Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-110 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-110
Procedures when emergency necessitates change to polling place location within 10 days of election day
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this chapter, "emergency" means an occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological, or manmade, in war or in peace, that results in a polling place being unavailable or unsuitable for voting. A natural threat includes disease, outbreaks, and epidemics. (b) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, a county election commission shall use the following procedures when an emergency necessitates a change to a polling place location within ten (10) days of an election day: (1) A county election commission shall not change a polling place without approval of the coordinator of elections; (2) If no alternative suitable site is available within a precinct, the county election commission may create emergency supersites by moving a polling place that is unavailable or unsuitable due to an emergency to another polling place in the county. To the extent practicable, the county election commission should choose the nearest available and suitable polling place; (3) The county election commission may designate the county election commission office or other centrally located site or sites for voting by any voter in the county; (4) The county election commission shall provide notice of any changes as widely as possible under the circumstances, including, but not limited to, the media, county election commission website if the county maintains a website, secretary of state's website, and if possible, signage at each affected polling place. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 4, eff. 4/2/2020.
(a) As used in this chapter, "emergency" means an occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological, or manmade, in war or in peace, that results in a polling place being unavailable or unsuitable for voting. A natural threat includes disease, outbreaks, and epidemics.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, a county election commission shall use the following procedures when an emergency necessitates a change to a polling place location within ten (10) days of an election day: (1) A county election commission shall not change a polling place without approval of the coordinator of elections; (2) If no alternative suitable site is available within a precinct, the county election commission may create emergency supersites by moving a polling place that is unavailable or unsuitable due to an emergency to another polling place in the county. To the extent practicable, the county election commission should choose the nearest available and suitable polling place; (3) The county election commission may designate the county election commission office or other centrally located site or sites for voting by any voter in the county; (4) The county election commission shall provide notice of any changes as widely as possible under the circumstances, including, but not limited to, the media, county election commission website if the county maintains a website, secretary of state's website, and if possible, signage at each affected polling place.
(1) A county election commission shall not change a polling place without approval of the coordinator of elections;
(2) If no alternative suitable site is available within a precinct, the county election commission may create emergency supersites by moving a polling place that is unavailable or unsuitable due to an emergency to another polling place in the county. To the extent practicable, the county election commission should choose the nearest available and suitable polling place;
(3) The county election commission may designate the county election commission office or other centrally located site or sites for voting by any voter in the county;
(4) The county election commission shall provide notice of any changes as widely as possible under the circumstances, including, but not limited to, the media, county election commission website if the county maintains a website, secretary of state's website, and if possible, signage at each affected polling place.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 4, eff. 4/2/2020.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-106
Supplemental semiannual statements of contributions and expenditures - Separate, segregated campaign accounts
Status: in_force

(a) If the final statement of a candidate shows an unexpended balance of contributions, continuing debts and obligations, or an expenditure deficit, the campaign treasurer shall file with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by § 2-10-105(a) and (b) , a supplemental semiannual statement of contributions and expenditures. Beginning after filing the first quarterly report due after an election, subsequent supplemental statements shall be filed on a semiannual basis by candidates until the account shows no unexpended balance, continuing debts and obligations, expenditures, or deficit. A candidate may close out a campaign account by transferring any remaining funds to any campaign fund, subject to the requirements of this part and commence semiannual filing as provided by this part. (b) (1) A candidate who complies with § 2-10-105(a) and (b) , as applicable, and § 2-10-131(a) , shall ensure that: (A) All funds in a campaign account remain separate and segregated at all times from other funds, including from personal funds and the funds of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate; and (B) All credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate's campaign activities or officeholder activities are separate and segregated at all times from other credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate personally; the candidate's business, if any; the candidate's non-campaign or non-officeholder related activity; or the activity of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate. (2) Funds maintained in a separate, segregated campaign account in accordance with subdivision (b)(1) are not the personal property of a candidate or other individual. Such funds are not subject to garnishment or any type of execution to satisfy the debts or obligations of an individual that are not campaign debts or obligations. (3) A candidate found to be in violation of subdivision (b)(1) commits a Class 2 offense. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/4/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 12, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 7; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 7, 8; 1989, ch. 585, § 14; 1992, ch. 932, § 4; 1992, ch. 978, § 7; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 3.
(a) If the final statement of a candidate shows an unexpended balance of contributions, continuing debts and obligations, or an expenditure deficit, the campaign treasurer shall file with the registry of election finance or the county election commission, whichever is required by § 2-10-105(a) and (b) , a supplemental semiannual statement of contributions and expenditures. Beginning after filing the first quarterly report due after an election, subsequent supplemental statements shall be filed on a semiannual basis by candidates until the account shows no unexpended balance, continuing debts and obligations, expenditures, or deficit. A candidate may close out a campaign account by transferring any remaining funds to any campaign fund, subject to the requirements of this part and commence semiannual filing as provided by this part.
(b) (1) A candidate who complies with § 2-10-105(a) and (b) , as applicable, and § 2-10-131(a) , shall ensure that: (A) All funds in a campaign account remain separate and segregated at all times from other funds, including from personal funds and the funds of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate; and (B) All credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate's campaign activities or officeholder activities are separate and segregated at all times from other credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate personally; the candidate's business, if any; the candidate's non-campaign or non-officeholder related activity; or the activity of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate. (2) Funds maintained in a separate, segregated campaign account in accordance with subdivision (b)(1) are not the personal property of a candidate or other individual. Such funds are not subject to garnishment or any type of execution to satisfy the debts or obligations of an individual that are not campaign debts or obligations. (3) A candidate found to be in violation of subdivision (b)(1) commits a Class 2 offense.
