Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-212 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-212
Audits and investigations of reports and statements
Status: in_force

(a) The registry of election finance shall conduct audits and field investigations of reports and statements filed with the registry as follows: (1) Each gubernatorial candidate and that candidate's committees that receive at least ten percent (10%) of the vote at the general election shall be audited; (2) Each candidate for the general assembly and such candidate's committees shall be subject to an audit by the registry on a random selection of districts in an election. Districts shall be randomly drawn until a total of approximately four percent (4%) of all candidates for the general assembly have been selected. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, for any audit conducted by the registry under this subdivision (a)(2), the registry shall only conduct the audit for the immediately preceding election cycle and shall not require the production or disclosure of, or consider for purposes of the audit, any information or documents relating to any other election cycle; and (3) Each candidate for supreme court, court of appeals and court of criminal appeals shall be subject to an audit by the registry on a random selection. One (1) candidate from each of the supreme court, court of appeals and court of criminal appeals shall be randomly selected by the registry to be audited each election cycle. (b) (1) (A) The registry shall select by lot the districts to be audited on a random basis regarding candidates for the general assembly. For judicial offices, the registry shall select by lot the names of candidates to be audited on a random basis. (B) The selection shall be after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for which the candidate ran or for which the committee donated money. The attorney general and reporter, or the attorney general's designee, shall attend the random selection to preserve the integrity of the proceeding. (2) No audit or investigation of any candidate or candidate's committee in connection with a report or statement required by this chapter shall begin until after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for the office for which the candidate ran. When the campaign statements or reports of a candidate are audited and investigated, the audit and investigation shall cover all campaign statements and reports filed for the primary and general elections and any previous campaign statement or report filed since the last election for that office, but shall exclude any statements or reports that have previously been audited. (3) Audits of members of the general assembly shall only take place during June through December during odd-numbered years. The registry shall strive to complete and release its findings within such odd-numbered year or another odd-numbered year. (c) In order to comply with an audit, candidates, campaigns, and political campaign committees shall retain copies of all checks, money orders, wire or account transfer statements, withdrawal statements, credit or debit statements, bank statements, vendor receipts, and other documentation directly resulting from a financial transaction involving the receipt or disbursement of any funds subject to disclosure under part 1 of this chapter for two (2) years after the date of the election to which the records refer. (d) (1) The registry shall adopt auditing guidelines and standards with guidance from the comptroller of the treasury, which shall govern audits and field investigations conducted under this section. The guidelines and standards shall be formulated to accomplish the following purposes: (A) The audits should encourage compliance and detect violations of this chapter; (B) The audits should be conducted with maximum efficiency in a cost-effective manner; and (C) The audits should be as unobtrusive as possible, consistent with the purposes provided in this subdivision (d)(1). (2) In adopting its guidelines and standards, the registry shall consider relevant guidelines and standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to the extent such guidelines and standards are applicable and consistent with the purposes set forth in this section. (e) The detailed information received pursuant to this section for an audit shall be considered working papers of the registry of election finance and is, therefore, confidential and not an open record pursuant to title 10, chapter 7. (f) After the completion and approval of an audit by the registry, the registry shall post any finding that could result in an assessment of significant penalties on the registry's website, except that audits of candidates defeated in the primary election shall not be made public until after the general election. (g) Failure to comply with an audit investigation under this section is a Class 2 offense as defined in § 2-10-110 . (h) Notwithstanding this section, any candidate running for the office of governor more than one (1) year prior to the general election may elect to do self-audits. Such audits shall be given to the registry and the registry may give the candidate a letter of compliance stating the audit is complete and acceptable. (i) (1) Notwithstanding this section, if any candidate files a contribution statement with more than thirty percent (30%) of the candidate's contributions reported as unitemized contributions and such contributions total more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), then the candidate's contributions shall automatically be audited by the registry. (2) Subdivision (i)(1) does not apply to reports covering periods beginning on and after January 16, 2023. (3) Beginning with reports covering periods beginning on and after January 16, 2023, if any candidate files a contribution statement with more than thirty percent (30%) of the candidate's contributions reported as unitemized contributions, then the candidate's contributions shall automatically be audited by the registry. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 9, s 16 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 479, s 1, eff. 6/6/2017. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 14.
(a) The registry of election finance shall conduct audits and field investigations of reports and statements filed with the registry as follows: (1) Each gubernatorial candidate and that candidate's committees that receive at least ten percent (10%) of the vote at the general election shall be audited; (2) Each candidate for the general assembly and such candidate's committees shall be subject to an audit by the registry on a random selection of districts in an election. Districts shall be randomly drawn until a total of approximately four percent (4%) of all candidates for the general assembly have been selected. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, for any audit conducted by the registry under this subdivision (a)(2), the registry shall only conduct the audit for the immediately preceding election cycle and shall not require the production or disclosure of, or consider for purposes of the audit, any information or documents relating to any other election cycle; and (3) Each candidate for supreme court, court of appeals and court of criminal appeals shall be subject to an audit by the registry on a random selection. One (1) candidate from each of the supreme court, court of appeals and court of criminal appeals shall be randomly selected by the registry to be audited each election cycle.
(1) Each gubernatorial candidate and that candidate's committees that receive at least ten percent (10%) of the vote at the general election shall be audited;
(2) Each candidate for the general assembly and such candidate's committees shall be subject to an audit by the registry on a random selection of districts in an election. Districts shall be randomly drawn until a total of approximately four percent (4%) of all candidates for the general assembly have been selected. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, for any audit conducted by the registry under this subdivision (a)(2), the registry shall only conduct the audit for the immediately preceding election cycle and shall not require the production or disclosure of, or consider for purposes of the audit, any information or documents relating to any other election cycle; and
(3) Each candidate for supreme court, court of appeals and court of criminal appeals shall be subject to an audit by the registry on a random selection. One (1) candidate from each of the supreme court, court of appeals and court of criminal appeals shall be randomly selected by the registry to be audited each election cycle.
(b) (1) (A) The registry shall select by lot the districts to be audited on a random basis regarding candidates for the general assembly. For judicial offices, the registry shall select by lot the names of candidates to be audited on a random basis. (B) The selection shall be after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for which the candidate ran or for which the committee donated money. The attorney general and reporter, or the attorney general's designee, shall attend the random selection to preserve the integrity of the proceeding. (2) No audit or investigation of any candidate or candidate's committee in connection with a report or statement required by this chapter shall begin until after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for the office for which the candidate ran. When the campaign statements or reports of a candidate are audited and investigated, the audit and investigation shall cover all campaign statements and reports filed for the primary and general elections and any previous campaign statement or report filed since the last election for that office, but shall exclude any statements or reports that have previously been audited. (3) Audits of members of the general assembly shall only take place during June through December during odd-numbered years. The registry shall strive to complete and release its findings within such odd-numbered year or another odd-numbered year.
(1) (A) The registry shall select by lot the districts to be audited on a random basis regarding candidates for the general assembly. For judicial offices, the registry shall select by lot the names of candidates to be audited on a random basis. (B) The selection shall be after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for which the candidate ran or for which the committee donated money. The attorney general and reporter, or the attorney general's designee, shall attend the random selection to preserve the integrity of the proceeding.
(A) The registry shall select by lot the districts to be audited on a random basis regarding candidates for the general assembly. For judicial offices, the registry shall select by lot the names of candidates to be audited on a random basis.
(B) The selection shall be after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for which the candidate ran or for which the committee donated money. The attorney general and reporter, or the attorney general's designee, shall attend the random selection to preserve the integrity of the proceeding.
(2) No audit or investigation of any candidate or candidate's committee in connection with a report or statement required by this chapter shall begin until after the last date for filing the first report or statement following the general election for the office for which the candidate ran. When the campaign statements or reports of a candidate are audited and investigated, the audit and investigation shall cover all campaign statements and reports filed for the primary and general elections and any previous campaign statement or report filed since the last election for that office, but shall exclude any statements or reports that have previously been audited.
(3) Audits of members of the general assembly shall only take place during June through December during odd-numbered years. The registry shall strive to complete and release its findings within such odd-numbered year or another odd-numbered year.
(c) In order to comply with an audit, candidates, campaigns, and political campaign committees shall retain copies of all checks, money orders, wire or account transfer statements, withdrawal statements, credit or debit statements, bank statements, vendor receipts, and other documentation directly resulting from a financial transaction involving the receipt or disbursement of any funds subject to disclosure under part 1 of this chapter for two (2) years after the date of the election to which the records refer.
(d) (1) The registry shall adopt auditing guidelines and standards with guidance from the comptroller of the treasury, which shall govern audits and field investigations conducted under this section. The guidelines and standards shall be formulated to accomplish the following purposes: (A) The audits should encourage compliance and detect violations of this chapter; (B) The audits should be conducted with maximum efficiency in a cost-effective manner; and (C) The audits should be as unobtrusive as possible, consistent with the purposes provided in this subdivision (d)(1). (2) In adopting its guidelines and standards, the registry shall consider relevant guidelines and standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to the extent such guidelines and standards are applicable and consistent with the purposes set forth in this section.
(1) The registry shall adopt auditing guidelines and standards with guidance from the comptroller of the treasury, which shall govern audits and field investigations conducted under this section. The guidelines and standards shall be formulated to accomplish the following purposes: (A) The audits should encourage compliance and detect violations of this chapter; (B) The audits should be conducted with maximum efficiency in a cost-effective manner; and (C) The audits should be as unobtrusive as possible, consistent with the purposes provided in this subdivision (d)(1).
(A) The audits should encourage compliance and detect violations of this chapter;
(B) The audits should be conducted with maximum efficiency in a cost-effective manner; and
(C) The audits should be as unobtrusive as possible, consistent with the purposes provided in this subdivision (d)(1).
(2) In adopting its guidelines and standards, the registry shall consider relevant guidelines and standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to the extent such guidelines and standards are applicable and consistent with the purposes set forth in this section.
(e) The detailed information received pursuant to this section for an audit shall be considered working papers of the registry of election finance and is, therefore, confidential and not an open record pursuant to title 10, chapter 7.
(f) After the completion and approval of an audit by the registry, the registry shall post any finding that could result in an assessment of significant penalties on the registry's website, except that audits of candidates defeated in the primary election shall not be made public until after the general election.
(g) Failure to comply with an audit investigation under this section is a Class 2 offense as defined in § 2-10-110 .
(h) Notwithstanding this section, any candidate running for the office of governor more than one (1) year prior to the general election may elect to do self-audits. Such audits shall be given to the registry and the registry may give the candidate a letter of compliance stating the audit is complete and acceptable.
(i) (1) Notwithstanding this section, if any candidate files a contribution statement with more than thirty percent (30%) of the candidate's contributions reported as unitemized contributions and such contributions total more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), then the candidate's contributions shall automatically be audited by the registry. (2) Subdivision (i)(1) does not apply to reports covering periods beginning on and after January 16, 2023. (3) Beginning with reports covering periods beginning on and after January 16, 2023, if any candidate files a contribution statement with more than thirty percent (30%) of the candidate's contributions reported as unitemized contributions, then the candidate's contributions shall automatically be audited by the registry.
(1) Notwithstanding this section, if any candidate files a contribution statement with more than thirty percent (30%) of the candidate's contributions reported as unitemized contributions and such contributions total more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), then the candidate's contributions shall automatically be audited by the registry.
(2) Subdivision (i)(1) does not apply to reports covering periods beginning on and after January 16, 2023.
(3) Beginning with reports covering periods beginning on and after January 16, 2023, if any candidate files a contribution statement with more than thirty percent (30%) of the candidate's contributions reported as unitemized contributions, then the candidate's contributions shall automatically be audited by the registry.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 9, s 16 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 479, s 1, eff. 6/6/2017.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-206 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-206
Use of state-owned property for campaign advertising or activities
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any elected or appointed official of the state, or any employee of the state or any department, division or agency thereof, to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency or candidate for political office, on the premises of any building or land owned by the state, or to use any of the facilities of the state, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes. (b) It is unlawful to use public buildings or facilities for meetings or preparation of campaign activity in support of any particular candidate, party or measure unless reasonably equal opportunity is provided for presentation of all sides or views, or reasonably equal access to the buildings or facilities is provided all sides. (c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit an employee from displaying a decal or bumper stickers on the employee's personal vehicle while parked on state property. (d) (1) Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall not apply to teachers. (2) It is unlawful for any teacher to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency, or candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people, on the premises of any building or land owned by a local education agency (LEA), or to use any of the facilities of the LEA, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes. This subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to the display of campaign banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on LEA-owned property or the use of LEA equipment, when the display or use is a part of and solely for the purpose of the LEA's program of student education relative to the electoral process. Except for the use of LEA-owned equipment and vehicles, this subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to a teacher during hours in which the teacher is not performing school duties. (3) This subsection (d) shall not be construed to prohibit any teacher from displaying a decal or bumper sticker on the teacher's personal vehicle while the vehicle is parked on LEA property. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 5, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1941; Acts 2008, ch. 650, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful for any elected or appointed official of the state, or any employee of the state or any department, division or agency thereof, to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency or candidate for political office, on the premises of any building or land owned by the state, or to use any of the facilities of the state, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes.
(b) It is unlawful to use public buildings or facilities for meetings or preparation of campaign activity in support of any particular candidate, party or measure unless reasonably equal opportunity is provided for presentation of all sides or views, or reasonably equal access to the buildings or facilities is provided all sides.
