Tennessee voters can start casting ballots early on Wednesday, October 14. Early in-person voting runs through Thursday, October 29, ahead of Election Day on November 3.
Key dates
- Voter registration deadline: October 5 (already passed)
- Early voting: October 14 to October 29
- Absentee ballot request deadline: October 24
- Election Day: November 3
What’s on the ballot
Tennesseans will choose their next governor and vote on U.S. Senate and U.S. House races. It’s also the first general election since the state’s congressional districts were redrawn, and several U.S. House races are for open seats. Voters will also decide three proposed constitutional amendments, each presented as its own yes-or-no question. They cover bail in certain criminal cases, protections for crime victims, and a ban on a state property tax. Tennessee does not currently have a state property tax, though local governments can set their own rates.
For an amendment to pass, it needs more yes votes than no votes, and the yes votes must exceed half of all votes cast in the governor’s race.
Bring a photo ID
Voters must show a current or expired photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee government. College student IDs, non-U.S. citizen IDs, and IDs from local governments or other states are not accepted.
Avoid long lines
Knox County officials say the ballot is long mainly because of the length of the amendment text, and they urge voters to research the questions beforehand. Knox County has 11 early voting locations with more than 1,100 combined hours. Knoxville city residents will also see a city charter amendment question.
How to prepare
- Look up your registration, polling place, and early voting hours on the Secretary of State’s GoVoteTN site.
- Read the amendment language ahead of time.
- Consider going on a weekday to avoid crowds.
This post is informational and doesn’t endorse any candidate or measure. For official details, check the Secretary of State or your county election commission.