(1) A candidate who complies with § 2-10-105(a) and (b) , as applicable, and § 2-10-131(a) , shall ensure that: (A) All funds in a campaign account remain separate and segregated at all times from other funds, including from personal funds and the funds of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate; and (B) All credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate's campaign activities or officeholder activities are separate and segregated at all times from other credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate personally; the candidate's business, if any; the candidate's non-campaign or non-officeholder related activity; or the activity of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate.
(A) All funds in a campaign account remain separate and segregated at all times from other funds, including from personal funds and the funds of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate; and
(B) All credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate's campaign activities or officeholder activities are separate and segregated at all times from other credit transactions incurred on behalf of the candidate personally; the candidate's business, if any; the candidate's non-campaign or non-officeholder related activity; or the activity of a political campaign committee controlled, either directly or constructively, by the candidate.
(2) Funds maintained in a separate, segregated campaign account in accordance with subdivision (b)(1) are not the personal property of a candidate or other individual. Such funds are not subject to garnishment or any type of execution to satisfy the debts or obligations of an individual that are not campaign debts or obligations.
(3) A candidate found to be in violation of subdivision (b)(1) commits a Class 2 offense.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/4/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 12, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 7; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 7, 8; 1989, ch. 585, § 14; 1992, ch. 932, § 4; 1992, ch. 978, § 7; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-109
Expenses
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is the responsibility of the county to fund the operations of its election commission. If a county fails to appropriate funds sufficient to pay expenses that are reasonably necessary for the discharge of the statutorily mandated duties of its county election commission, such commission may petition the chancery court of the county in which such election commission is located to compel the appropriation of such funds. (2) If the county carries an insurance policy for the county election commission, its employees, or its election officials, the election commission shall comply with the terms of the insurance policy with respect to expenses covered by the policy. (b) All expenses, including compensation of its employees and election officials, incurred by the county election commission or its members in the performance of duties under this title in holding municipal elections shall be paid out of the funds of the municipality upon the certification of the chair and secretary of the county election commission except as otherwise expressly provided. If a municipal election is held on the same day as a county-wide election, the municipality shall pay only the expenses caused by the municipal election which would not otherwise have been incurred in conducting the county-wide election as certified by the chair and secretary of the county election commission. If, after a legal proceeding involving a municipal election, the court finds that a subsequent election must be held due to an error committed by the county election commission, then the county shall pay the expenses of the subsequent election, unless the court finds that the county election commission's error resulted from the county election commission's reliance on information provided by the municipality. (c) If a special election is held for the sole purpose of choosing a member of the general assembly under § 2-14-202(b) , all expenses, including compensation of its employees and election officials, incurred by a county election commission or its members in the performance of duties under this title shall be paid out of the state treasury upon the certification of the chair and secretary of the county election commission to the secretary of state; provided, that the secretary of state shall review the claim for expenses and only those items certified by the secretary of state to the comptroller of the treasury shall be paid. (d) All expenses, including compensation of its employees and election officials, incurred by a county election commission or its members in the performance of its duties under this title in connection with the presidential preference primary shall be paid out of the state treasury upon the certification of the chair and secretary of the county election commission to the secretary of state; provided, that the secretary of state shall review the claim and only those items certified by the secretary of state to the comptroller of the treasury shall be paid. In years in which a presidential preference primary will be held, if a political party elects to hold their county primary with the presidential preference primary, then all expenses of the county primary shall likewise be borne by the state upon certification as set forth in this subsection (d). Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 44,s 2, eff. 3/28/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 474, §§ 1, 2; 1978, ch. 754, § 10; T.C.A., § 2-1219; Acts 1983, ch. 345, § 1; 1986, ch. 562, § 21; 1986, ch. 930, § 6; 1996, ch. 603, § 1; 2003, ch. 374, § 18; 2011, ch. 182, § 4.
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is the responsibility of the county to fund the operations of its election commission. If a county fails to appropriate funds sufficient to pay expenses that are reasonably necessary for the discharge of the statutorily mandated duties of its county election commission, such commission may petition the chancery court of the county in which such election commission is located to compel the appropriation of such funds. (2) If the county carries an insurance policy for the county election commission, its employees, or its election officials, the election commission shall comply with the terms of the insurance policy with respect to expenses covered by the policy.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is the responsibility of the county to fund the operations of its election commission. If a county fails to appropriate funds sufficient to pay expenses that are reasonably necessary for the discharge of the statutorily mandated duties of its county election commission, such commission may petition the chancery court of the county in which such election commission is located to compel the appropriation of such funds.
(2) If the county carries an insurance policy for the county election commission, its employees, or its election officials, the election commission shall comply with the terms of the insurance policy with respect to expenses covered by the policy.
(b) All expenses, including compensation of its employees and election officials, incurred by the county election commission or its members in the performance of duties under this title in holding municipal elections shall be paid out of the funds of the municipality upon the certification of the chair and secretary of the county election commission except as otherwise expressly provided. If a municipal election is held on the same day as a county-wide election, the municipality shall pay only the expenses caused by the municipal election which would not otherwise have been incurred in conducting the county-wide election as certified by the chair and secretary of the county election commission. If, after a legal proceeding involving a municipal election, the court finds that a subsequent election must be held due to an error committed by the county election commission, then the county shall pay the expenses of the subsequent election, unless the court finds that the county election commission's error resulted from the county election commission's reliance on information provided by the municipality.
(c) If a special election is held for the sole purpose of choosing a member of the general assembly under § 2-14-202(b) , all expenses, including compensation of its employees and election officials, incurred by a county election commission or its members in the performance of duties under this title shall be paid out of the state treasury upon the certification of the chair and secretary of the county election commission to the secretary of state; provided, that the secretary of state shall review the claim for expenses and only those items certified by the secretary of state to the comptroller of the treasury shall be paid.