(c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit an employee from displaying a decal or bumper stickers on the employee's personal vehicle while parked on state property.
(d) (1) Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall not apply to teachers. (2) It is unlawful for any teacher to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency, or candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people, on the premises of any building or land owned by a local education agency (LEA), or to use any of the facilities of the LEA, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes. This subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to the display of campaign banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on LEA-owned property or the use of LEA equipment, when the display or use is a part of and solely for the purpose of the LEA's program of student education relative to the electoral process. Except for the use of LEA-owned equipment and vehicles, this subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to a teacher during hours in which the teacher is not performing school duties. (3) This subsection (d) shall not be construed to prohibit any teacher from displaying a decal or bumper sticker on the teacher's personal vehicle while the vehicle is parked on LEA property.
(1) Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall not apply to teachers.
(2) It is unlawful for any teacher to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency, or candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people, on the premises of any building or land owned by a local education agency (LEA), or to use any of the facilities of the LEA, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes. This subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to the display of campaign banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on LEA-owned property or the use of LEA equipment, when the display or use is a part of and solely for the purpose of the LEA's program of student education relative to the electoral process. Except for the use of LEA-owned equipment and vehicles, this subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to a teacher during hours in which the teacher is not performing school duties.
(3) This subsection (d) shall not be construed to prohibit any teacher from displaying a decal or bumper sticker on the teacher's personal vehicle while the vehicle is parked on LEA property.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1941; Acts 2008, ch. 650, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-205 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-205
Jurisdiction to administer and enforce certain statutes
Status: in_force

The registry has the jurisdiction to administer and enforce the following: (1) The Campaign Financial Disclosure Act, compiled in part 1 of this chapter; and (2) The Campaign Contribution Limits Act, compiled in part 3 of this chapter. Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 5; 1995, ch. 531, § 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 10.
The registry has the jurisdiction to administer and enforce the following:
(1) The Campaign Financial Disclosure Act, compiled in part 1 of this chapter; and
(2) The Campaign Contribution Limits Act, compiled in part 3 of this chapter.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 5; 1995, ch. 531, § 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-119 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-119
Violation of Section 2-7-111 while boundary signs are posted
Status: in_force

A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person violates § 2-7-111 while boundary signs are posted. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1919; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person violates § 2-7-111 while boundary signs are posted.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1919; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-302 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-302
Establishment of convenient voting centers
Status: in_force

(a) After the required approval of the project plan for the convenient voting centers, the county election commission may create a program that establishes convenient voting centers within the county pursuant to § 2-3-303 for federal, state, and local elections. (b) If convenient voting centers are used in the election, the county election commission shall not be limited by the provisions set forth in § 2-3-101(a) ; provided, that no polling location may be changed within ten (10) days of an election except in an emergency. (c) Each convenient voting center used in the pilot project shall have a secure electronic connection, certified by the coordinator of elections, to the computerized voter registration system maintained by the county election commission permitting all voting information processed by any computer at a convenient voting center to be immediately accessible to all other computers at all convenient voting centers in the county. The secure electronic connection shall be sufficient to prevent any voter from voting more than once and to prevent unauthorized access to the computerized voter registration system. (d) Each convenient voting center shall meet applicable federal and state laws, including the accessibility requirements of the Help America Vote Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 15301 ). (e) Chapter 7 of this title applies to all convenient voting centers. (f) This part applies only in the following: (1) A county having a population of not less than thirty-five thousand twenty (35,020) nor more than thirty-five thousand thirty (35,030), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census; (2) A county having a population of not less than one hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred twenty (156,820) nor more than one hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred thirty (156,830), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census; (3) A county having a population of not less than one hundred sixty thousand six hundred forty (160,640) nor more than one hundred sixty thousand six hundred fifty (160,650), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census; (4) A county having a population of not less than thirty-two thousand one hundred (32,100) nor more than thirty-two thousand two hundred (32,200), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census; and (5) A county having a population of not less than one hundred thirty-three thousand (133,000) nor more than one hundred thirty-three thousand one hundred (133,100), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census. (g) Prior to closing a polling location due to the opening or availability of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall announce a thirty-day period in which the commission shall receive public comment from registered voters regarding the closing of the polling location. (h) If a polling location is closed due to the opening of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall endeavor to ensure that convenient voting centers are located in locations convenient to voters who had been assigned to the closed polling location. (i) If a polling location is closed due to the opening of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall post signage on election day, and during the early voting period if that polling location was used as an early voting center, in a conspicuous manner on or near the entrances to the closed polling location that states that the polling location is closed and that provides the address of each convenient voting center. The posting requirement must be met until after the next November statewide general election following the closure. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 397, s 1, eff. 5/11/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 3, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 3, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 445, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 445, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1; 2011 , ch. 455, § 3.
(a) After the required approval of the project plan for the convenient voting centers, the county election commission may create a program that establishes convenient voting centers within the county pursuant to § 2-3-303 for federal, state, and local elections.
(b) If convenient voting centers are used in the election, the county election commission shall not be limited by the provisions set forth in § 2-3-101(a) ; provided, that no polling location may be changed within ten (10) days of an election except in an emergency.
(c) Each convenient voting center used in the pilot project shall have a secure electronic connection, certified by the coordinator of elections, to the computerized voter registration system maintained by the county election commission permitting all voting information processed by any computer at a convenient voting center to be immediately accessible to all other computers at all convenient voting centers in the county. The secure electronic connection shall be sufficient to prevent any voter from voting more than once and to prevent unauthorized access to the computerized voter registration system.
(d) Each convenient voting center shall meet applicable federal and state laws, including the accessibility requirements of the Help America Vote Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 15301 ).
(e) Chapter 7 of this title applies to all convenient voting centers.
(f) This part applies only in the following: (1) A county having a population of not less than thirty-five thousand twenty (35,020) nor more than thirty-five thousand thirty (35,030), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census; (2) A county having a population of not less than one hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred twenty (156,820) nor more than one hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred thirty (156,830), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census; (3) A county having a population of not less than one hundred sixty thousand six hundred forty (160,640) nor more than one hundred sixty thousand six hundred fifty (160,650), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census; (4) A county having a population of not less than thirty-two thousand one hundred (32,100) nor more than thirty-two thousand two hundred (32,200), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census; and (5) A county having a population of not less than one hundred thirty-three thousand (133,000) nor more than one hundred thirty-three thousand one hundred (133,100), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census.
(1) A county having a population of not less than thirty-five thousand twenty (35,020) nor more than thirty-five thousand thirty (35,030), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census;
(2) A county having a population of not less than one hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred twenty (156,820) nor more than one hundred fifty-six thousand eight hundred thirty (156,830), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census;
(3) A county having a population of not less than one hundred sixty thousand six hundred forty (160,640) nor more than one hundred sixty thousand six hundred fifty (160,650), according to the 2010 federal census or a subsequent federal census;
(4) A county having a population of not less than thirty-two thousand one hundred (32,100) nor more than thirty-two thousand two hundred (32,200), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census; and
(5) A county having a population of not less than one hundred thirty-three thousand (133,000) nor more than one hundred thirty-three thousand one hundred (133,100), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census.
(g) Prior to closing a polling location due to the opening or availability of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall announce a thirty-day period in which the commission shall receive public comment from registered voters regarding the closing of the polling location.
(h) If a polling location is closed due to the opening of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall endeavor to ensure that convenient voting centers are located in locations convenient to voters who had been assigned to the closed polling location.
(i) If a polling location is closed due to the opening of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall post signage on election day, and during the early voting period if that polling location was used as an early voting center, in a conspicuous manner on or near the entrances to the closed polling location that states that the polling location is closed and that provides the address of each convenient voting center. The posting requirement must be met until after the next November statewide general election following the closure.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 397, s 1, eff. 5/11/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 3, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 3, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 445, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 445, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1; 2011 , ch. 455, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-116 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-116
Registration form
Status: in_force

The permanent registration record shall be substantially as follows, shall contain all the information required before being signed by the registrant, and shall be witnessed as indicated on the form. PERMANENT REGISTRATION RECORD 1. ______________ Last Name First Name Middle Name Sex 2. Legal Residence ______________ Number Street or Road Apt. 3. City ____________________ County ______________ 4. Mailing Address if different from Legal Residence. ______________ 5. Social Security number, if any ______________ 6. Date and place of birth ______________ 7. Are you a citizen of the United States? ______________ 8. Where were you last registered to vote? City ____________________ County ____________________ State ______________ 9. Are you a resident of the State of Tennessee? ______________ 10. Have you ever been convicted of a crime which is a felony in this state, by a court in this state, a court in another state, or a federal court? ______________ 11. If the answer to question ten (10) is "yes," list the crime, or crimes, for which you were convicted, and date, or dates, of conviction. ______________ 12. If the answer to question ten (10) is "yes," have you received a pardon or had your full rights of citizenship restored by a court for all crimes listed? ______________ State of Tennessee ss County of I, being duly sworn on oath (or affirmation) declare that the above address is my legal residence and that I plan to remain at such residence for an undetermined period of time and say that to the best of my knowledge and belief all of the foregoing statements made by me are true. ____________________ Signature of Applicant If the registrant signs by a mark, or cannot sign at all, fill in the following information: Sworn to and subscribed to before me this ____________________ day of ____________________, 20 ____________________, ____________________ ____________________ Signature of Administrator of Elections or other person taking affidavit ______________ Official Position Registered as voter in District ____________________ Ward ____________________ Precinct ____________________ effective ____________________. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 941, § 3; T.C.A., § 2-216; Acts 1981, ch. 337, § 1; 1981, ch. 345, § 5; 1989, ch. 274, § 2; 1994, ch. 919, §§ 13-15; 2001, ch. 413, § 12; 2002, ch. 698, § 4; 2008 , ch. 928, § 2.
The permanent registration record shall be substantially as follows, shall contain all the information required before being signed by the registrant, and shall be witnessed as indicated on the form.
PERMANENT REGISTRATION RECORD
1. ______________ Last Name First Name Middle Name Sex
Last Name First Name Middle Name Sex
2. Legal Residence ______________ Number Street or Road Apt.
Number Street or Road Apt.
3. City ____________________ County ______________
4. Mailing Address if different from Legal Residence. ______________
______________
5. Social Security number, if any ______________
6. Date and place of birth ______________
7. Are you a citizen of the United States? ______________
8. Where were you last registered to vote? City ____________________ County ____________________ State ______________
9. Are you a resident of the State of Tennessee? ______________
10. Have you ever been convicted of a crime which is a felony in this state, by a court in this state, a court in another state, or a federal court? ______________
______________
11. If the answer to question ten (10) is "yes," list the crime, or crimes, for which you were convicted, and date, or dates, of conviction. ______________
12. If the answer to question ten (10) is "yes," have you received a pardon or had your full rights of citizenship restored by a court for all crimes listed? ______________ State of Tennessee ss County of I, being duly sworn on oath (or affirmation) declare that the above address is my legal residence and that I plan to remain at such residence for an undetermined period of time and say that to the best of my knowledge and belief all of the foregoing statements made by me are true. ____________________ Signature of Applicant If the registrant signs by a mark, or cannot sign at all, fill in the following information: Sworn to and subscribed to before me this ____________________ day of ____________________, 20 ____________________, ____________________ ____________________ Signature of Administrator of Elections or other person taking affidavit ______________ Official Position Registered as voter in District ____________________ Ward ____________________ Precinct ____________________ effective ____________________.
______________
State of Tennessee
ss
County of
I, being duly sworn on oath (or affirmation) declare that the above address is my legal residence and that I plan to remain at such residence for an undetermined period of time and say that to the best of my knowledge and belief all of the foregoing statements made by me are true.
____________________
Signature of Applicant
If the registrant signs by a mark, or cannot sign at all, fill in the following information:
Sworn to and subscribed to before me
this ____________________ day of ____________________, 20 ____________________,
____________________ ____________________
Signature of Administrator of Elections or
other person taking affidavit
______________
Official Position
Registered as voter in District ____________________ Ward ____________________
Precinct ____________________ effective ____________________.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 941, § 3; T.C.A., § 2-216; Acts 1981, ch. 337, § 1; 1981, ch. 345, § 5; 1989, ch. 274, § 2; 1994, ch. 919, §§ 13-15; 2001, ch. 413, § 12; 2002, ch. 698, § 4; 2008 , ch. 928, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-307 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-307
Disposition of registration records after election
Status: in_force

Except in those counties which use computerized duplicate registration records, the administrator of elections shall take the duplicate permanent registration records from the early voting duplicate permanent registration binders and put them in the regular duplicate permanent registration books within two (2) weeks after the election, unless an election contest has been initiated. Temporary registration records shall be filed together with the records of the election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-621; Acts 1988, ch. 993, § 9; T.C.A., § 2-6-121; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
Except in those counties which use computerized duplicate registration records, the administrator of elections shall take the duplicate permanent registration records from the early voting duplicate permanent registration binders and put them in the regular duplicate permanent registration books within two (2) weeks after the election, unless an election contest has been initiated. Temporary registration records shall be filed together with the records of the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-621; Acts 1988, ch. 993, § 9; T.C.A., § 2-6-121; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-702 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-702
Persons with print disabilities - Procedure for absentee by-mail voting
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding this title to the contrary, the coordinator of elections shall prepare an application to vote absentee by mail by which a registered voter with a print disability may request the administrator of elections to mail or electronically transmit an accessible ballot for voters with a print disability in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the applicant. (b) An application to vote absentee by mail under this section must be made available on the secretary of state's website. (c) An application to vote absentee by mail received from persons with print disabilities must be signed by the voter, under penalty of perjury, verifying that the information on the application is true and correct, that the voter is eligible to vote absentee by mail in the respective election for which the application is submitted, and that the voter has a print disability that prevents them from reading or marking an absentee by-mail paper ballot. This section must not be construed to allow the voter to use an electronic or digital signature. A voter may submit an application in a manner authorized by § 2-6-202 . (d) (1) Upon determining the applicant is entitled to vote in the election, the administrator of elections shall proceed under § 2-6-502(e) for transmitting voting materials to the voter. (2) After receiving the absentee voting materials and completing the ballot, the voter shall sign the appropriate affidavit under penalty of perjury. The effect of the signature is to verify the information as true and correct and that the voter is eligible to vote in the election. The voter shall then mail the ballot. Nothing in this section must be construed to permit the transmission of a ballot by use of a fax machine or to permit a ballot which has been voted by an applicant to be electronically transmitted to the county election commission. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 689,s 2, eff. 8/2/2024.
