How to register to vote in Tennessee

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Summary

Tennessee offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Tennessee by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer at your local election office.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Tennessee you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a Tennessee resident
  • be at least 18 years old on or before the next election
  • not have been convicted of a felony, but if convicted, your eligibility to register and vote depends upon the crime you were convicted of and the date of your conviction. If your conviction has been expunged, you are not considered to have a felony conviction
  • not be adjudicated incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction (or have been restored to legal capacity)
  • You can find more information on voting rights restoration here

Can I register to vote online?

  • Tennessee offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: You must have a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID in order to submit your application online. If you do not have a Tennessee ID, you can still register by mail to vote.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Tennessee, you are required to provide your full Social Security number if you have one.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Tennessee does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Optional.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Tennessee does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Recent Elections

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The completed FPCA can be submitted by mail, fax, or email. If submitting your request by email, you must include an attachment that contains the completed application and your scanned signature. Learn more about the FPCA process on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Submit the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Tennessee. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Tennessee's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Tennessee, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Tennessee. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.