(d) All expenses, including compensation of its employees and election officials, incurred by a county election commission or its members in the performance of its duties under this title in connection with the presidential preference primary shall be paid out of the state treasury upon the certification of the chair and secretary of the county election commission to the secretary of state; provided, that the secretary of state shall review the claim and only those items certified by the secretary of state to the comptroller of the treasury shall be paid. In years in which a presidential preference primary will be held, if a political party elects to hold their county primary with the presidential preference primary, then all expenses of the county primary shall likewise be borne by the state upon certification as set forth in this subsection (d).
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 44,s 2, eff. 3/28/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 474, §§ 1, 2; 1978, ch. 754, § 10; T.C.A., § 2-1219; Acts 1983, ch. 345, § 1; 1986, ch. 562, § 21; 1986, ch. 930, § 6; 1996, ch. 603, § 1; 2003, ch. 374, § 18; 2011, ch. 182, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-109
Voters with disabilities and elderly voters
Status: in_force

(a) Pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress, it is the legislative intent, by enactment of this legislation, to improve access for elderly voters and voters with disabilities to registration facilities and polling places. (b) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Elderly voter" means any voter sixty (60) years of age or older; and (2) "Voter with a disability" or "voters with disabilities" means any person or persons whose disability meets the definition of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.). (c) Every building which houses a county election commission office shall be accessible to elderly voters and voters with disabilities by construction of ramps or other appropriate means. (d) (1) All voting precincts shall be made accessible to elderly voters and voters with disabilities, unless the state election commission and state election coordinator shall, in their sole discretion, determine that the precinct cannot reasonably be made accessible to the elderly voters and voters with disabilities. (2) Each county election commission shall furnish to the coordinator of elections, at the coordinator of election's request, a listing setting forth which polling places in the county are accessible and which are not. If a building suitable for use as a polling place which is accessible is available, such building shall be designated as the polling place for that voting precinct. (e) (1) Not later than forty-five (45) days before any election, the county election commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation a notice advising any elderly voter or voter with a disability that if such voter's polling place is inaccessible, such voter has the right to vote early by absentee ballot or at the election commission office on election day. (2) (A) Elderly voters or voters with disabilities assigned to vote in precincts wherein the polling place is not accessible may vote at the election commission office on election day. Such voter shall complete an affidavit at the election commission office stating that such voter's designated voting location, to the best of the voter's knowledge, does not comply with Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress. The affidavit must be received by the county election commission not less than ten (10) days prior to the first election in which the elderly voter or voter with a disability plans to vote at the election commission office on election day. The election commission shall maintain a record of all affidavits completed pursuant to this subsection (e) and shall not require a voter to complete more than one (1) such affidavit unless the voter's precinct changes from the precinct cited in the affidavit on file. Upon receipt of such affidavit, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's duplicate permanent registration card from the precinct binder and place the same in an alphabetical book to be used at the election office on election day. The election commission may allow persons voting hereunder to vote on paper ballot or on voting machines, in the discretion of the voting commission. (B) As an alternative to voting at the election commission office on election day, an elderly voter or voter with a disability assigned to vote in a precinct where the polling place is inaccessible may vote by absentee ballot or during the early voting period subject to § 2-2-115(b)(7) . (C) (i) Each county election commission shall be responsible for notifying the officer of election on election day of any elderly voter or voter with a disability who votes at the election commission office. (ii) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps to notify the voting precinct of the elderly voter or voter with a disability of the filing of the voter's affidavit for future elections. (f) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps and secures adequate facilities and supplies to carry out the requirements of this section. (g) All the rights given and provisions made under this section are in addition to any voting rights or procedures which already are in existence relative to elderly voters or voters with disabilities, and no provision or part hereof shall be deemed to restrict or diminish any such rights or procedures. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724, s 6, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1985, ch. 72, §§ 1-9; 1991, ch. 184, §§ 1, 2; 1994, ch. 859, § 7; 1996, ch. 617, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 756, §§ 4, 5; 2004, ch. 480, §§ 2, 3; 2007 , ch. 48, §§ 1, 2.
(a) Pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress, it is the legislative intent, by enactment of this legislation, to improve access for elderly voters and voters with disabilities to registration facilities and polling places.
(b) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Elderly voter" means any voter sixty (60) years of age or older; and (2) "Voter with a disability" or "voters with disabilities" means any person or persons whose disability meets the definition of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.).
(1) "Elderly voter" means any voter sixty (60) years of age or older; and
(2) "Voter with a disability" or "voters with disabilities" means any person or persons whose disability meets the definition of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.).
(c) Every building which houses a county election commission office shall be accessible to elderly voters and voters with disabilities by construction of ramps or other appropriate means.
(d) (1) All voting precincts shall be made accessible to elderly voters and voters with disabilities, unless the state election commission and state election coordinator shall, in their sole discretion, determine that the precinct cannot reasonably be made accessible to the elderly voters and voters with disabilities. (2) Each county election commission shall furnish to the coordinator of elections, at the coordinator of election's request, a listing setting forth which polling places in the county are accessible and which are not. If a building suitable for use as a polling place which is accessible is available, such building shall be designated as the polling place for that voting precinct.
(1) All voting precincts shall be made accessible to elderly voters and voters with disabilities, unless the state election commission and state election coordinator shall, in their sole discretion, determine that the precinct cannot reasonably be made accessible to the elderly voters and voters with disabilities.
(2) Each county election commission shall furnish to the coordinator of elections, at the coordinator of election's request, a listing setting forth which polling places in the county are accessible and which are not. If a building suitable for use as a polling place which is accessible is available, such building shall be designated as the polling place for that voting precinct.