(a) Notwithstanding this title to the contrary, the coordinator of elections shall prepare an application to vote absentee by mail by which a registered voter with a print disability may request the administrator of elections to mail or electronically transmit an accessible ballot for voters with a print disability in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the applicant.
(b) An application to vote absentee by mail under this section must be made available on the secretary of state's website.
(c) An application to vote absentee by mail received from persons with print disabilities must be signed by the voter, under penalty of perjury, verifying that the information on the application is true and correct, that the voter is eligible to vote absentee by mail in the respective election for which the application is submitted, and that the voter has a print disability that prevents them from reading or marking an absentee by-mail paper ballot. This section must not be construed to allow the voter to use an electronic or digital signature. A voter may submit an application in a manner authorized by § 2-6-202 .
(d) (1) Upon determining the applicant is entitled to vote in the election, the administrator of elections shall proceed under § 2-6-502(e) for transmitting voting materials to the voter. (2) After receiving the absentee voting materials and completing the ballot, the voter shall sign the appropriate affidavit under penalty of perjury. The effect of the signature is to verify the information as true and correct and that the voter is eligible to vote in the election. The voter shall then mail the ballot. Nothing in this section must be construed to permit the transmission of a ballot by use of a fax machine or to permit a ballot which has been voted by an applicant to be electronically transmitted to the county election commission.
(1) Upon determining the applicant is entitled to vote in the election, the administrator of elections shall proceed under § 2-6-502(e) for transmitting voting materials to the voter.
(2) After receiving the absentee voting materials and completing the ballot, the voter shall sign the appropriate affidavit under penalty of perjury. The effect of the signature is to verify the information as true and correct and that the voter is eligible to vote in the election. The voter shall then mail the ballot. Nothing in this section must be construed to permit the transmission of a ballot by use of a fax machine or to permit a ballot which has been voted by an applicant to be electronically transmitted to the county election commission.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 689,s 2, eff. 8/2/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-112 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-112
Procedure for voting
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) A voter shall complete and sign an application for ballot, indicate the primary in which the voter desires to vote, if any, and present it to a precinct registrar. In addition, the voter shall present to the precinct registrar one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter. The requirement to present one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter shall apply to persons voting pursuant to § 2-6-109 ; provided, however, that a person voting in accordance with § 2-6-401(a) and (b) or § 2-6-601 shall not be required to show an identification with a photograph of the voter. The application for ballot shall include a space for the address of the voter's current residence, and the voter shall write or print such address on the application when the voter signs the application for ballot. (B) Using the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book, the registrar shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the registrar shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to §§ 2-7-140 and 2-7-141 . (C) To verify the voter's identification, the voter shall supply evidence of identification specified in subsection (c). (D) If, upon verification of evidence of identification, it is found that the applicant is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application, note the date of the election, the number on the voter's ballot application, and the primary or general election in which the voter applies to vote. (E) If the applicant's signature is illegible, the registrar shall print the name on the application. (2) (A) The county election commission shall use either a computerized voter signature list or an electronic poll book that has been approved for use by the coordinator of elections. A computerized voter signature list must include the voter's name, current address of residence, voter identification number, birth date, and a space for the voter's signature, elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, and the precinct registrar's initials. The electronic poll book must contain the same information as on the computerized voter signature list in an electronic format and provide a place on its screen for the precinct registrar to record elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, the precinct registrar's initials, and the voter's signature. If a place for the voter's signature is not available on the electronic poll book screen, the voter shall sign the printed application. (B) For those counties using the computerized voter signature list, the following procedures shall be followed: (i) After completing the application for ballot, the voter shall sign the computerized voter signature list, and the registrar shall compare the voter's signature and information on the signature list with the information on the application for ballot; and (ii) If, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the computerized voter signature list and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote. (C) For those counties using the electronic poll book, the following procedure shall be followed: After completing the application for ballot which shall include the voter's signature, if, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application for ballot and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote. (3) (A) (i) A person shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this section if the voter claims to be properly registered in the county and eligible to vote at the precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be determined by the computer signature list or by examination of the permanent registration records on file with the county election commission; an election official asserts the individual is not registered to vote; or the voter has requested a ballot pursuant to § 2-6-202 . If a voter is unable to present evidence of identification, the voter shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to subsection (e) unless the voter is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f). (ii) If the election official cannot determine that the voter's name should have been placed on the precinct's computer signature list, then the voter shall complete an original voter registration application. At the time of registration and pursuant to subsection (d), the voter shall present verification of the residential address under which the person desires to vote. (iii) After the voter has completed the voter registration application and supplied verification of the voter's residential address, the voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section. (iv) Upon completion of the application for ballot, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be of a different color from absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent registration and voting. (v) Both the voter registration application and the application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow election day voter registration. (vi) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance. (vii) Along with the voter registration applications and the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the absentee ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls. (B) (i) All provisional ballots shall be counted at the county election commission office by a separate central absentee ballot counting board that has been appointed in like manner to the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 and known as the central provisional ballot counting board. Upon completion of the counting of the absentee ballots, the county election commission may designate the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 as the central provisional ballot counting board. If the county election commission determines that there are fewer than one hundred (100) provisional ballots to be counted, the county election commission may act as the central provisional ballot counting board without additional compensation. When provisional ballots have been cast utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology, the counting of the provisional ballots shall be pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. (ii) After the delivery of the absentee ballot boxes containing provisional ballots to the county election commission, the central provisional ballot counting board shall unlock and open each absentee ballot box from the polling places in the presence of a majority of the judges. (iii) The central provisional ballot counting board shall examine the records of the county election commission and the records of the Tennessee departments of health, human services, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, safety and veterans services with respect to all provisional ballots. The central provisional ballot counting board shall then determine if the person voting that ballot was entitled to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election. The central provisional ballot counting board shall also determine that the person has not already cast a ballot in the election. (iv) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should have been registered to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot and the voter has not cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, then the central provisional ballot counting board shall remove the provision ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all other provisional ballots that have been determined to be countable. (v) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection. (C) (i) The counting of all provisional ballots must be completed within four (4) business days of the close of polls on election day. If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the third Monday after the election. (ii) If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed during the night of election day and upon the close of each counting session, the absentee ballot boxes containing the provisional ballots must be locked and sealed in the same manner established in § 2-6-311 . The ballot boxes may not be unlocked except when the central provisional ballot counting board is performing its duties in compliance with this section. (b) If a voter is disabled so as to be unable to write a signature or make a mark, the registrar shall write the voter's name where needed and shall indicate that this has been done by putting the registrar's initials immediately after the name. (c) For purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot, "evidence of identification" shall be: (1) A Tennessee driver license; (2) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2)(B), a valid identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue personal identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; (B) An identification card issued to a student by an institution of higher education containing a photograph of a student shall not be evidence of identification for purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot; (3) A valid identification card issued pursuant to § 55-50-336 ; (4) A valid United States passport; (5) A valid employee identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue employee identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; (6) A valid United States military identification card; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; or (7) An employee identification card for retired state employees authorized pursuant to § 8-50-118 . (d) For purposes of registering a person to vote pursuant to subdivision (a)(3), "verification of residential address" includes, but is not limited to, a Tennessee driver license, a residential lease agreement, a utility bill or other document bearing the applicant's residential address. Such verification may be on the same or different document from those listed in subsection (c). (e) (1) A person whose name appears on the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book and is unable to present valid evidence of identification specified in subsection (c) shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this subsection (e) unless such person is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f). (2) The voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section, and if the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the voter shall complete a fail safe affidavit. The voter must vote in the precinct in which the person is a resident. The voter shall also be given a written statement that specifies the voter has until the second business day after the election to provide evidence of identification. The voter shall sign such statement and return it along with the application of ballot. (3) Upon completion of the application for ballot and if applicable, the presentation of a fail safe affidavit in the voter's correct polling location, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be a different color from the absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent voting. The application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. (4) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing optical scan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance. (5) Along with the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the provisional ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls. (6) Provisional ballots cast pursuant to this subsection (e) shall only be counted if the voter provides evidence of identification specified in subsection (c) to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee by the close of business on the second business day after the election. Evidence of identification must be presented at the voter's county election commission office or another location designated by the county election commission. (7) Upon the voter presenting valid evidence of identification, set forth in subsection (c), to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee, the voter shall sign an affidavit, prescribed by the coordinator of elections, containing the voter's name, signature and any other information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent voting. The affidavit shall also contain a statement affirming under the penalty of perjury that the voter is the same individual that cast the provisional ballot. A photocopy of the evidence of identification shall be attached to the affidavit. (8) The central provisional ballot counting board shall compare the information on the provisional affidavit envelope to the information set forth in subdivision (e)(7). If it is determined that the person provided proper evidence of identification, then the central provisional counting board shall remove the provisional ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all provisional ballots to be counted. (9) If the voter does not provide valid evidence of identification in a timely manner, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. The board members signing the provisional ballot affidavit may not be of the same political party. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected ballots. The administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection. (10) The central provisional ballot counting board shall have until the close of business on the fourth business day after the election to count any provisional ballot cast pursuant to this subsection (e). If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the second Monday after the election. (f) A voter who is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without payment of a fee or who has a religious objection to being photographed shall be required to execute an affidavit of identity on a form provided by the county election commission and then shall be allowed to vote. The affidavit shall state that: (1) The person executing the affidavit is the same individual who is casting the ballot; and (2) The affiant is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without paying a fee or has a religious objection to being photographed. (g) An identification card issued by a county or municipality or entity thereof, including a public library, containing a photograph shall not be evidence of identification for purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 99, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 346, s 1, eff. 5/5/2023. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 726, s 2, eff. 4/18/2018. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 231, s 9, eff. 7/1/2013. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 178, Secs.s 1, s 2, s 3eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 365, § 1; T.C.A., §2-712; Acts 1984, ch. 935, §§ 4-6; 1989, ch. 590, §§ 4, 5; 1990, ch. 727, §3; 1997 , ch. 550, §8; 2003 , ch. 352, §§1-3; 2008 , ch. 928, §14; 2008 , ch. 1019, §1; 2009 , ch. 218, §5; 2010 , ch. 1100, §1; 2011 , ch. 323, §§1-8; 2011 , ch. 386, §1; 2012 , ch. 575, §1; 2012 , ch. 938, § 2.
