Early voting has begun in Tennessee and will continue through Thursday, Oct. 31. With less than a month before Election Day on Nov. 5, there are several ways Tennesseans can be prepared to know what to do, what they need, and where to go to ensure their voices are heard.
While there are certain restrictions and requirements for voting, here are some frequently asked questions to help you carry out your right to vote:
When is the last day to register to vote?
The last day to register to vote in Tennessee was Oct. 7.
How do I check to see if I’m still registered to vote?
For those who want to vote in the upcoming election, learn if you are registered to vote or want to update your address, visit GoVoteTN.gov.
Am I able to vote by absentee ballot?
For college students who are away or voting for the first time in the Nov. 5 election, you need to verify your identity in person before you can be mailed an Absentee Ballot at school. Bring your Tennessee Driver’s License to 1417 Murfreesboro Pike, between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to be prepared to vote in November.
Eligibility for absentee voting is determined by state law. To vote absentee by mail, a registered voter must fall under one of these categories:
- You are sixty (60) years of age or older.
- You are hospitalized, ill, or physically disabled and unable to appear at your polling place to vote.
- You are a caretaker of a hospitalized, ill, or physically disabled person.
- You will be outside Davidson County during the Early Voting period and all day on Election Day.
- You or your spouse are a full-time student at an accredited college or university outside Davidson County.
- You have a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place.
- You reside in a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or home for the aged outside Davidson County.
- You are a candidate for office in the election.
- You will be unable to vote in person due to jury duty.
- You will be serving as an Election Day official or are a member or employee of the Davidson County Election Commission.
- You are observing a religious holiday that prevents you from voting in person during the Early Voting period and on Election Day.
- You are a member of the military or are an overseas citizen.
If you reside in a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, home for the aged, or an independent living facility on the same property as a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or home for the aged inside your county of residence, you may not vote absentee by mail. Election officials will come to the facility to vote eligible residents, or you may vote during Early Voting or on Election Day.
A registered voter may submit an Absentee Ballot Request no earlier than 90 days before the election and no later than seven (7) days before the election.
For more information on Absentee Voting, contact the Absentee Voting Department at (615) 862-8815 or by email at votebymail@nashville.gov.
When can I vote early?
Early voting in Tennessee began Oct. 16 and will end Oct. 31.
Where can I vote?
There are designated polling places depending on which county you are registered to vote in. There are several Early Voting sites for Davidson County residents. In Davidson County, all registered voters can find their polling location by visiting www.nashville.gov/departments/elections and clicking on “Find Polling Place.” Enter your address in the search window. On Election Day, Nov. 5, you must vote at your assigned polling location. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
What will I need to vote?
You must present a valid ID with your name and photograph on it to vote. The most commonly used photo ID is a Tennessee Driver’s License. You do not have to present the new REAL ID or your Voter Registration Card to vote.
Other photo ID options include:
- U.S. Passport
- Tennessee Department of Safety photo ID
- U.S. Military photo ID (active or retired)
- Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit with your photo
- Photo ID issued by the Federal or Tennessee state government
These photo IDs may be expired unless you are voting in Davidson County for the first time. Student IDs, library cards, and photo IDs issued by cities, counties, and other states may not be used.
For more information, contact the Davidson County Election Commission, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday by phone at (615) 862-8800, by email at vote.questions@nashville.gov, or visit the website at www.nashville.gov/departments/elections.