(e) (1) Not later than forty-five (45) days before any election, the county election commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation a notice advising any elderly voter or voter with a disability that if such voter's polling place is inaccessible, such voter has the right to vote early by absentee ballot or at the election commission office on election day. (2) (A) Elderly voters or voters with disabilities assigned to vote in precincts wherein the polling place is not accessible may vote at the election commission office on election day. Such voter shall complete an affidavit at the election commission office stating that such voter's designated voting location, to the best of the voter's knowledge, does not comply with Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress. The affidavit must be received by the county election commission not less than ten (10) days prior to the first election in which the elderly voter or voter with a disability plans to vote at the election commission office on election day. The election commission shall maintain a record of all affidavits completed pursuant to this subsection (e) and shall not require a voter to complete more than one (1) such affidavit unless the voter's precinct changes from the precinct cited in the affidavit on file. Upon receipt of such affidavit, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's duplicate permanent registration card from the precinct binder and place the same in an alphabetical book to be used at the election office on election day. The election commission may allow persons voting hereunder to vote on paper ballot or on voting machines, in the discretion of the voting commission. (B) As an alternative to voting at the election commission office on election day, an elderly voter or voter with a disability assigned to vote in a precinct where the polling place is inaccessible may vote by absentee ballot or during the early voting period subject to § 2-2-115(b)(7) . (C) (i) Each county election commission shall be responsible for notifying the officer of election on election day of any elderly voter or voter with a disability who votes at the election commission office. (ii) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps to notify the voting precinct of the elderly voter or voter with a disability of the filing of the voter's affidavit for future elections.
(1) Not later than forty-five (45) days before any election, the county election commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation a notice advising any elderly voter or voter with a disability that if such voter's polling place is inaccessible, such voter has the right to vote early by absentee ballot or at the election commission office on election day.
(2) (A) Elderly voters or voters with disabilities assigned to vote in precincts wherein the polling place is not accessible may vote at the election commission office on election day. Such voter shall complete an affidavit at the election commission office stating that such voter's designated voting location, to the best of the voter's knowledge, does not comply with Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress. The affidavit must be received by the county election commission not less than ten (10) days prior to the first election in which the elderly voter or voter with a disability plans to vote at the election commission office on election day. The election commission shall maintain a record of all affidavits completed pursuant to this subsection (e) and shall not require a voter to complete more than one (1) such affidavit unless the voter's precinct changes from the precinct cited in the affidavit on file. Upon receipt of such affidavit, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's duplicate permanent registration card from the precinct binder and place the same in an alphabetical book to be used at the election office on election day. The election commission may allow persons voting hereunder to vote on paper ballot or on voting machines, in the discretion of the voting commission. (B) As an alternative to voting at the election commission office on election day, an elderly voter or voter with a disability assigned to vote in a precinct where the polling place is inaccessible may vote by absentee ballot or during the early voting period subject to § 2-2-115(b)(7) . (C) (i) Each county election commission shall be responsible for notifying the officer of election on election day of any elderly voter or voter with a disability who votes at the election commission office. (ii) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps to notify the voting precinct of the elderly voter or voter with a disability of the filing of the voter's affidavit for future elections.
(A) Elderly voters or voters with disabilities assigned to vote in precincts wherein the polling place is not accessible may vote at the election commission office on election day. Such voter shall complete an affidavit at the election commission office stating that such voter's designated voting location, to the best of the voter's knowledge, does not comply with Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress. The affidavit must be received by the county election commission not less than ten (10) days prior to the first election in which the elderly voter or voter with a disability plans to vote at the election commission office on election day. The election commission shall maintain a record of all affidavits completed pursuant to this subsection (e) and shall not require a voter to complete more than one (1) such affidavit unless the voter's precinct changes from the precinct cited in the affidavit on file. Upon receipt of such affidavit, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's duplicate permanent registration card from the precinct binder and place the same in an alphabetical book to be used at the election office on election day. The election commission may allow persons voting hereunder to vote on paper ballot or on voting machines, in the discretion of the voting commission.
(B) As an alternative to voting at the election commission office on election day, an elderly voter or voter with a disability assigned to vote in a precinct where the polling place is inaccessible may vote by absentee ballot or during the early voting period subject to § 2-2-115(b)(7) .
(C) (i) Each county election commission shall be responsible for notifying the officer of election on election day of any elderly voter or voter with a disability who votes at the election commission office. (ii) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps to notify the voting precinct of the elderly voter or voter with a disability of the filing of the voter's affidavit for future elections.
(i) Each county election commission shall be responsible for notifying the officer of election on election day of any elderly voter or voter with a disability who votes at the election commission office.
(ii) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps to notify the voting precinct of the elderly voter or voter with a disability of the filing of the voter's affidavit for future elections.
(f) The state election coordinator shall ensure that each county election commission takes the necessary steps and secures adequate facilities and supplies to carry out the requirements of this section.
(g) All the rights given and provisions made under this section are in addition to any voting rights or procedures which already are in existence relative to elderly voters or voters with disabilities, and no provision or part hereof shall be deemed to restrict or diminish any such rights or procedures.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724, s 6, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1985, ch. 72, §§ 1-9; 1991, ch. 184, §§ 1, 2; 1994, ch. 859, § 7; 1996, ch. 617, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 756, §§ 4, 5; 2004, ch. 480, §§ 2, 3; 2007 , ch. 48, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-304 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-304
Publication of location of convenient voting centers - Notification to voters and government officials
Status: in_force

If the county election commission establishes convenient voting centers within a county pursuant to § 2-3-303 , the county election commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation the location of the convenient voting centers not less than thirty (30) days before the election. The county election commission shall mail to each registered voter a notice containing a list of the convenient voting centers located within the county. If more than one (1) registered voter is at the same address, then only one (1) notice may be sent to that address. Furthermore, immediately after any establishment of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall give written notification of the changes to the comptroller of the treasury and the coordinator of elections. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 194, s 4, eff. 4/22/2021. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1; 2011 , ch. 455, § 5.