(a) (1) (A) A voter shall complete and sign an application for ballot, indicate the primary in which the voter desires to vote, if any, and present it to a precinct registrar. In addition, the voter shall present to the precinct registrar one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter. The requirement to present one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter shall apply to persons voting pursuant to § 2-6-109 ; provided, however, that a person voting in accordance with § 2-6-401(a) and (b) or § 2-6-601 shall not be required to show an identification with a photograph of the voter. The application for ballot shall include a space for the address of the voter's current residence, and the voter shall write or print such address on the application when the voter signs the application for ballot. (B) Using the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book, the registrar shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the registrar shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to §§ 2-7-140 and 2-7-141 . (C) To verify the voter's identification, the voter shall supply evidence of identification specified in subsection (c). (D) If, upon verification of evidence of identification, it is found that the applicant is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application, note the date of the election, the number on the voter's ballot application, and the primary or general election in which the voter applies to vote. (E) If the applicant's signature is illegible, the registrar shall print the name on the application. (2) (A) The county election commission shall use either a computerized voter signature list or an electronic poll book that has been approved for use by the coordinator of elections. A computerized voter signature list must include the voter's name, current address of residence, voter identification number, birth date, and a space for the voter's signature, elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, and the precinct registrar's initials. The electronic poll book must contain the same information as on the computerized voter signature list in an electronic format and provide a place on its screen for the precinct registrar to record elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, the precinct registrar's initials, and the voter's signature. If a place for the voter's signature is not available on the electronic poll book screen, the voter shall sign the printed application. (B) For those counties using the computerized voter signature list, the following procedures shall be followed: (i) After completing the application for ballot, the voter shall sign the computerized voter signature list, and the registrar shall compare the voter's signature and information on the signature list with the information on the application for ballot; and (ii) If, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the computerized voter signature list and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote. (C) For those counties using the electronic poll book, the following procedure shall be followed: After completing the application for ballot which shall include the voter's signature, if, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application for ballot and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote. (3) (A) (i) A person shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this section if the voter claims to be properly registered in the county and eligible to vote at the precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be determined by the computer signature list or by examination of the permanent registration records on file with the county election commission; an election official asserts the individual is not registered to vote; or the voter has requested a ballot pursuant to § 2-6-202 . If a voter is unable to present evidence of identification, the voter shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to subsection (e) unless the voter is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f). (ii) If the election official cannot determine that the voter's name should have been placed on the precinct's computer signature list, then the voter shall complete an original voter registration application. At the time of registration and pursuant to subsection (d), the voter shall present verification of the residential address under which the person desires to vote. (iii) After the voter has completed the voter registration application and supplied verification of the voter's residential address, the voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section. (iv) Upon completion of the application for ballot, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be of a different color from absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent registration and voting. (v) Both the voter registration application and the application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow election day voter registration. (vi) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance. (vii) Along with the voter registration applications and the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the absentee ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls. (B) (i) All provisional ballots shall be counted at the county election commission office by a separate central absentee ballot counting board that has been appointed in like manner to the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 and known as the central provisional ballot counting board. Upon completion of the counting of the absentee ballots, the county election commission may designate the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 as the central provisional ballot counting board. If the county election commission determines that there are fewer than one hundred (100) provisional ballots to be counted, the county election commission may act as the central provisional ballot counting board without additional compensation. When provisional ballots have been cast utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology, the counting of the provisional ballots shall be pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. (ii) After the delivery of the absentee ballot boxes containing provisional ballots to the county election commission, the central provisional ballot counting board shall unlock and open each absentee ballot box from the polling places in the presence of a majority of the judges. (iii) The central provisional ballot counting board shall examine the records of the county election commission and the records of the Tennessee departments of health, human services, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, safety and veterans services with respect to all provisional ballots. The central provisional ballot counting board shall then determine if the person voting that ballot was entitled to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election. The central provisional ballot counting board shall also determine that the person has not already cast a ballot in the election. (iv) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should have been registered to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot and the voter has not cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, then the central provisional ballot counting board shall remove the provision ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all other provisional ballots that have been determined to be countable. (v) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection. (C) (i) The counting of all provisional ballots must be completed within four (4) business days of the close of polls on election day. If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the third Monday after the election. (ii) If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed during the night of election day and upon the close of each counting session, the absentee ballot boxes containing the provisional ballots must be locked and sealed in the same manner established in § 2-6-311 . The ballot boxes may not be unlocked except when the central provisional ballot counting board is performing its duties in compliance with this section.
(1) (A) A voter shall complete and sign an application for ballot, indicate the primary in which the voter desires to vote, if any, and present it to a precinct registrar. In addition, the voter shall present to the precinct registrar one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter. The requirement to present one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter shall apply to persons voting pursuant to § 2-6-109 ; provided, however, that a person voting in accordance with § 2-6-401(a) and (b) or § 2-6-601 shall not be required to show an identification with a photograph of the voter. The application for ballot shall include a space for the address of the voter's current residence, and the voter shall write or print such address on the application when the voter signs the application for ballot. (B) Using the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book, the registrar shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the registrar shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to §§ 2-7-140 and 2-7-141 . (C) To verify the voter's identification, the voter shall supply evidence of identification specified in subsection (c). (D) If, upon verification of evidence of identification, it is found that the applicant is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application, note the date of the election, the number on the voter's ballot application, and the primary or general election in which the voter applies to vote. (E) If the applicant's signature is illegible, the registrar shall print the name on the application.
(A) A voter shall complete and sign an application for ballot, indicate the primary in which the voter desires to vote, if any, and present it to a precinct registrar. In addition, the voter shall present to the precinct registrar one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter. The requirement to present one (1) form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter shall apply to persons voting pursuant to § 2-6-109 ; provided, however, that a person voting in accordance with § 2-6-401(a) and (b) or § 2-6-601 shall not be required to show an identification with a photograph of the voter. The application for ballot shall include a space for the address of the voter's current residence, and the voter shall write or print such address on the application when the voter signs the application for ballot.
(B) Using the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book, the registrar shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the registrar shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to §§ 2-7-140 and 2-7-141 .
(C) To verify the voter's identification, the voter shall supply evidence of identification specified in subsection (c).
(D) If, upon verification of evidence of identification, it is found that the applicant is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application, note the date of the election, the number on the voter's ballot application, and the primary or general election in which the voter applies to vote.
(E) If the applicant's signature is illegible, the registrar shall print the name on the application.
(2) (A) The county election commission shall use either a computerized voter signature list or an electronic poll book that has been approved for use by the coordinator of elections. A computerized voter signature list must include the voter's name, current address of residence, voter identification number, birth date, and a space for the voter's signature, elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, and the precinct registrar's initials. The electronic poll book must contain the same information as on the computerized voter signature list in an electronic format and provide a place on its screen for the precinct registrar to record elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, the precinct registrar's initials, and the voter's signature. If a place for the voter's signature is not available on the electronic poll book screen, the voter shall sign the printed application. (B) For those counties using the computerized voter signature list, the following procedures shall be followed: (i) After completing the application for ballot, the voter shall sign the computerized voter signature list, and the registrar shall compare the voter's signature and information on the signature list with the information on the application for ballot; and (ii) If, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the computerized voter signature list and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote. (C) For those counties using the electronic poll book, the following procedure shall be followed: After completing the application for ballot which shall include the voter's signature, if, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application for ballot and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote.
(A) The county election commission shall use either a computerized voter signature list or an electronic poll book that has been approved for use by the coordinator of elections. A computerized voter signature list must include the voter's name, current address of residence, voter identification number, birth date, and a space for the voter's signature, elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, and the precinct registrar's initials. The electronic poll book must contain the same information as on the computerized voter signature list in an electronic format and provide a place on its screen for the precinct registrar to record elections voted, application or ballot stub number, or both, the precinct registrar's initials, and the voter's signature. If a place for the voter's signature is not available on the electronic poll book screen, the voter shall sign the printed application.
(B) For those counties using the computerized voter signature list, the following procedures shall be followed: (i) After completing the application for ballot, the voter shall sign the computerized voter signature list, and the registrar shall compare the voter's signature and information on the signature list with the information on the application for ballot; and (ii) If, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the computerized voter signature list and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote.
(i) After completing the application for ballot, the voter shall sign the computerized voter signature list, and the registrar shall compare the voter's signature and information on the signature list with the information on the application for ballot; and
(ii) If, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the computerized voter signature list and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote.
(C) For those counties using the electronic poll book, the following procedure shall be followed: After completing the application for ballot which shall include the voter's signature, if, upon comparison of the information, the registrar determines that the voter is entitled to vote, the registrar shall initial the application for ballot and shall give the voter the ballot application, which is the voter's authorization to vote.
(3) (A) (i) A person shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this section if the voter claims to be properly registered in the county and eligible to vote at the precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be determined by the computer signature list or by examination of the permanent registration records on file with the county election commission; an election official asserts the individual is not registered to vote; or the voter has requested a ballot pursuant to § 2-6-202 . If a voter is unable to present evidence of identification, the voter shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to subsection (e) unless the voter is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f). (ii) If the election official cannot determine that the voter's name should have been placed on the precinct's computer signature list, then the voter shall complete an original voter registration application. At the time of registration and pursuant to subsection (d), the voter shall present verification of the residential address under which the person desires to vote. (iii) After the voter has completed the voter registration application and supplied verification of the voter's residential address, the voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section. (iv) Upon completion of the application for ballot, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be of a different color from absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent registration and voting. (v) Both the voter registration application and the application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow election day voter registration. (vi) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance. (vii) Along with the voter registration applications and the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the absentee ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls. (B) (i) All provisional ballots shall be counted at the county election commission office by a separate central absentee ballot counting board that has been appointed in like manner to the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 and known as the central provisional ballot counting board. Upon completion of the counting of the absentee ballots, the county election commission may designate the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 as the central provisional ballot counting board. If the county election commission determines that there are fewer than one hundred (100) provisional ballots to be counted, the county election commission may act as the central provisional ballot counting board without additional compensation. When provisional ballots have been cast utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology, the counting of the provisional ballots shall be pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. (ii) After the delivery of the absentee ballot boxes containing provisional ballots to the county election commission, the central provisional ballot counting board shall unlock and open each absentee ballot box from the polling places in the presence of a majority of the judges. (iii) The central provisional ballot counting board shall examine the records of the county election commission and the records of the Tennessee departments of health, human services, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, safety and veterans services with respect to all provisional ballots. The central provisional ballot counting board shall then determine if the person voting that ballot was entitled to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election. The central provisional ballot counting board shall also determine that the person has not already cast a ballot in the election. (iv) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should have been registered to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot and the voter has not cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, then the central provisional ballot counting board shall remove the provision ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all other provisional ballots that have been determined to be countable. (v) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection. (C) (i) The counting of all provisional ballots must be completed within four (4) business days of the close of polls on election day. If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the third Monday after the election. (ii) If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed during the night of election day and upon the close of each counting session, the absentee ballot boxes containing the provisional ballots must be locked and sealed in the same manner established in § 2-6-311 . The ballot boxes may not be unlocked except when the central provisional ballot counting board is performing its duties in compliance with this section.
(A) (i) A person shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this section if the voter claims to be properly registered in the county and eligible to vote at the precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be determined by the computer signature list or by examination of the permanent registration records on file with the county election commission; an election official asserts the individual is not registered to vote; or the voter has requested a ballot pursuant to § 2-6-202 . If a voter is unable to present evidence of identification, the voter shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to subsection (e) unless the voter is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f). (ii) If the election official cannot determine that the voter's name should have been placed on the precinct's computer signature list, then the voter shall complete an original voter registration application. At the time of registration and pursuant to subsection (d), the voter shall present verification of the residential address under which the person desires to vote. (iii) After the voter has completed the voter registration application and supplied verification of the voter's residential address, the voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section. (iv) Upon completion of the application for ballot, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be of a different color from absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent registration and voting. (v) Both the voter registration application and the application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow election day voter registration. (vi) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance. (vii) Along with the voter registration applications and the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the absentee ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls.
(i) A person shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this section if the voter claims to be properly registered in the county and eligible to vote at the precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be determined by the computer signature list or by examination of the permanent registration records on file with the county election commission; an election official asserts the individual is not registered to vote; or the voter has requested a ballot pursuant to § 2-6-202 . If a voter is unable to present evidence of identification, the voter shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to subsection (e) unless the voter is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f).
(ii) If the election official cannot determine that the voter's name should have been placed on the precinct's computer signature list, then the voter shall complete an original voter registration application. At the time of registration and pursuant to subsection (d), the voter shall present verification of the residential address under which the person desires to vote.
(iii) After the voter has completed the voter registration application and supplied verification of the voter's residential address, the voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section.
(iv) Upon completion of the application for ballot, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be of a different color from absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent registration and voting.
(v) Both the voter registration application and the application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow election day voter registration.
(vi) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance.
(vii) Along with the voter registration applications and the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the absentee ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls.
(B) (i) All provisional ballots shall be counted at the county election commission office by a separate central absentee ballot counting board that has been appointed in like manner to the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 and known as the central provisional ballot counting board. Upon completion of the counting of the absentee ballots, the county election commission may designate the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 as the central provisional ballot counting board. If the county election commission determines that there are fewer than one hundred (100) provisional ballots to be counted, the county election commission may act as the central provisional ballot counting board without additional compensation. When provisional ballots have been cast utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology, the counting of the provisional ballots shall be pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. (ii) After the delivery of the absentee ballot boxes containing provisional ballots to the county election commission, the central provisional ballot counting board shall unlock and open each absentee ballot box from the polling places in the presence of a majority of the judges. (iii) The central provisional ballot counting board shall examine the records of the county election commission and the records of the Tennessee departments of health, human services, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, safety and veterans services with respect to all provisional ballots. The central provisional ballot counting board shall then determine if the person voting that ballot was entitled to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election. The central provisional ballot counting board shall also determine that the person has not already cast a ballot in the election. (iv) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should have been registered to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot and the voter has not cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, then the central provisional ballot counting board shall remove the provision ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all other provisional ballots that have been determined to be countable. (v) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection.
(i) All provisional ballots shall be counted at the county election commission office by a separate central absentee ballot counting board that has been appointed in like manner to the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 and known as the central provisional ballot counting board. Upon completion of the counting of the absentee ballots, the county election commission may designate the central absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 as the central provisional ballot counting board. If the county election commission determines that there are fewer than one hundred (100) provisional ballots to be counted, the county election commission may act as the central provisional ballot counting board without additional compensation. When provisional ballots have been cast utilizing punchcard or optiscan technology, the counting of the provisional ballots shall be pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections.
(ii) After the delivery of the absentee ballot boxes containing provisional ballots to the county election commission, the central provisional ballot counting board shall unlock and open each absentee ballot box from the polling places in the presence of a majority of the judges.
(iii) The central provisional ballot counting board shall examine the records of the county election commission and the records of the Tennessee departments of health, human services, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, safety and veterans services with respect to all provisional ballots. The central provisional ballot counting board shall then determine if the person voting that ballot was entitled to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration at the precinct where the person cast a vote in the election. The central provisional ballot counting board shall also determine that the person has not already cast a ballot in the election.
(iv) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should have been registered to vote and met the statutory requirements for registration in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot and the voter has not cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, then the central provisional ballot counting board shall remove the provision ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all other provisional ballots that have been determined to be countable.
