Early voting kicks off Wednesday with a number of state and federal offices on the ballot in which voters will most notably electing a new governor.

Early voting downstairs at the DeKalb County Courthouse begins Wednesday, Oct. 17 and will continue through Thursday, Nov. 1. Voters will have the opportunity to vote for Governor, U.S. Senator, Sixth District U.S. Representative, 17th District State Senator, and State Representatives in Districts 40 and46. Early voting times are 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Those who do not exercise their early voting option may go to their home precinct on Nov. 6 and vote from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those coming to vote early are asked to bring a photo identification.

One of the highest profile races is that for governor where Republican Bill Lee and Democrat Karl Dean go head-to-head to replace Governor Haslam who is finishing his second term. Tennessee has a two-term limit for governor.

Of major importance on the national scene, U.S. Senate candidates Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Phil Bredesen are in a contentious race to replace Bob Corker. The winner could sway the power on Capitol Hill given the close split between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.

For U.S. House of Representatives in the 6th District, Republican John Rose and Democrat Dawn Barlow are facing off, the winner also to have an impact in the balance of power in Washington D.C.

Republican Mark Pody and Democrat Mary Alice Carfi are squaring off again for 17th District State Senator. Pody defeated her last year in a special election, winning with 51 percent of the vote.

Republican Terri Lynn Weaver is unopposed for State Representative in 40th District.

In the 46th District, Republican Clark Boyd and Democrat Mark Cagle are in the race for State Representative.