If the county election commission establishes convenient voting centers within a county pursuant to § 2-3-303 , the county election commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation the location of the convenient voting centers not less than thirty (30) days before the election. The county election commission shall mail to each registered voter a notice containing a list of the convenient voting centers located within the county. If more than one (1) registered voter is at the same address, then only one (1) notice may be sent to that address. Furthermore, immediately after any establishment of a convenient voting center, the county election commission shall give written notification of the changes to the comptroller of the treasury and the coordinator of elections.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 194, s 4, eff. 4/22/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1; 2011 , ch. 455, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-101 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-101
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter, "political party" and "party" mean "statewide political party" unless another intent is clearly shown. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1302.
In this chapter, "political party" and "party" mean "statewide political party" unless another intent is clearly shown.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1302.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-142 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-142
Knowingly publishing false campaign literature
Status: in_force

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to publish or distribute or cause to be published or distributed any campaign literature in opposition to any candidate in any election if such person knows that any such statement, charge, allegation, or other matter contained therein with respect to such candidate is false. Acts 1974, ch. 704, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1950; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to publish or distribute or cause to be published or distributed any campaign literature in opposition to any candidate in any election if such person knows that any such statement, charge, allegation, or other matter contained therein with respect to such candidate is false.
Acts 1974, ch. 704, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1950; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-310 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-310
Ballot requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Ballots to be used under this chapter shall be prepared by the county election commission. The ballots shall conform to all the requirements of chapter 5, part 2 of this title with respect to paper ballots except as provided otherwise in this chapter. (b) Ballots to be used under this chapter shall be printed immediately after the deadline established for withdrawal of candidates but not less than thirty (30) days before the day of the election. In individual cases, the county election commission shall be excused from compliance with the requirement of this subsection (b) that ballots be printed at least thirty (30) days before the day of the election whenever application of constitutional or statutory provisions of law concerning the filling of vacancies in public office renders such compliance impossible or impractical. No person shall be denied an opportunity to cast an absentee ballot as a result of noncompliance by such commission with such thirty (30) day requirement. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-626; Acts 1981, ch. 220, § 1; 1986, ch. 661, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-6-126; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
(a) Ballots to be used under this chapter shall be prepared by the county election commission. The ballots shall conform to all the requirements of chapter 5, part 2 of this title with respect to paper ballots except as provided otherwise in this chapter.
(b) Ballots to be used under this chapter shall be printed immediately after the deadline established for withdrawal of candidates but not less than thirty (30) days before the day of the election. In individual cases, the county election commission shall be excused from compliance with the requirement of this subsection (b) that ballots be printed at least thirty (30) days before the day of the election whenever application of constitutional or statutory provisions of law concerning the filling of vacancies in public office renders such compliance impossible or impractical. No person shall be denied an opportunity to cast an absentee ballot as a result of noncompliance by such commission with such thirty (30) day requirement.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-626; Acts 1981, ch. 220, § 1; 1986, ch. 661, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-6-126; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-18-107 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 18 / Section 2-18-107
Presence of candidates - Objections and petitions - Answer
Status: in_force

(a) All persons receiving votes for governor and their attorneys may be present on the floor during the call of counties but only for the purpose of filing objections. (b) When an objection is made, it shall be followed by a petition stating the grounds of objection clearly and concisely, making specific assignment of the grounds relied on other than the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake or illegalities relied upon. The petition shall be filed with the speaker or tellers, not later than the day following the day on which the call of the counties has been concluded. (c) A copy of the petition of objection shall be served upon each claimant or left at the claimant's usual place of residence, within five (5) days after the filing of the petition, which service shall be sufficient. The copy may be served by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate or house of representatives or one (1) of the assistants of either, by any sheriff or the sheriff's deputy, or by any private person, but if served by a private person, the return showing service shall be on oath in writing. (d) (1) Within five (5) days after the service of the copy, each person, other than the petitioner, claiming the office of governor by virtue of the election may file with the speaker or tellers an answer making specific assignments of the grounds relied upon and making counter-objections other than to the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake, or illegalities relied upon. (2) The answer shall include specific denials of such assignments of charges by the petitioner as they may see proper. (3) All charges not denied shall be taken as true. (4) A copy of each answer shall be served on each claimant as in the case of the petition. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1807.
(a) All persons receiving votes for governor and their attorneys may be present on the floor during the call of counties but only for the purpose of filing objections.
(b) When an objection is made, it shall be followed by a petition stating the grounds of objection clearly and concisely, making specific assignment of the grounds relied on other than the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake or illegalities relied upon. The petition shall be filed with the speaker or tellers, not later than the day following the day on which the call of the counties has been concluded.
(c) A copy of the petition of objection shall be served upon each claimant or left at the claimant's usual place of residence, within five (5) days after the filing of the petition, which service shall be sufficient. The copy may be served by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate or house of representatives or one (1) of the assistants of either, by any sheriff or the sheriff's deputy, or by any private person, but if served by a private person, the return showing service shall be on oath in writing.
(d) (1) Within five (5) days after the service of the copy, each person, other than the petitioner, claiming the office of governor by virtue of the election may file with the speaker or tellers an answer making specific assignments of the grounds relied upon and making counter-objections other than to the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake, or illegalities relied upon. (2) The answer shall include specific denials of such assignments of charges by the petitioner as they may see proper. (3) All charges not denied shall be taken as true. (4) A copy of each answer shall be served on each claimant as in the case of the petition.
(1) Within five (5) days after the service of the copy, each person, other than the petitioner, claiming the office of governor by virtue of the election may file with the speaker or tellers an answer making specific assignments of the grounds relied upon and making counter-objections other than to the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake, or illegalities relied upon.
(2) The answer shall include specific denials of such assignments of charges by the petitioner as they may see proper.
(3) All charges not denied shall be taken as true.