(v) If the central provisional ballot counting board determines that the person should not have been registered to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the ballot or that the voter has previously cast a ballot in the election in a different precinct, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but it shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected absentee ballots. A list shall be made of such rejected ballots, and the administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection.
(C) (i) The counting of all provisional ballots must be completed within four (4) business days of the close of polls on election day. If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the third Monday after the election. (ii) If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed during the night of election day and upon the close of each counting session, the absentee ballot boxes containing the provisional ballots must be locked and sealed in the same manner established in § 2-6-311 . The ballot boxes may not be unlocked except when the central provisional ballot counting board is performing its duties in compliance with this section.
(i) The counting of all provisional ballots must be completed within four (4) business days of the close of polls on election day. If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the third Monday after the election.
(ii) If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed during the night of election day and upon the close of each counting session, the absentee ballot boxes containing the provisional ballots must be locked and sealed in the same manner established in § 2-6-311 . The ballot boxes may not be unlocked except when the central provisional ballot counting board is performing its duties in compliance with this section.
(b) If a voter is disabled so as to be unable to write a signature or make a mark, the registrar shall write the voter's name where needed and shall indicate that this has been done by putting the registrar's initials immediately after the name.
(c) For purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot, "evidence of identification" shall be: (1) A Tennessee driver license; (2) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2)(B), a valid identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue personal identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; (B) An identification card issued to a student by an institution of higher education containing a photograph of a student shall not be evidence of identification for purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot; (3) A valid identification card issued pursuant to § 55-50-336 ; (4) A valid United States passport; (5) A valid employee identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue employee identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; (6) A valid United States military identification card; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; or (7) An employee identification card for retired state employees authorized pursuant to § 8-50-118 .
(1) A Tennessee driver license;
(2) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2)(B), a valid identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue personal identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; (B) An identification card issued to a student by an institution of higher education containing a photograph of a student shall not be evidence of identification for purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot;
(A) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2)(B), a valid identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue personal identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter;
(B) An identification card issued to a student by an institution of higher education containing a photograph of a student shall not be evidence of identification for purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot;
(3) A valid identification card issued pursuant to § 55-50-336 ;
(4) A valid United States passport;
(5) A valid employee identification card issued by the state of Tennessee, or the United States where authorized by law to issue employee identification; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter;
(6) A valid United States military identification card; provided, that such identification card contains a photograph of the voter; or
(7) An employee identification card for retired state employees authorized pursuant to § 8-50-118 .
(d) For purposes of registering a person to vote pursuant to subdivision (a)(3), "verification of residential address" includes, but is not limited to, a Tennessee driver license, a residential lease agreement, a utility bill or other document bearing the applicant's residential address. Such verification may be on the same or different document from those listed in subsection (c).
(e) (1) A person whose name appears on the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book and is unable to present valid evidence of identification specified in subsection (c) shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this subsection (e) unless such person is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f). (2) The voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section, and if the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the voter shall complete a fail safe affidavit. The voter must vote in the precinct in which the person is a resident. The voter shall also be given a written statement that specifies the voter has until the second business day after the election to provide evidence of identification. The voter shall sign such statement and return it along with the application of ballot. (3) Upon completion of the application for ballot and if applicable, the presentation of a fail safe affidavit in the voter's correct polling location, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be a different color from the absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent voting. The application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box. (4) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing optical scan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance. (5) Along with the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the provisional ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls. (6) Provisional ballots cast pursuant to this subsection (e) shall only be counted if the voter provides evidence of identification specified in subsection (c) to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee by the close of business on the second business day after the election. Evidence of identification must be presented at the voter's county election commission office or another location designated by the county election commission. (7) Upon the voter presenting valid evidence of identification, set forth in subsection (c), to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee, the voter shall sign an affidavit, prescribed by the coordinator of elections, containing the voter's name, signature and any other information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent voting. The affidavit shall also contain a statement affirming under the penalty of perjury that the voter is the same individual that cast the provisional ballot. A photocopy of the evidence of identification shall be attached to the affidavit. (8) The central provisional ballot counting board shall compare the information on the provisional affidavit envelope to the information set forth in subdivision (e)(7). If it is determined that the person provided proper evidence of identification, then the central provisional counting board shall remove the provisional ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all provisional ballots to be counted. (9) If the voter does not provide valid evidence of identification in a timely manner, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. The board members signing the provisional ballot affidavit may not be of the same political party. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected ballots. The administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection. (10) The central provisional ballot counting board shall have until the close of business on the fourth business day after the election to count any provisional ballot cast pursuant to this subsection (e). If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the second Monday after the election.
(1) A person whose name appears on the computerized voter signature list or the electronic poll book and is unable to present valid evidence of identification specified in subsection (c) shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot under the procedures of this subsection (e) unless such person is eligible to vote pursuant to subsection (f).
(2) The voter shall complete an application for ballot pursuant to this section, and if the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the voter shall complete a fail safe affidavit. The voter must vote in the precinct in which the person is a resident. The voter shall also be given a written statement that specifies the voter has until the second business day after the election to provide evidence of identification. The voter shall sign such statement and return it along with the application of ballot.
(3) Upon completion of the application for ballot and if applicable, the presentation of a fail safe affidavit in the voter's correct polling location, the voter shall be given a provisional ballot and provisional ballot envelope. The provisional ballot envelope shall be a different color from the absentee ballot envelopes and shall bear a detachable slip that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The provisional ballot affidavit shall contain the voter's printed name, social security number, date of birth, signature and any other identifying information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent voting. The application for ballot shall be deposited in the provisional ballot box.
(4) Pursuant to § 2-7-114(b) and (c) , the voter shall vote the provisional ballot. Any county utilizing optical scan technology shall process their ballots pursuant to rules promulgated by the state coordinator of elections. Section 2-7-116 shall govern any voter needing assistance.
(5) Along with the applications for ballot completed by provisional voters, all provisional ballots that have been cast shall remain sealed and locked in the provisional ballot box for return to the county election commission at the close of polls.
(6) Provisional ballots cast pursuant to this subsection (e) shall only be counted if the voter provides evidence of identification specified in subsection (c) to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee by the close of business on the second business day after the election. Evidence of identification must be presented at the voter's county election commission office or another location designated by the county election commission.
(7) Upon the voter presenting valid evidence of identification, set forth in subsection (c), to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee, the voter shall sign an affidavit, prescribed by the coordinator of elections, containing the voter's name, signature and any other information deemed necessary by the coordinator of elections to satisfy the requirements of this section and to prevent fraudulent voting. The affidavit shall also contain a statement affirming under the penalty of perjury that the voter is the same individual that cast the provisional ballot. A photocopy of the evidence of identification shall be attached to the affidavit.
(8) The central provisional ballot counting board shall compare the information on the provisional affidavit envelope to the information set forth in subdivision (e)(7). If it is determined that the person provided proper evidence of identification, then the central provisional counting board shall remove the provisional ballot affidavit from the provisional ballot envelope and place the sealed ballot with all provisional ballots to be counted.
(9) If the voter does not provide valid evidence of identification in a timely manner, the provisional ballot envelope shall not be opened nor its provisional ballot affidavit removed, but shall be marked "Rejected" across its face with the reason for rejection written on it and signed by at least two (2) members of the central provisional ballot counting board. The board members signing the provisional ballot affidavit may not be of the same political party. It shall then be placed in the container of rejected ballots. The administrator shall notify the voters by mail of the rejection and the reason for such rejection.
(10) The central provisional ballot counting board shall have until the close of business on the fourth business day after the election to count any provisional ballot cast pursuant to this subsection (e). If the county election commission determines that the counting of provisional ballots cannot be completed by the designated time, the state coordinator of elections may grant the county an extension of time and designate a time that shall be no later than the second Monday after the election.
(f) A voter who is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without payment of a fee or who has a religious objection to being photographed shall be required to execute an affidavit of identity on a form provided by the county election commission and then shall be allowed to vote. The affidavit shall state that: (1) The person executing the affidavit is the same individual who is casting the ballot; and (2) The affiant is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without paying a fee or has a religious objection to being photographed.
(1) The person executing the affidavit is the same individual who is casting the ballot; and
(2) The affiant is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without paying a fee or has a religious objection to being photographed.
(g) An identification card issued by a county or municipality or entity thereof, including a public library, containing a photograph shall not be evidence of identification for purposes of verifying the person's identification on the application for ballot.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 99, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 346, s 1, eff. 5/5/2023.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 726, s 2, eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 231, s 9, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 178, Secs.s 1, s 2, s 3eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 365, § 1; T.C.A., §2-712; Acts 1984, ch. 935, §§ 4-6; 1989, ch. 590, §§ 4, 5; 1990, ch. 727, §3; 1997 , ch. 550, §8; 2003 , ch. 352, §§1-3; 2008 , ch. 928, §14; 2008 , ch. 1019, §1; 2009 , ch. 218, §5; 2010 , ch. 1100, §1; 2011 , ch. 323, §§1-8; 2011 , ch. 386, §1; 2012 , ch. 575, §1; 2012 , ch. 938, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-110 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-110
Publication of notice by commission or board
Status: in_force

When a commission or board established under this title is required to publish any notice in a newspaper of general circulation: (1) It shall publish the notice, if possible, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which notice is to be given; (2) It shall publish the notice in as many newspapers of general circulation as may be necessary to give notice effectively to the qualified voters of the area in which notice is to be given; and (3) Notices that require the same time frame for publication may be combined for publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-110; Acts 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
When a commission or board established under this title is required to publish any notice in a newspaper of general circulation:
(1) It shall publish the notice, if possible, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which notice is to be given;
(2) It shall publish the notice in as many newspapers of general circulation as may be necessary to give notice effectively to the qualified voters of the area in which notice is to be given; and
(3) Notices that require the same time frame for publication may be combined for publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-110; Acts 2004, ch. 480, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-206 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-206
Runoff following primary election for municipal office - Procedure for absentee voting required
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, in any municipality in which the charter of such municipality provides for a runoff election following a primary election for municipal office, such runoff election may be held not less than thirty (30) days following the primary election. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, the county election commission holding such runoff election shall provide a procedure for absentee voting in such election. (c) Notwithstanding any private act or charter provision to the contrary, when a run-off election is scheduled to be held after a general election in any county having a metropolitan form of government, the run-off election shall be set by the election commission, not less than thirty (30) nor more than forty-five (45) days after the regular election. Acts 1980, ch. 590, §§ 1, 2; 2007, ch. 124, § 1.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, in any municipality in which the charter of such municipality provides for a runoff election following a primary election for municipal office, such runoff election may be held not less than thirty (30) days following the primary election.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, the county election commission holding such runoff election shall provide a procedure for absentee voting in such election.
(c) Notwithstanding any private act or charter provision to the contrary, when a run-off election is scheduled to be held after a general election in any county having a metropolitan form of government, the run-off election shall be set by the election commission, not less than thirty (30) nor more than forty-five (45) days after the regular election.
Acts 1980, ch. 590, §§ 1, 2; 2007, ch. 124, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-124 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-124
Violations at local level - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for any member of a municipal or county legislative body, member-elect of a municipal or county legislative body, or other elected county or municipal official to knowingly receive a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services, other than compensation paid by the state, a county, or municipality. (b) It is an offense for any person or other entity, other than the state, a county, or a municipality, to pay a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services relating to a municipality or county if such person or entity knows the person to whom the compensation is paid is a member of the municipal or county legislative body, a member-elect of the municipal or county legislative body, or other elected municipal or county official in the county or municipality in which the consulting services are to be performed. (c) (1) (A) If conduct giving rise to a violation of this section would also constitute the offense of bribery prohibited by § 39-16-102 , then such violation is a Class C felony. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state. (B) Nothing contained within this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for the Class C felony offense of bribery of a public servant, set forth in § 39-16-102 ; nor shall it be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for any other applicable criminal offense. (2) Any other violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state. Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1.
(a) It is an offense for any member of a municipal or county legislative body, member-elect of a municipal or county legislative body, or other elected county or municipal official to knowingly receive a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services, other than compensation paid by the state, a county, or municipality.
(b) It is an offense for any person or other entity, other than the state, a county, or a municipality, to pay a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services relating to a municipality or county if such person or entity knows the person to whom the compensation is paid is a member of the municipal or county legislative body, a member-elect of the municipal or county legislative body, or other elected municipal or county official in the county or municipality in which the consulting services are to be performed.
(c) (1) (A) If conduct giving rise to a violation of this section would also constitute the offense of bribery prohibited by § 39-16-102 , then such violation is a Class C felony. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state. (B) Nothing contained within this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for the Class C felony offense of bribery of a public servant, set forth in § 39-16-102 ; nor shall it be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for any other applicable criminal offense. (2) Any other violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
(1) (A) If conduct giving rise to a violation of this section would also constitute the offense of bribery prohibited by § 39-16-102 , then such violation is a Class C felony. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state. (B) Nothing contained within this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for the Class C felony offense of bribery of a public servant, set forth in § 39-16-102 ; nor shall it be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for any other applicable criminal offense.
(A) If conduct giving rise to a violation of this section would also constitute the offense of bribery prohibited by § 39-16-102 , then such violation is a Class C felony. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
(B) Nothing contained within this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for the Class C felony offense of bribery of a public servant, set forth in § 39-16-102 ; nor shall it be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for any other applicable criminal offense.
