Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to register to vote?
In order to participate in an election, a qualified voter must be properly registered no later than thirty (30) days before the election. The election commission office will process any by-mail voter registration form that has been postmarked at least thirty (30) days before the election. T.C.A 2-2-109. If you live in/are registered in another state, check their election schedule.

When is election day?

If you are registered to vote in Tennessee, see the Election Calendar here. If you live in/are registered in another state, check their election schedule.

When is early voting?

The early voting period typically begins twenty (20) days before an election and ends five (5) days before an election.  The exception is for the Presidential Preference Primary, when early voting ends seven (7) days before the election. Although closed from voting on holidays, a person may vote early on any Saturday that falls during this time frame.  During early voting, registered voters can vote at any location in the county in which he or she is registered. On election day, to vote in-person voters must appear at his or her assigned precinct. To learn more about early voting, go here.

Do I have to register to vote for each election?
No. Once registered, you do not need to register again unless you move. It’s always a good idea to check your registration before elections to make sure your address or other information has not changed.

Can I register online?
In Tennessee you can register online if you have a Tennessee driver’s license or a Tennessee issued ID. (VolCards are not accepted as ID for registering or voting)

Can I vote online?
No.

Can I vote by mail?
In Tennessee you can vote by mail if you meet certain requirements. If this is your first time voting, you will have to show your photo ID at an election commission if you want to be able to vote by mail your first time. Visit the Absentee Voting/Vote by Mail page to verify requirements. The Tennessee deadline to request an absentee ballot is 7 days before the election.

What is early voting?
In Tennessee, early voting usually lasts for two weeks during the month prior to election day. The advantages of voting early can be 1) vote when it is convenient for your schedule 2) lines are not as long, if there is a line at all 3) you can vote at any of the early voting locations in your county, whereas on election day you will have to go to your specific voting location.

Where do I early vote?
In Tennessee you can vote at any of the early voting locations in the county where you are registered.

Can I use my VolCard as a form of photo ID to vote?
No.

How do I register using a paper form?

What is is like to vote in person?

How do I use the voting machines in Tennessee?

How do I use the voting machines for people with disabilities?