(4) A copy of each answer shall be served on each claimant as in the case of the petition.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1807.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-131 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-131
Counting of ballots
Status: in_force

(a) After the requirements of § 2-7-130 have been met or, where voting machines are not used, after the polling place closes, the judges shall open the ballot box in the polling place in the presence of the watchers and all other persons who are present. (b) The judges shall alternate in drawing ballots from the box and reading aloud within sight of the other judges the names of the persons who have been voted for on each ballot, and the two (2) precinct registrars shall record the votes at the same time for counting on record sheets. The completed record sheets shall be bound in the poll books. (c) Two (2) judges of different political parties shall then compute the votes for each candidate and each position on a question and shall enter the totals for the paper ballots on the duplicate tally sheets in ink. The third judge shall verify the computation and entry of the totals. (d) The paper ballot vote totals shall then be announced. (e) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a)-(d), if paper ballots are used pursuant to § 2-5-206(e)(2) , the county election commission may have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 , after the ballot boxes have been transported to the county election commission office. (2) The coordinator of elections may promulgate rules and procedures to implement this subsection (e). (f) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a)-(d), the county election commission may instruct the officer of elections and a judge of a different political party to transport the locked ballot box or boxes containing voted paper ballots to the county election commission office to have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 . The central absentee ballot counting board utilized in accordance with this subsection (f) may be the same members as a counting board that has already been appointed in like manner to the absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 or it may contain different members that have been appointed in like manner to such a board. The county election commission may only exercise this option if the ballot box or boxes used in the polling place satisfy the requirements of the absentee ballot boxes and have been locked pursuant to § 2-6-311 . (2) Where the write-in feature of a direct recording electronic voting machine has been used, the county election commission may instruct the officer of elections and a judge of a different political party to transport the locked ballot box or boxes containing the voting machine printer tape containing the write-in names to the county election commission office to have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 . The central absentee ballot counting board utilized in accordance with this subsection (f) may be the same members as a counting board that has already been appointed in like manner to the absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 or it may contain different members that have been appointed in like manner to such a board. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-731; Acts 1997 , ch. 287, §1; 2003 , ch. 352, § 6.
(a) After the requirements of § 2-7-130 have been met or, where voting machines are not used, after the polling place closes, the judges shall open the ballot box in the polling place in the presence of the watchers and all other persons who are present.
(b) The judges shall alternate in drawing ballots from the box and reading aloud within sight of the other judges the names of the persons who have been voted for on each ballot, and the two (2) precinct registrars shall record the votes at the same time for counting on record sheets. The completed record sheets shall be bound in the poll books.
(c) Two (2) judges of different political parties shall then compute the votes for each candidate and each position on a question and shall enter the totals for the paper ballots on the duplicate tally sheets in ink. The third judge shall verify the computation and entry of the totals.
(d) The paper ballot vote totals shall then be announced.
(e) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a)-(d), if paper ballots are used pursuant to § 2-5-206(e)(2) , the county election commission may have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 , after the ballot boxes have been transported to the county election commission office. (2) The coordinator of elections may promulgate rules and procedures to implement this subsection (e).
(1) Notwithstanding subsections (a)-(d), if paper ballots are used pursuant to § 2-5-206(e)(2) , the county election commission may have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 , after the ballot boxes have been transported to the county election commission office.
(2) The coordinator of elections may promulgate rules and procedures to implement this subsection (e).
(f) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a)-(d), the county election commission may instruct the officer of elections and a judge of a different political party to transport the locked ballot box or boxes containing voted paper ballots to the county election commission office to have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 . The central absentee ballot counting board utilized in accordance with this subsection (f) may be the same members as a counting board that has already been appointed in like manner to the absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 or it may contain different members that have been appointed in like manner to such a board. The county election commission may only exercise this option if the ballot box or boxes used in the polling place satisfy the requirements of the absentee ballot boxes and have been locked pursuant to § 2-6-311 . (2) Where the write-in feature of a direct recording electronic voting machine has been used, the county election commission may instruct the officer of elections and a judge of a different political party to transport the locked ballot box or boxes containing the voting machine printer tape containing the write-in names to the county election commission office to have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 . The central absentee ballot counting board utilized in accordance with this subsection (f) may be the same members as a counting board that has already been appointed in like manner to the absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 or it may contain different members that have been appointed in like manner to such a board.
(1) Notwithstanding subsections (a)-(d), the county election commission may instruct the officer of elections and a judge of a different political party to transport the locked ballot box or boxes containing voted paper ballots to the county election commission office to have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 . The central absentee ballot counting board utilized in accordance with this subsection (f) may be the same members as a counting board that has already been appointed in like manner to the absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 or it may contain different members that have been appointed in like manner to such a board. The county election commission may only exercise this option if the ballot box or boxes used in the polling place satisfy the requirements of the absentee ballot boxes and have been locked pursuant to § 2-6-311 .
(2) Where the write-in feature of a direct recording electronic voting machine has been used, the county election commission may instruct the officer of elections and a judge of a different political party to transport the locked ballot box or boxes containing the voting machine printer tape containing the write-in names to the county election commission office to have such paper ballots counted by the central absentee ballot counting board pursuant to § 2-6-302 . The central absentee ballot counting board utilized in accordance with this subsection (f) may be the same members as a counting board that has already been appointed in like manner to the absentee ballot counting board established under § 2-6-302 or it may contain different members that have been appointed in like manner to such a board.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-731; Acts 1997 , ch. 287, §1; 2003 , ch. 352, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-303 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-303
Determination of number of convenient voting centers
Status: in_force

Taking into consideration all facts and circumstances, the county election commission that has a county participating in the pilot project shall determine the number of convenient voting centers to be used in the county election. For every ten thousand (10,000) registered voters, the county election commission shall locate at least one (1) convenient voting center; provided, that each county election commission shall locate at least two (2) convenient voting centers within a county. In determining the location of the convenient voting centers, the county election commission shall consider the density of the county population, the geographic dividers, and all other facts and circumstances that exist within the county. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768,s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 2008, ch. 1087, § 1; 2011, ch. 455, § 4.
