Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:32 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:11 a.m. UTC
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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 absentee by-mail ballots to voters who will be unable to vote in person under certain circumstances. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Tennessee offers early voting.
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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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Tennessee's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Tennessee does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show photo ID to vote in Tennessee.
Acceptable forms include (can be expired):
- Tennessee driver's license
- US passport
- photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government
- US military photo ID
- Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo
College student IDs are not acceptable.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail or online and your ID is expired, you will also need to show proof of residence to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck
- other government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. You will then have two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. Upon returning to the election commission office, you will sign an affidavit and a copy of your photo ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.
For more information, please visit the Tennessee Secretary of State's website.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Tennessee’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Tennessee does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show photo ID to vote in Tennessee.
Acceptable forms include (can be expired):
- Tennessee driver's license
- US passport
- photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government
- US military photo ID
- Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo
College student IDs are not acceptable.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail or online and your ID is expired, you will also need to show proof of residence to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck
- other government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. You will then have two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. Upon returning to the election commission office, you will sign an affidavit and a copy of your photo ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.
For more information, please visit the Tennessee Secretary of State's website.
How do I vote by mail?
Tennessee allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Tennessee's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail. Find a USPS location near you.
- USPS recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Tennessee’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Tennessee does not offer registration on Election Day.
Recent Elections
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Tennessee Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Submit the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.