(2) Any other violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-105 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-105
Filing of contribution, loan and expenditure statements - Deadlines - Certification of treasurers and other officers - Retention of records - Additional reporting requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Each candidate for state public office and political campaign committee in a state election shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of such candidate or such committee. The statement of each candidate for state public office shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution, and the statement of a political campaign committee in a state election shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate in any election. The statement of expenditures by a political campaign committee must consist of all amounts paid by the political campaign committee from received contributions. (b) (1) Each candidate for local public office shall file with each county election commission of the county where the election is held a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of such candidate. The statement of each candidate for local public office shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution. (2) Each political campaign committee for a local election or candidate shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the committee. The statement of each committee must be filed in the same manner and include the same information as a statement filed under subsection (a). The statement of expenditures by a political campaign committee must consist of all amounts paid by the political campaign committee from received contributions. (c) (1) The statements required by subsections (a) and (b) of each candidate, each single candidate political campaign committee, single measure political campaign or multicandidate political campaign committee shall be filed quarterly during an election year, within ten (10) days following the conclusion of the quarterly reports ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and January 15. Such candidate and political campaign committees shall also be required to file a pre-primary statement and pre-general election statement. The pre-primary statement shall cover the period from the last day included in the July quarterly statement through the tenth day before the primary election. Such pre-primary statement is due seven (7) days before the primary election. The pre-general election statement shall cover the period from the last day included in the October quarterly statement through the tenth day before the general election. Such pre-general election statement is due seven (7) days before the general election. (2) Statements for any runoff election, from the last day included in any prior report through the tenth day before any such election shall be filed not later than seven (7) days before the election. (3) Any candidate or political campaign committee filing a statement pursuant to subsection (e) before January 16 of the year in which the candidate or committee expects to be involved in an election shall file reports with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by subsections (a) and (b), by January 31 and July 15 immediately succeeding the filing, and semi-annually thereafter until the year of the election. If January 31 or July 15 falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, § 1-3-102 shall apply. The ending date of the January 31 reporting period is January 15. The ending date of the July 15 reporting period is June 30. A semiannual report is not required to be made if the reporting date is within sixty (60) days of a report otherwise required by this part. (4) Each statement required by subsections (a) and (b) shall include transactions occurring since the preceding statement. (d) Each multicandidate political campaign committee shall file reports according to subsection (c)(1). Each report shall include transactions occurring since the preceding report. Such reports shall be made available on the Internet as soon as practicable once such multicandidate political campaign committee has filed such information and the registry has reviewed such statements for accuracy and timeliness. If a multicandidate political campaign committee has not timely filed a quarterly report, then the registry shall post on the Internet that the multicandidate political campaign committee is delinquent. (e) (1) Each candidate and each political campaign committee shall certify the name and address of the candidate's or committee's political treasurer to the registry of election finance or the county election commission, where appropriate, before the candidate or committee may receive a contribution or make an expenditure in a state or local election. A statement certifying a candidate's treasurer must contain the office the candidate is seeking and the year of the election. A state public officeholder shall also certify the name and address of such officeholder's political treasurer to the registry of election finance before the officeholder or the officeholder's political committee may accept a contribution to defray the expenses incurred in connection with the performance of the officeholder's duties or responsibilities, and a local officeholder shall so certify the name and address of such officeholder's treasurer to the appropriate county election commission. A candidate may serve as that candidate's own political treasurer. A candidate or political campaign committee shall notify the registry of election finance or county election commission of any changes in the office of its political treasurer. Any such statements filed pursuant to this part shall be cosigned by the candidate, if such candidate appoints a political treasurer other than the candidate. (2) In addition to the requirements in subdivision (e)(1), a multicandidate political campaign committee shall also certify the name and address of all officers of such committee and of all persons who directly control expenditures to the registry of election finance. A multicandidate political campaign committee must have at least one (1) officer, not including the treasurer of such committee, and must have at least one (1) person who directly controls expenditures. (3) (A) Any multicandidate political campaign committee that registers on or after July 1, 2022, must submit to the registry of election finance evidence of identification for each officer, person who directly controls expenditures, and treasurer of the multicandidate political campaign committee prior to the committee making expenditures or receiving contributions. For any multicandidate political campaign committee in existence on July 1, 2022, the committee must submit any such required evidence of identification by January 31, 2023. (B) After a multicandidate political campaign committee submits evidence of identification under subdivision (e)(3)(A), if the committee designates a new person as designated in subdivision (e)(3)(A), the committee shall submit evidence of identification for such person within thirty (30) days of the designation. (C) As used in this subdivision (e)(3), "evidence of identification" has the same meaning as such term is used in § 2-7-112(c) except that when a Tennessee identification is specified in that section, any other equivalent identification issued by another state may be used for purposes of this section. (f) All records used by the candidate or political campaign committee to complete a statement required by this part shall be retained by the candidate or political campaign committee for at least two (2) years after the date of the election to which the records refer or the date of the statement, whichever is later. After the two-year period, the candidate or political campaign committee is authorized to destroy such records, absent any pending investigation by the registry of election finance or any other law enforcement agency, or absent any administrative or court proceeding. Once an investigation is closed by the registry of election finance, records may be destroyed upon a petition for approval to the registry of election finance. (g) Separate reporting shall be required for both primary elections and general elections. Cumulative reporting for both primary and general elections for the same office in the same year is expressly prohibited. An appointment of a political treasurer pursuant to subsection (e) may be cumulative, and one (1) such appointment shall be sufficient for both a primary and general election for the same office in the same year. A successful primary candidate shall not be required to certify a political treasurer for the general election, if the candidate had previously certified such political treasurer prior to the primary election. (h) (1) During the period beginning at twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight of the tenth day prior to a primary, general, runoff or special election or a referendum and extending through twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight of such election or referendum day, each candidate or political campaign committee shall, by telegram, facsimile machine, hand delivery, overnight mail delivery, or electronically, file a report with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by subsections (a) and (b), of: (A) The full name and address of each person or political campaign committee from whom the candidate or committee has received and accepted a contribution, loan, or transfer of funds during such period and the date of the receipt of each contribution that, in the aggregate, equals or exceeds the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000); and (B) The full name and address of each person or recipient entity who was paid or who owes an obligation during the period equal to or exceeding the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000). (2) Any report filed pursuant to subdivision (h)(1) must include the amount, date, and a brief description of each such contribution, expenditure, or loan reported, and a valuation of each in-kind contribution. If a loan is reported, the report shall contain the name and address of the lender, of the recipient of the proceeds of the loan, and of any person who makes any type of security agreement binding such person or such person's property, directly or indirectly, for the repayment of all or any part of the loan. For an independent expenditure, the report must include the name of the candidate or measure supported or opposed. (3) Each report required by subdivision (h)(1) shall be filed by the end of the next business day following the day on which the contribution or expenditure to be reported is received or made. (4) The registry shall develop appropriate forms for the report required by subdivision (h)(1) and make such forms available to the candidates and the county election commissions. (5) (A) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with the registry of election finance must be posted on the website of the registry as soon as practicable. The registry shall develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1). (B) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with a county election commission must be posted on the website of the commission as soon as practicable, if the commission otherwise posts campaign finance reports. A county election commission may develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1). (6) An expenditure or contribution reported under this subsection (h) must not be omitted or excluded from applicable reports filed pursuant to subsection (c). (i) Any state or local political party or caucus of such political party established by members of either house of the general assembly that controls or operates one (1) or more political campaign committees shall report all receipts and disbursements by the party in the same manner and at the same time that it reports contributions and expenditures by the party's political campaign committee. (j) Reports filed under this section shall not be cumulative, except as provided in subsection (g) regarding appointment of a political treasurer. Each report shall reflect the total for its own reporting period. (k) "Date of the receipt", as used in this section, means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 59, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 10, s 27 eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 6; 1981, ch. 136, § 1; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 3, 7; 1989, ch. 585, §§ 11-13; 1990, ch. 1078, §§ 1, 2; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 3, 4; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 9, 11-13; 1996, ch. 1005, § 2; 1997 , ch. 410, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 650, §§ 1 - 3; 2000, ch. 925, § 1; 2004, ch. 915, § 2; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 2; 2010 , ch. 685, § 1; 2012 , ch. 693, § 1.
(a) Each candidate for state public office and political campaign committee in a state election shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of such candidate or such committee. The statement of each candidate for state public office shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution, and the statement of a political campaign committee in a state election shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate in any election. The statement of expenditures by a political campaign committee must consist of all amounts paid by the political campaign committee from received contributions.
(b) (1) Each candidate for local public office shall file with each county election commission of the county where the election is held a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of such candidate. The statement of each candidate for local public office shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution. (2) Each political campaign committee for a local election or candidate shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the committee. The statement of each committee must be filed in the same manner and include the same information as a statement filed under subsection (a). The statement of expenditures by a political campaign committee must consist of all amounts paid by the political campaign committee from received contributions.
(1) Each candidate for local public office shall file with each county election commission of the county where the election is held a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of such candidate. The statement of each candidate for local public office shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution.
(2) Each political campaign committee for a local election or candidate shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the committee. The statement of each committee must be filed in the same manner and include the same information as a statement filed under subsection (a). The statement of expenditures by a political campaign committee must consist of all amounts paid by the political campaign committee from received contributions.
(c) (1) The statements required by subsections (a) and (b) of each candidate, each single candidate political campaign committee, single measure political campaign or multicandidate political campaign committee shall be filed quarterly during an election year, within ten (10) days following the conclusion of the quarterly reports ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and January 15. Such candidate and political campaign committees shall also be required to file a pre-primary statement and pre-general election statement. The pre-primary statement shall cover the period from the last day included in the July quarterly statement through the tenth day before the primary election. Such pre-primary statement is due seven (7) days before the primary election. The pre-general election statement shall cover the period from the last day included in the October quarterly statement through the tenth day before the general election. Such pre-general election statement is due seven (7) days before the general election. (2) Statements for any runoff election, from the last day included in any prior report through the tenth day before any such election shall be filed not later than seven (7) days before the election. (3) Any candidate or political campaign committee filing a statement pursuant to subsection (e) before January 16 of the year in which the candidate or committee expects to be involved in an election shall file reports with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by subsections (a) and (b), by January 31 and July 15 immediately succeeding the filing, and semi-annually thereafter until the year of the election. If January 31 or July 15 falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, § 1-3-102 shall apply. The ending date of the January 31 reporting period is January 15. The ending date of the July 15 reporting period is June 30. A semiannual report is not required to be made if the reporting date is within sixty (60) days of a report otherwise required by this part. (4) Each statement required by subsections (a) and (b) shall include transactions occurring since the preceding statement.
(1) The statements required by subsections (a) and (b) of each candidate, each single candidate political campaign committee, single measure political campaign or multicandidate political campaign committee shall be filed quarterly during an election year, within ten (10) days following the conclusion of the quarterly reports ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and January 15. Such candidate and political campaign committees shall also be required to file a pre-primary statement and pre-general election statement. The pre-primary statement shall cover the period from the last day included in the July quarterly statement through the tenth day before the primary election. Such pre-primary statement is due seven (7) days before the primary election. The pre-general election statement shall cover the period from the last day included in the October quarterly statement through the tenth day before the general election. Such pre-general election statement is due seven (7) days before the general election.
(2) Statements for any runoff election, from the last day included in any prior report through the tenth day before any such election shall be filed not later than seven (7) days before the election.
(3) Any candidate or political campaign committee filing a statement pursuant to subsection (e) before January 16 of the year in which the candidate or committee expects to be involved in an election shall file reports with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by subsections (a) and (b), by January 31 and July 15 immediately succeeding the filing, and semi-annually thereafter until the year of the election. If January 31 or July 15 falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, § 1-3-102 shall apply. The ending date of the January 31 reporting period is January 15. The ending date of the July 15 reporting period is June 30. A semiannual report is not required to be made if the reporting date is within sixty (60) days of a report otherwise required by this part.
(4) Each statement required by subsections (a) and (b) shall include transactions occurring since the preceding statement.
(d) Each multicandidate political campaign committee shall file reports according to subsection (c)(1). Each report shall include transactions occurring since the preceding report. Such reports shall be made available on the Internet as soon as practicable once such multicandidate political campaign committee has filed such information and the registry has reviewed such statements for accuracy and timeliness. If a multicandidate political campaign committee has not timely filed a quarterly report, then the registry shall post on the Internet that the multicandidate political campaign committee is delinquent.
