Last update: Apr 24, 2025 04:30 a.m. EDT
Last update: Apr 23, 2025 04:30 a.m. EDT
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. 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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Registration 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.
Voting 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.
Registration Top Actions
Voting Top Actions
Can I register to vote online?
- Tennessee offers online voter registration.
- You must have a social security number and either a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID in order to submit your application online. If you submit a voter registration application online, you must vote in person the first time after registering. If you do not have a Tennessee ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Watch this video about online voter registration from the Tennessee Secretary of State.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Tennessee’s website.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- 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.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Tennessee partisan primary elections.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Optional.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office.
- 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.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the Tennessee Secretary of State.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Tennessee Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.
Watch this video about in person registration from the Tennessee Secretary of State.
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.
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
- You can find more information on voting rights restoration here
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Tennessee does not offer registration on Election Day.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Tennessee before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
- are 18 on or before Tennessee's next election, which is on Thursday, August 6, 2026
- are a United States citizen
- are a Tennessee resident
- have not been convicted of a felony, or if you have a felony conviction that caused you to lose your voting rights, you have had your conviction expunged or had your voting rights restored, unless you were convicted of a crime that rendered you permanently ineligible to vote.
You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
To register using the Tennessee online voter registration system, you are required to provide your Social Security number and ONE of the following ID numbers:
- Tennessee driver's license
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID
If you submit a voter registration application online, you must vote in person the first time after registering.
If you don’t have a Tennessee-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Tennessee, you are required to provide your Social Security number. If you submit a voter registration application by mail, you must vote in person the first time after registering.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Tennessee:
- County Election Commission
- County Clerk
- Public Libraries
- Department of Safety (motor vehicles division)
You can find a list of locations that provide voter registration services and applications on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
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 offers 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, photo ID issued by the county or city, such as library cards, and photo IDs issued by other states 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.
Watch this video about voting in person from the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Tennessee offers 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, photo ID issued by the county or city, such as library cards, and photo IDs issued by other states 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 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 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 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
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.