sharing historical documents with current and future generations,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “It is a collection that helps capture the sentiment of certain timeframes in Tennessee history while reminding each of us that our written words impact current and future generations.” Unveiled at the Library & Archives during June’s Statehood Day Celebration, “Dear Governor” remains available for public viewing in the Interactive Exhibit Lobby through October. This exhibit features rare correspondences from constituents during the tenures of various Tennessee governors. These communications date back to the earliest days of the state’s history and provide an incredible glimpse into the moments and events that shaped the tenures of Tennessee’s leaders.“Dear Governor provides a unique opportunity for all Tennesseans to learn more about the constituent communications that shaped the decision-making of our former governors,” said State Librarian & Archivist Jamie Ritter. “This incredible collection at the Tennessee Library & Archives is one of our most popular and celebrated, and we urge all Tennesseans to make plans to visit while they still can.”Former Governors Lamar Alexander, Phil Bredesen, and Bill Haslam were the first to see the “Dear Governor” exhibit during a private viewing back in May. During their visit, the former governors sat down with us to discuss these communications, the memories they generated, and the impact some of these correspondences had on their decisions while in office. You can watch these interviews by clicking here.The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N. on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, across from the Tennessee State Museum. The facility’s garage is on Junior Gilliam Way. For the latest information, follow our social media channels: Facebook: Tennessee State Library & Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives.You can also learn more about the Library & Archives by calling (615) 741-2764 or emailing ask@tsla.libanswers.com