(e) (1) Each candidate and each political campaign committee shall certify the name and address of the candidate's or committee's political treasurer to the registry of election finance or the county election commission, where appropriate, before the candidate or committee may receive a contribution or make an expenditure in a state or local election. A statement certifying a candidate's treasurer must contain the office the candidate is seeking and the year of the election. A state public officeholder shall also certify the name and address of such officeholder's political treasurer to the registry of election finance before the officeholder or the officeholder's political committee may accept a contribution to defray the expenses incurred in connection with the performance of the officeholder's duties or responsibilities, and a local officeholder shall so certify the name and address of such officeholder's treasurer to the appropriate county election commission. A candidate may serve as that candidate's own political treasurer. A candidate or political campaign committee shall notify the registry of election finance or county election commission of any changes in the office of its political treasurer. Any such statements filed pursuant to this part shall be cosigned by the candidate, if such candidate appoints a political treasurer other than the candidate. (2) In addition to the requirements in subdivision (e)(1), a multicandidate political campaign committee shall also certify the name and address of all officers of such committee and of all persons who directly control expenditures to the registry of election finance. A multicandidate political campaign committee must have at least one (1) officer, not including the treasurer of such committee, and must have at least one (1) person who directly controls expenditures. (3) (A) Any multicandidate political campaign committee that registers on or after July 1, 2022, must submit to the registry of election finance evidence of identification for each officer, person who directly controls expenditures, and treasurer of the multicandidate political campaign committee prior to the committee making expenditures or receiving contributions. For any multicandidate political campaign committee in existence on July 1, 2022, the committee must submit any such required evidence of identification by January 31, 2023. (B) After a multicandidate political campaign committee submits evidence of identification under subdivision (e)(3)(A), if the committee designates a new person as designated in subdivision (e)(3)(A), the committee shall submit evidence of identification for such person within thirty (30) days of the designation. (C) As used in this subdivision (e)(3), "evidence of identification" has the same meaning as such term is used in § 2-7-112(c) except that when a Tennessee identification is specified in that section, any other equivalent identification issued by another state may be used for purposes of this section.
(1) Each candidate and each political campaign committee shall certify the name and address of the candidate's or committee's political treasurer to the registry of election finance or the county election commission, where appropriate, before the candidate or committee may receive a contribution or make an expenditure in a state or local election. A statement certifying a candidate's treasurer must contain the office the candidate is seeking and the year of the election. A state public officeholder shall also certify the name and address of such officeholder's political treasurer to the registry of election finance before the officeholder or the officeholder's political committee may accept a contribution to defray the expenses incurred in connection with the performance of the officeholder's duties or responsibilities, and a local officeholder shall so certify the name and address of such officeholder's treasurer to the appropriate county election commission. A candidate may serve as that candidate's own political treasurer. A candidate or political campaign committee shall notify the registry of election finance or county election commission of any changes in the office of its political treasurer. Any such statements filed pursuant to this part shall be cosigned by the candidate, if such candidate appoints a political treasurer other than the candidate.
(2) In addition to the requirements in subdivision (e)(1), a multicandidate political campaign committee shall also certify the name and address of all officers of such committee and of all persons who directly control expenditures to the registry of election finance. A multicandidate political campaign committee must have at least one (1) officer, not including the treasurer of such committee, and must have at least one (1) person who directly controls expenditures.
(3) (A) Any multicandidate political campaign committee that registers on or after July 1, 2022, must submit to the registry of election finance evidence of identification for each officer, person who directly controls expenditures, and treasurer of the multicandidate political campaign committee prior to the committee making expenditures or receiving contributions. For any multicandidate political campaign committee in existence on July 1, 2022, the committee must submit any such required evidence of identification by January 31, 2023. (B) After a multicandidate political campaign committee submits evidence of identification under subdivision (e)(3)(A), if the committee designates a new person as designated in subdivision (e)(3)(A), the committee shall submit evidence of identification for such person within thirty (30) days of the designation. (C) As used in this subdivision (e)(3), "evidence of identification" has the same meaning as such term is used in § 2-7-112(c) except that when a Tennessee identification is specified in that section, any other equivalent identification issued by another state may be used for purposes of this section.
(A) Any multicandidate political campaign committee that registers on or after July 1, 2022, must submit to the registry of election finance evidence of identification for each officer, person who directly controls expenditures, and treasurer of the multicandidate political campaign committee prior to the committee making expenditures or receiving contributions. For any multicandidate political campaign committee in existence on July 1, 2022, the committee must submit any such required evidence of identification by January 31, 2023.
(B) After a multicandidate political campaign committee submits evidence of identification under subdivision (e)(3)(A), if the committee designates a new person as designated in subdivision (e)(3)(A), the committee shall submit evidence of identification for such person within thirty (30) days of the designation.
(C) As used in this subdivision (e)(3), "evidence of identification" has the same meaning as such term is used in § 2-7-112(c) except that when a Tennessee identification is specified in that section, any other equivalent identification issued by another state may be used for purposes of this section.
(f) All records used by the candidate or political campaign committee to complete a statement required by this part shall be retained by the candidate or political campaign committee for at least two (2) years after the date of the election to which the records refer or the date of the statement, whichever is later. After the two-year period, the candidate or political campaign committee is authorized to destroy such records, absent any pending investigation by the registry of election finance or any other law enforcement agency, or absent any administrative or court proceeding. Once an investigation is closed by the registry of election finance, records may be destroyed upon a petition for approval to the registry of election finance.
(g) Separate reporting shall be required for both primary elections and general elections. Cumulative reporting for both primary and general elections for the same office in the same year is expressly prohibited. An appointment of a political treasurer pursuant to subsection (e) may be cumulative, and one (1) such appointment shall be sufficient for both a primary and general election for the same office in the same year. A successful primary candidate shall not be required to certify a political treasurer for the general election, if the candidate had previously certified such political treasurer prior to the primary election.
(h) (1) During the period beginning at twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight of the tenth day prior to a primary, general, runoff or special election or a referendum and extending through twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight of such election or referendum day, each candidate or political campaign committee shall, by telegram, facsimile machine, hand delivery, overnight mail delivery, or electronically, file a report with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by subsections (a) and (b), of: (A) The full name and address of each person or political campaign committee from whom the candidate or committee has received and accepted a contribution, loan, or transfer of funds during such period and the date of the receipt of each contribution that, in the aggregate, equals or exceeds the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000); and (B) The full name and address of each person or recipient entity who was paid or who owes an obligation during the period equal to or exceeding the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000). (2) Any report filed pursuant to subdivision (h)(1) must include the amount, date, and a brief description of each such contribution, expenditure, or loan reported, and a valuation of each in-kind contribution. If a loan is reported, the report shall contain the name and address of the lender, of the recipient of the proceeds of the loan, and of any person who makes any type of security agreement binding such person or such person's property, directly or indirectly, for the repayment of all or any part of the loan. For an independent expenditure, the report must include the name of the candidate or measure supported or opposed. (3) Each report required by subdivision (h)(1) shall be filed by the end of the next business day following the day on which the contribution or expenditure to be reported is received or made. (4) The registry shall develop appropriate forms for the report required by subdivision (h)(1) and make such forms available to the candidates and the county election commissions. (5) (A) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with the registry of election finance must be posted on the website of the registry as soon as practicable. The registry shall develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1). (B) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with a county election commission must be posted on the website of the commission as soon as practicable, if the commission otherwise posts campaign finance reports. A county election commission may develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1). (6) An expenditure or contribution reported under this subsection (h) must not be omitted or excluded from applicable reports filed pursuant to subsection (c).
(1) During the period beginning at twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight of the tenth day prior to a primary, general, runoff or special election or a referendum and extending through twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight of such election or referendum day, each candidate or political campaign committee shall, by telegram, facsimile machine, hand delivery, overnight mail delivery, or electronically, file a report with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by subsections (a) and (b), of: (A) The full name and address of each person or political campaign committee from whom the candidate or committee has received and accepted a contribution, loan, or transfer of funds during such period and the date of the receipt of each contribution that, in the aggregate, equals or exceeds the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000); and (B) The full name and address of each person or recipient entity who was paid or who owes an obligation during the period equal to or exceeding the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(A) The full name and address of each person or political campaign committee from whom the candidate or committee has received and accepted a contribution, loan, or transfer of funds during such period and the date of the receipt of each contribution that, in the aggregate, equals or exceeds the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
(i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000);
(ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and
(iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
(B) The full name and address of each person or recipient entity who was paid or who owes an obligation during the period equal to or exceeding the following amounts: (i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000); (ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and (iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(i) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for any statewide office, five thousand dollars ($5,000);
(ii) For a committee participating in the election of a candidate for senate, three thousand dollars ($3,000); and
(iii) For a committee participating in the election of any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(2) Any report filed pursuant to subdivision (h)(1) must include the amount, date, and a brief description of each such contribution, expenditure, or loan reported, and a valuation of each in-kind contribution. If a loan is reported, the report shall contain the name and address of the lender, of the recipient of the proceeds of the loan, and of any person who makes any type of security agreement binding such person or such person's property, directly or indirectly, for the repayment of all or any part of the loan. For an independent expenditure, the report must include the name of the candidate or measure supported or opposed.
(3) Each report required by subdivision (h)(1) shall be filed by the end of the next business day following the day on which the contribution or expenditure to be reported is received or made.
(4) The registry shall develop appropriate forms for the report required by subdivision (h)(1) and make such forms available to the candidates and the county election commissions.
(5) (A) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with the registry of election finance must be posted on the website of the registry as soon as practicable. The registry shall develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1). (B) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with a county election commission must be posted on the website of the commission as soon as practicable, if the commission otherwise posts campaign finance reports. A county election commission may develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1).
(A) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with the registry of election finance must be posted on the website of the registry as soon as practicable. The registry shall develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1).
(B) Each report filed under subdivision (h)(1) with a county election commission must be posted on the website of the commission as soon as practicable, if the commission otherwise posts campaign finance reports. A county election commission may develop an electronic filing system for reports required under subdivision (h)(1).
(6) An expenditure or contribution reported under this subsection (h) must not be omitted or excluded from applicable reports filed pursuant to subsection (c).
(i) Any state or local political party or caucus of such political party established by members of either house of the general assembly that controls or operates one (1) or more political campaign committees shall report all receipts and disbursements by the party in the same manner and at the same time that it reports contributions and expenditures by the party's political campaign committee.
(j) Reports filed under this section shall not be cumulative, except as provided in subsection (g) regarding appointment of a political treasurer. Each report shall reflect the total for its own reporting period.
(k) "Date of the receipt", as used in this section, means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 1, eff. 1/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 59, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 10, s 27 eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 6; 1981, ch. 136, § 1; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 3, 7; 1989, ch. 585, §§ 11-13; 1990, ch. 1078, §§ 1, 2; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 3, 4; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 9, 11-13; 1996, ch. 1005, § 2; 1997 , ch. 410, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 650, §§ 1 - 3; 2000, ch. 925, § 1; 2004, ch. 915, § 2; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 2; 2010 , ch. 685, § 1; 2012 , ch. 693, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-116 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-116
Duty to promote voter registration and the electoral process
Status: in_force

The county election commission shall promulgate such policies as are necessary to aid the personnel of the election commission office in the performance of their duties with regard to the promotion of voter registration and the electoral process. These duties shall include the following: (1) The commission shall appoint an administrator of elections, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the commission and shall be responsible for the daily operations of the commission office and the execution of all elections. After May 31, 1993, any administrator appointed at large for the first time to such position shall possess a high school education or high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education. In evaluating a prospective appointee, the commission shall consider the knowledge and experience of such prospective appointee in the following areas: administrative, managerial, instructional, communication, budgetarial, purchasing, promotional, legal and general office skills and other related skills necessary to fulfill the statutory requirements of administrator; (2) Upon the recommendation of the administrator, the commission shall approve an annual budget for the operation of the election commission; (3) Upon the recommendation of the administrator, the commission shall be responsible for approving any voting equipment to be purchased by the county for use by the commission; (4) Upon the recommendation of the administrator, hire legal counsel if necessary to conduct the business of the commission; (5) The commission shall appoint voting machine technicians as required in § 2-9-103 . A voting machine technician shall work under the direction of the administrator; (6) The commission shall certify all voting machines prior to each election and shall canvass all voting machines after each election; (7) The commission shall assist the administrator in designating polling places, precinct boundaries and, in conjunction with the primary boards and the administrator, shall assist in obtaining and appointing poll workers as needed for each election; (8) The commission shall be responsible for locking or sealing all absentee ballot boxes and shall retain possession of the keys for such boxes; (9) The commission members shall be available to assist election commission personnel upon request throughout each election day; (10) The commission may act as the central absentee counting board if the total number of absentee ballots to be counted is fewer than one hundred (100); (11) The commission shall be responsible for certifying the results of each election in regard to official tabulations and shall be responsible for certifying all expenses incurred in regard to the commission's responsibility in the performance of its duties for a presidential preference primary or a special election for the sole purpose of selecting a member of the general assembly; (12) The commission shall be responsible for the keeping and writing of the minutes of all commission meetings; (13) The commission shall be responsible for determining a uniform time for the opening of the polls; (14) The commission members shall not request, except in the event of an emergency, that the administrator employ members of the county election commission, their spouses, parents, brothers, sisters or children, including in-laws, of commission members as clerical assistants, absentee voting deputies, poll officials or as a member of the absentee counting board; (15) The commission shall be responsible for maintaining the security of the election commission office and any other rooms or facilities it may use in the performance of its duties, including all locks and keys. The commission may delegate this responsibility to the administrator; and (16) The commission members shall not appoint or hire, except in the event of and during an emergency, spouses, parents, brothers, sisters, or children, including in-laws, of the administrator as deputies, clerical assistants, absentee voting deputies, machine technicians, poll officials, or as members of the absentee counting board. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268, Secs.s 1, s 6 eff. 4/25/2013. Acts 1993, ch. 518, §§ 1, 21; 1994, ch. 859, § 10; 1997 , ch. 558, § 17; 2011 , ch. 236, § 1.
