How to Vote in Tennessee’s Elections

Due to the retirement of the existing U.S. representative, a special election to fill the state’s 7th Congressional District is being held. The district includes all or part of 14 counties. Below are some key dates.

Voter registration

• Monday, Sept. 8: Voter registration deadline for primary election 
• Monday, Nov. 3: Voter registration deadline for general election 

Early Voting

• Wednesday, Sept. 17, through Thursday, Oct. 2, for primary election 
• Wednesday, Nov. 12, through Wednesday Nov. 26, for general election 

Absentee by-mail voting

• Saturday, Sept. 27: Absentee request deadline for primary election 
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Absentee request deadline for general election 

RETURNING BALLOTS: Completed ballots must be mailed in time to be received by your county election commission no later than the close of polls on the primary or general election day.

Election Day

• Tuesday, Oct. 7: Primary election 
• Tuesday, Dec. 2: General election 

George Walker IV/AP Photo

• The deadline to file and process an absentee by-mail ballot application changed from seven to 10 days.
• Lawmakers in 2024 shortened the voting period in nursing homes from 29 days before an election to 27 days.
• Convicted felons may regain their right to vote in certain circumstances. Visit the secretary of state's website for more information.

• Online: Use the state’s voter information portal to register or update your registration status. Include your name, date of birth and Social Security number. You’ll need a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID or a Tennessee driver’s license to submit your application. 

• By mail: Print a voter registration form, complete it and mail it to your county election commission office. Or contact your commission office to request that a form be mailed to you. You also can pick up a form at a public library or at a county election commission, a register of deeds or a county clerk’s office.

• In person: Visit your county election commission office to fill out or return a completed registration form. You also can register during an appointment with the Department of Human Services, Department of Health or other location listed on the secretary of state's website.

Tennessee law does not allow for registration on Election Day.

Check whether you’re registered to vote through the state’s voter information portal or through the GoVoteTN app.

Absentee voting is allowed under certain circumstances, including for anyone 60 or older, people who will be out of town throughout the early voting period and on Election Day, those who are in nursing homes or long-term care facilities outside of the county where they live, and anyone who is hospitalized or who has a physical disability preventing them from going to a polling place.


To request a ballot:

• Online: Complete an absentee by-mail request form, sign it, attach the scanned form to an email and email it to your county election commission office. The scanned application for an absentee by-mail ballot much include a picture of your signature, as well as your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, a reason for voting absentee and the specific election for which you’re requesting a ballot. A ballot will then be mailed to you. 

• By mail: Download, print and complete an absentee by-mail request form, then mail it to your county election commission office.

• In person: Applications cannot be submitted in person. 

The deadline to submit an absentee ballot request for the special election primary is Saturday, Sept. 27.

If you already requested an absentee ballot but it has been lost, damaged or you need it sent to a new location, contact your county election commission to void your current ballot and reissue a ballot.

Some residents may qualify for placement on a permanent absentee voter list.

Only return completed ballots with proper postage by mail, including by the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS or other mail carrier. In-person delivery of ballots is not permitted.

You must mail your ballot in time for your county election commission to receive it no later than the close of polls on Election Day.

Track your absentee ballot’s status via the state's voter services portal.

Any registered voter may vote early and in person at their county election commission office or a satellite location. Early in-person voting for the special election primary runs from Wednesday, Sept. 17, through Thursday, Oct. 2.

Find your polling location via GoVoteTN or the state's voter services portal. Polling hours may vary by county, but all locations close at 7 p.m. CT, 8 p.m. ET. You will be able to cast a ballot after the polls close as long as you are already in line.

Visit GoVoteTN for sample ballots.

You’ll need to show a federal or state-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. passport, Tennessee driver’s license, military photo ID or handgun carry permit. A full list of acceptable documents is on the secretary of state's website.

If you forget your ID at home, you may cast a provisional ballot when voting in person. You will then have until two business days after the election to show a valid photo ID to your county election commission’s office. While you’re there, you must sign an affidavit.

Voters who need assistance filling in their ballot can receive help from a poll worker or an individual of their choice, as long as that person is not an employer, union official or candidate on the ballot.

Polling locations will have an accessible voting machine designed to help residents vote privately and independently.

Voters with disabilities also have the opportunity to vote via absentee ballot. More information about this service can be found on the secretary of state’s website.

If you live in a nursing home or long-term care facility outside of the county where you are registered to vote, you are eligible to vote via absentee by-mail ballot.

Registered voters of nursing homes or licensed long-term care facilities within the county where they live will be voted by election officials who visit the facility.

Under legislation passed in 2024, lawmakers shortened the voting period in nursing homes. It can now start 27 days before an election instead of 29 days.


Editor’s note: This guide was originally published on Jan. 18, 2024, and was most recently updated on Aug. 29, 2025, to reflect a 2025 special election.

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