NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville election officials say they have mailed almost 30,000 absentee ballots to voters so far for the Aug. 6 primary election, and only half have been completed and returned.

On Monday, the Davidson County Election Commission urged voters to immediately return mail ballots, which must be received by mail in the commission's office by the Election Day close of polls.

Davidson County Elections Administrator Jeff Roberts says the Post Office has advised allowing seven days for return. One first-class stamp is needed, he said.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, though officials have urged quicker action. In-person early voting is also ongoing through Saturday.

A judge has expanded Tennessee's absentee voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. First-time voters must show ID at a local election office to vote by mail.

The state's appeal of the absentee expansion is headed for Tennessee Supreme Court oral arguments Thursday.

Voters can track absentee ballots at https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/.