The county election commission shall promulgate such policies as are necessary to aid the personnel of the election commission office in the performance of their duties with regard to the promotion of voter registration and the electoral process. These duties shall include the following:
(1) The commission shall appoint an administrator of elections, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the commission and shall be responsible for the daily operations of the commission office and the execution of all elections. After May 31, 1993, any administrator appointed at large for the first time to such position shall possess a high school education or high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education. In evaluating a prospective appointee, the commission shall consider the knowledge and experience of such prospective appointee in the following areas: administrative, managerial, instructional, communication, budgetarial, purchasing, promotional, legal and general office skills and other related skills necessary to fulfill the statutory requirements of administrator;
(2) Upon the recommendation of the administrator, the commission shall approve an annual budget for the operation of the election commission;
(3) Upon the recommendation of the administrator, the commission shall be responsible for approving any voting equipment to be purchased by the county for use by the commission;
(4) Upon the recommendation of the administrator, hire legal counsel if necessary to conduct the business of the commission;
(5) The commission shall appoint voting machine technicians as required in § 2-9-103 . A voting machine technician shall work under the direction of the administrator;
(6) The commission shall certify all voting machines prior to each election and shall canvass all voting machines after each election;
(7) The commission shall assist the administrator in designating polling places, precinct boundaries and, in conjunction with the primary boards and the administrator, shall assist in obtaining and appointing poll workers as needed for each election;
(8) The commission shall be responsible for locking or sealing all absentee ballot boxes and shall retain possession of the keys for such boxes;
(9) The commission members shall be available to assist election commission personnel upon request throughout each election day;
(10) The commission may act as the central absentee counting board if the total number of absentee ballots to be counted is fewer than one hundred (100);
(11) The commission shall be responsible for certifying the results of each election in regard to official tabulations and shall be responsible for certifying all expenses incurred in regard to the commission's responsibility in the performance of its duties for a presidential preference primary or a special election for the sole purpose of selecting a member of the general assembly;
(12) The commission shall be responsible for the keeping and writing of the minutes of all commission meetings;
(13) The commission shall be responsible for determining a uniform time for the opening of the polls;
(14) The commission members shall not request, except in the event of an emergency, that the administrator employ members of the county election commission, their spouses, parents, brothers, sisters or children, including in-laws, of commission members as clerical assistants, absentee voting deputies, poll officials or as a member of the absentee counting board;
(15) The commission shall be responsible for maintaining the security of the election commission office and any other rooms or facilities it may use in the performance of its duties, including all locks and keys. The commission may delegate this responsibility to the administrator; and
(16) The commission members shall not appoint or hire, except in the event of and during an emergency, spouses, parents, brothers, sisters, or children, including in-laws, of the administrator as deputies, clerical assistants, absentee voting deputies, machine technicians, poll officials, or as members of the absentee counting board.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268, Secs.s 1, s 6 eff. 4/25/2013.
Acts 1993, ch. 518, §§ 1, 21; 1994, ch. 859, § 10; 1997 , ch. 558, § 17; 2011 , ch. 236, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 11 / Section 2-11-109
Meetings
Status: in_force

All meetings of the state election commission shall be held in the city of Nashville and at a place selected by the commission. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 321, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1109.
All meetings of the state election commission shall be held in the city of Nashville and at a place selected by the commission.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 321, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1109.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-203 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-203
Methods of nomination for other offices
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Statewide political parties may nominate their candidates for any office other than those listed in § 2-13-202 by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under this title. (2) Recognized minor parties may nominate their candidates for any office by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under this title. (b) Persons nominated other than by primary method for offices to be filled by the voters of one (1) county or any part of a county shall be immediately certified by the chair of the nominating body to the county election commission by the qualifying deadlines. (c) Persons nominated other than by primary method for offices to be filled by the voters of more than one (1) county, for state or federal office or for statewide office, shall be immediately certified to the coordinator of elections by the chair of the nominating body. The coordinator of elections shall thereafter certify such nominees to the county election commissions in each county in which the nominees are candidates by the qualifying deadline. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (c), in the years in which an election will be held for president of the United States, the chair of the nominating body of a statewide political party or recognized minor party shall certify the party's nominees for president and vice president for the November general election to the coordinator of elections by the first business day in September. (e) (1) If a statewide political party decides to nominate by primary election under this section, the county executive committee shall, at least one hundred eighty (180) days before the qualifying deadline, direct, in writing, the county election commission of each county whose voters are entitled to vote to fill the office to hold the election. If the one hundred eightieth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline shall be the next regular business day. The county executive committee may revoke or rescind its decision to nominate by primary election by providing the county election commission with written notice not less than ninety (90) days before the qualifying deadline. (2) If a nonrecognized minor party seeking recognition as a recognized minor party decides to nominate by primary election under this section, the officers of the nonrecognized minor party shall file a notice with the coordinator of elections of its intent to nominate by primary election by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, by the qualifying deadline established in subdivision (d)(1). The notice shall be in writing and shall be signed by two (2) officers with authority to act for the party. The notice shall be notarized and contain the following statement: We ______________, and ______________, officers of the ____________________ Party certify under penalty of perjury that we are authorized to act for the ____________________ Party. (3) Primaries, if any, for nominating candidates for any office which will appear on the regular August election ballot shall be held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election will be held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election may be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for candidates and for delegate-candidates shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) . (f) Notwithstanding any provision of this section or any other law to the contrary, by resolution adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body of any county having a population in excess of eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the county legislative body may require that all elections to fill state trial court judgeships and county judicial offices in such county shall be conducted in a nonpartisan manner. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 648, s 1, eff. 4/1/2020. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 1, eff. 4/25/2014. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 439, § 2; 1977, ch. 316, § 2; 1977, ch. 480, § 8; 1978, ch. 754, § 14; T.C.A., § 2-1315; Acts 1983, ch. 134, § 1; 1986, ch. 562, § 19; 1991, ch. 127, §§ 1, 2; 1995, ch. 87, § 3; 1997 , ch. 559, § 1; 2000, ch. 756, § 15; 2003 , ch. 374, § 4; 2006, ch. 642, § 5; 2012 , ch. 955, §§ 6-8; 2012, ch. 1101, § 9.
(a) (1) Statewide political parties may nominate their candidates for any office other than those listed in § 2-13-202 by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under this title. (2) Recognized minor parties may nominate their candidates for any office by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under this title.
(1) Statewide political parties may nominate their candidates for any office other than those listed in § 2-13-202 by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under this title.
(2) Recognized minor parties may nominate their candidates for any office by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under this title.
(b) Persons nominated other than by primary method for offices to be filled by the voters of one (1) county or any part of a county shall be immediately certified by the chair of the nominating body to the county election commission by the qualifying deadlines.
(c) Persons nominated other than by primary method for offices to be filled by the voters of more than one (1) county, for state or federal office or for statewide office, shall be immediately certified to the coordinator of elections by the chair of the nominating body. The coordinator of elections shall thereafter certify such nominees to the county election commissions in each county in which the nominees are candidates by the qualifying deadline.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (c), in the years in which an election will be held for president of the United States, the chair of the nominating body of a statewide political party or recognized minor party shall certify the party's nominees for president and vice president for the November general election to the coordinator of elections by the first business day in September.
(e) (1) If a statewide political party decides to nominate by primary election under this section, the county executive committee shall, at least one hundred eighty (180) days before the qualifying deadline, direct, in writing, the county election commission of each county whose voters are entitled to vote to fill the office to hold the election. If the one hundred eightieth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline shall be the next regular business day. The county executive committee may revoke or rescind its decision to nominate by primary election by providing the county election commission with written notice not less than ninety (90) days before the qualifying deadline. (2) If a nonrecognized minor party seeking recognition as a recognized minor party decides to nominate by primary election under this section, the officers of the nonrecognized minor party shall file a notice with the coordinator of elections of its intent to nominate by primary election by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, by the qualifying deadline established in subdivision (d)(1). The notice shall be in writing and shall be signed by two (2) officers with authority to act for the party. The notice shall be notarized and contain the following statement: We ______________, and ______________, officers of the ____________________ Party certify under penalty of perjury that we are authorized to act for the ____________________ Party. (3) Primaries, if any, for nominating candidates for any office which will appear on the regular August election ballot shall be held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election will be held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election may be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for candidates and for delegate-candidates shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) .
(1) If a statewide political party decides to nominate by primary election under this section, the county executive committee shall, at least one hundred eighty (180) days before the qualifying deadline, direct, in writing, the county election commission of each county whose voters are entitled to vote to fill the office to hold the election. If the one hundred eightieth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline shall be the next regular business day. The county executive committee may revoke or rescind its decision to nominate by primary election by providing the county election commission with written notice not less than ninety (90) days before the qualifying deadline.
(2) If a nonrecognized minor party seeking recognition as a recognized minor party decides to nominate by primary election under this section, the officers of the nonrecognized minor party shall file a notice with the coordinator of elections of its intent to nominate by primary election by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, by the qualifying deadline established in subdivision (d)(1). The notice shall be in writing and shall be signed by two (2) officers with authority to act for the party. The notice shall be notarized and contain the following statement: We ______________, and ______________, officers of the ____________________ Party certify under penalty of perjury that we are authorized to act for the ____________________ Party.
We ______________, and ______________, officers of the ____________________ Party certify under penalty of perjury that we are authorized to act for the ____________________ Party.
(3) Primaries, if any, for nominating candidates for any office which will appear on the regular August election ballot shall be held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election will be held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election may be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for candidates and for delegate-candidates shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) .
(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this section or any other law to the contrary, by resolution adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body of any county having a population in excess of eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the county legislative body may require that all elections to fill state trial court judgeships and county judicial offices in such county shall be conducted in a nonpartisan manner.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 648, s 1, eff. 4/1/2020.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 1, eff. 4/25/2014.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 439, § 2; 1977, ch. 316, § 2; 1977, ch. 480, § 8; 1978, ch. 754, § 14; T.C.A., § 2-1315; Acts 1983, ch. 134, § 1; 1986, ch. 562, § 19; 1991, ch. 127, §§ 1, 2; 1995, ch. 87, § 3; 1997 , ch. 559, § 1; 2000, ch. 756, § 15; 2003 , ch. 374, § 4; 2006, ch. 642, § 5; 2012 , ch. 955, §§ 6-8; 2012, ch. 1101, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-141 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-141
Procedures for certain active voters
Status: in_force

(a) If the registration of a voter has been transferred to a new precinct within the same county pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , the voter shall be required to vote under the procedures of this section. (b) (1) A registered voter whose registration has been transferred pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , but who has in fact not moved or has moved to a different address from that supplied by the postal service, shall be required to make a written affirmation of such registered voter's current address of residence and that the voter is entitled to vote before voting. This affirmation shall be made on a standard form provided by the county election commission and shall be made before the officer of elections at the voter's polling place or the appropriate election official at an early voting site. The voter may then vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place. The fact that this voter is a registered voter and has not already voted in the current election must be confirmed by the county election commission before this person may vote. (2) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subsection (b). (3) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at a centrally located site or sites. If a central location is other than the county election commission office, then such centrally located site shall be equipped with computer capabilities linked to the county election commission office to allow the voter's records to be changed or corrected in the same manner as if the voter were to appear at the county election commission office on election day in order that the voter may cast the appropriate ballot. (c) A registered voter whose registration has been transferred pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , who has in fact moved to the new address of residence recorded by the administrator of elections, and who appears to vote at an early voting site or at the new precinct to which the voter's registration has been transferred, shall vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place. Acts 1999, ch. 499, §2; 2003 , ch. 307, § 2.
(a) If the registration of a voter has been transferred to a new precinct within the same county pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , the voter shall be required to vote under the procedures of this section.
(b) (1) A registered voter whose registration has been transferred pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , but who has in fact not moved or has moved to a different address from that supplied by the postal service, shall be required to make a written affirmation of such registered voter's current address of residence and that the voter is entitled to vote before voting. This affirmation shall be made on a standard form provided by the county election commission and shall be made before the officer of elections at the voter's polling place or the appropriate election official at an early voting site. The voter may then vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place. The fact that this voter is a registered voter and has not already voted in the current election must be confirmed by the county election commission before this person may vote. (2) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subsection (b). (3) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at a centrally located site or sites. If a central location is other than the county election commission office, then such centrally located site shall be equipped with computer capabilities linked to the county election commission office to allow the voter's records to be changed or corrected in the same manner as if the voter were to appear at the county election commission office on election day in order that the voter may cast the appropriate ballot.
(1) A registered voter whose registration has been transferred pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , but who has in fact not moved or has moved to a different address from that supplied by the postal service, shall be required to make a written affirmation of such registered voter's current address of residence and that the voter is entitled to vote before voting. This affirmation shall be made on a standard form provided by the county election commission and shall be made before the officer of elections at the voter's polling place or the appropriate election official at an early voting site. The voter may then vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place. The fact that this voter is a registered voter and has not already voted in the current election must be confirmed by the county election commission before this person may vote.
(2) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subsection (b).
(3) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at a centrally located site or sites. If a central location is other than the county election commission office, then such centrally located site shall be equipped with computer capabilities linked to the county election commission office to allow the voter's records to be changed or corrected in the same manner as if the voter were to appear at the county election commission office on election day in order that the voter may cast the appropriate ballot.
(c) A registered voter whose registration has been transferred pursuant to § 2-2-129(b)(2)(A) , who has in fact moved to the new address of residence recorded by the administrator of elections, and who appears to vote at an early voting site or at the new precinct to which the voter's registration has been transferred, shall vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place.
Acts 1999, ch. 499, §2; 2003 , ch. 307, § 2.