Taking into consideration all facts and circumstances, the county election commission that has a county participating in the pilot project shall determine the number of convenient voting centers to be used in the county election. For every ten thousand (10,000) registered voters, the county election commission shall locate at least one (1) convenient voting center; provided, that each county election commission shall locate at least two (2) convenient voting centers within a county. In determining the location of the convenient voting centers, the county election commission shall consider the density of the county population, the geographic dividers, and all other facts and circumstances that exist within the county.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768,s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 2008, ch. 1087, § 1; 2011, ch. 455, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-130 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-130
Locking of machine - Canvass and proclamation of votes on voting machines
Status: in_force

(a) (1) After the polls have closed and after disposal of unused paper ballots, the judges shall then lock and seal the voting machines against voting. The judges shall sign a certificate on the tally sheets, stating that: (A) Each machine has been locked against voting and sealed; (B) The number of voters as shown on the public counters; (C) The numbers on the seals; and (D) The numbers registered on the protective counters. (2) The judges shall then open the counter compartment in the presence of the watchers and all other persons who are present, giving full view of all the counter numbers. One (1) of the judges, under the scrutiny of a judge of a different political party, in the order of the offices as their titles are arranged on the machine, shall read aloud in distinct tones the designating number and letter, if any, on each counter for each candidate's name and the result as shown by the counter numbers. The judge shall in the same manner announce the vote on each question. The counters shall not in the case of presidential electors be read consecutively along the party row or column, but shall always be read along the office columns or rows, completing the canvass for each office. The total shown beside the words "Electors for (giving the name) candidate for President and for (giving the name) candidate for Vice President" shall operate as a vote for all the candidates for presidential electors for those candidates for president and vice president. (3) The vote as registered shall be entered on the duplicate tally sheets in ink by the precinct registrars in the same order on the space which has the same designating number and letter, if any. The minority party precinct registrar shall then read aloud the figures from the tally sheet filled in by the majority party precinct registrar for verification by the minority party judge. (4) After proclamation of the vote on the voting machines, ample opportunity shall be given to any person present to compare the results so announced with the counter dials of the machine. (5) The judges shall make corrections. (b) When voting machines are employed such as those of Shoup manufacture, which achieve the effect of seals by the utilization of master keys, sealing the machines upon the close of polls shall be unnecessary. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 416, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-730.
(a) (1) After the polls have closed and after disposal of unused paper ballots, the judges shall then lock and seal the voting machines against voting. The judges shall sign a certificate on the tally sheets, stating that: (A) Each machine has been locked against voting and sealed; (B) The number of voters as shown on the public counters; (C) The numbers on the seals; and (D) The numbers registered on the protective counters. (2) The judges shall then open the counter compartment in the presence of the watchers and all other persons who are present, giving full view of all the counter numbers. One (1) of the judges, under the scrutiny of a judge of a different political party, in the order of the offices as their titles are arranged on the machine, shall read aloud in distinct tones the designating number and letter, if any, on each counter for each candidate's name and the result as shown by the counter numbers. The judge shall in the same manner announce the vote on each question. The counters shall not in the case of presidential electors be read consecutively along the party row or column, but shall always be read along the office columns or rows, completing the canvass for each office. The total shown beside the words "Electors for (giving the name) candidate for President and for (giving the name) candidate for Vice President" shall operate as a vote for all the candidates for presidential electors for those candidates for president and vice president. (3) The vote as registered shall be entered on the duplicate tally sheets in ink by the precinct registrars in the same order on the space which has the same designating number and letter, if any. The minority party precinct registrar shall then read aloud the figures from the tally sheet filled in by the majority party precinct registrar for verification by the minority party judge. (4) After proclamation of the vote on the voting machines, ample opportunity shall be given to any person present to compare the results so announced with the counter dials of the machine. (5) The judges shall make corrections.
(1) After the polls have closed and after disposal of unused paper ballots, the judges shall then lock and seal the voting machines against voting. The judges shall sign a certificate on the tally sheets, stating that: (A) Each machine has been locked against voting and sealed; (B) The number of voters as shown on the public counters; (C) The numbers on the seals; and (D) The numbers registered on the protective counters.
(A) Each machine has been locked against voting and sealed;
(B) The number of voters as shown on the public counters;
(C) The numbers on the seals; and
(D) The numbers registered on the protective counters.
(2) The judges shall then open the counter compartment in the presence of the watchers and all other persons who are present, giving full view of all the counter numbers. One (1) of the judges, under the scrutiny of a judge of a different political party, in the order of the offices as their titles are arranged on the machine, shall read aloud in distinct tones the designating number and letter, if any, on each counter for each candidate's name and the result as shown by the counter numbers. The judge shall in the same manner announce the vote on each question. The counters shall not in the case of presidential electors be read consecutively along the party row or column, but shall always be read along the office columns or rows, completing the canvass for each office. The total shown beside the words "Electors for (giving the name) candidate for President and for (giving the name) candidate for Vice President" shall operate as a vote for all the candidates for presidential electors for those candidates for president and vice president.
(3) The vote as registered shall be entered on the duplicate tally sheets in ink by the precinct registrars in the same order on the space which has the same designating number and letter, if any. The minority party precinct registrar shall then read aloud the figures from the tally sheet filled in by the majority party precinct registrar for verification by the minority party judge.
(4) After proclamation of the vote on the voting machines, ample opportunity shall be given to any person present to compare the results so announced with the counter dials of the machine.
(5) The judges shall make corrections.
(b) When voting machines are employed such as those of Shoup manufacture, which achieve the effect of seals by the utilization of master keys, sealing the machines upon the close of polls shall be unnecessary.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 416, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-730.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-20-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 20 / Section 2-20-109
[Repealed] Automatic mandatory audits of voter-verified paper ballots cast in 2022 elections
Status: repealed

(a) (1) Following each election in a county having a population of not less than two hundred forty-seven thousand seven hundred (247,700) nor more than two hundred forty-seven thousand eight hundred (247,800), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census, the county election commission shall, in accordance with this section, conduct automatic mandatory audits of the voter-verified paper ballots cast in each election conducted in 2022. (2) After the November 2022 election, the county election commission shall audit ballots for the governor in a gubernatorial election. The county election commission may select one (1) or more additional races to be audited. (3) After the August 2022 and May 2022 elections, the county election commission shall audit ballots for the contested election to the highest countywide office. The county election commission may select one (1) or more additional races to be audited. (4) For any other election, the county election commission shall select one (1) or more races in which more than one (1) candidate is running to be audited. (b) (1) The county election commission shall prepare to conduct the audit in the following manner: (A) Prior to each election, the county election commission shall first assure that each precinct-based optical scanner used to count absentee by-mail ballots, early voting ballots, and election day ballots have been cleaned of debris; (B) At the same time the machines are inspected under § 2-9-105 , the machine technicians shall certify in writing that the proper firmware is loaded on each unit of voting equipment and that system settings are correct; and (C) (i) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from a convenience voting center in the county; and (ii) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct to audit the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the precinct. (2) No later than the day after the election and at a place open to the public, the county election commission shall randomly select the voting convenience center or centers, as appropriate, and shall select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner used to count ballots during early voting to be used for the automatic mandatory audit and shall announce to the public the results of the random drawing. The method of random selection used by the county election commission must ensure that all voting precincts in the county and all precinct-based optical scanners used to count ballots cast during early voting have an equal chance of being selected. The county election commission shall give public notice at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the audit being conducted. (c) (1) After the unofficial election results, excluding provisional ballots, have been determined and made public, a county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party shall have all absentee by-mail ballots, all ballots cast during the early voting period, and all ballots cast on election day locked and secured until the county election commission convenes to conduct the audit. The county election commission shall also lock and secure each precinct-based optical scanner used in the election process until the county election commission convenes to conduct the audit. (2) Before the election is certified, the automatic audit must be conducted in the following manner: (A) At a time and place open to the public, the county election commission shall identify the ballot boxes containing the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and identify the ballot boxes containing the election day ballots cast in the randomly selected convenience voting center or centers. The election commission shall include in the audit only those absentee by-mail ballots that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner rather than by hand. A county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party, personally holding the keys to such ballot box or boxes, shall unlock the ballot box or boxes; (B) The election commission shall identify and remove from the respective ballot box or boxes each ballot cast in the absentee by-mail voting process in the selected precincts that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner and each ballot cast on election day in the selected convenience voting center or centers; (C) (i) In auditing the precinct-based optical scanner that had been used to originally count the early voting voter-verified paper ballots, the county election commission shall remove the early voting ballots contained in the ballot box of the precinct-based optical scanner and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; (ii) In auditing the absentee by-mail ballots which were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner, the county election commission shall take the absentee by-mail ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the absentee by-mail ballots; (iii) In auditing the election day ballots, the county election commission shall take the election day ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; and (iv) To judge the accuracy of the unofficial election results, the county election commission shall compare the results obtained during the automatic audit with the unofficial election results obtained on election night; (D) (i) If as a result of the automatic audit, the county election commission finds that there is a variance of more than one percent (1%) between the unofficial election results and the automatic audit, the county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from two (2) additional convenience voting centers in the county. The county election commission must identify the ballot box or boxes from the subject convenience voting centers, obtain the ballots out of those ballot boxes, and then hand count the ballots; (ii) If all of the ballots in a race are counted as part of the manual hand count audit, the results of the hand count audit shall be used as the official results to be certified by the county election commission; and (iii) The results of a difference between precinct-based optical scanner tabulations or the hand count audit must be available for use in any election contest filed pursuant to chapter 17 of this title; and (E) The county election commission shall report the results of the 2022 hand count election audit pilot to the coordinator of elections and make the report available to the public. (d) This section is deleted on January 1, 2023, and will no longer be effective on and after that date. Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965, Secs.s6, s6 eff. 5/2/2022, pursuant to subsection (d) of the section as enacted.
(a) (1) Following each election in a county having a population of not less than two hundred forty-seven thousand seven hundred (247,700) nor more than two hundred forty-seven thousand eight hundred (247,800), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census, the county election commission shall, in accordance with this section, conduct automatic mandatory audits of the voter-verified paper ballots cast in each election conducted in 2022. (2) After the November 2022 election, the county election commission shall audit ballots for the governor in a gubernatorial election. The county election commission may select one (1) or more additional races to be audited. (3) After the August 2022 and May 2022 elections, the county election commission shall audit ballots for the contested election to the highest countywide office. The county election commission may select one (1) or more additional races to be audited. (4) For any other election, the county election commission shall select one (1) or more races in which more than one (1) candidate is running to be audited.
(1) Following each election in a county having a population of not less than two hundred forty-seven thousand seven hundred (247,700) nor more than two hundred forty-seven thousand eight hundred (247,800), according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census, the county election commission shall, in accordance with this section, conduct automatic mandatory audits of the voter-verified paper ballots cast in each election conducted in 2022.
(2) After the November 2022 election, the county election commission shall audit ballots for the governor in a gubernatorial election. The county election commission may select one (1) or more additional races to be audited.
(3) After the August 2022 and May 2022 elections, the county election commission shall audit ballots for the contested election to the highest countywide office. The county election commission may select one (1) or more additional races to be audited.
(4) For any other election, the county election commission shall select one (1) or more races in which more than one (1) candidate is running to be audited.
(b) (1) The county election commission shall prepare to conduct the audit in the following manner: (A) Prior to each election, the county election commission shall first assure that each precinct-based optical scanner used to count absentee by-mail ballots, early voting ballots, and election day ballots have been cleaned of debris; (B) At the same time the machines are inspected under § 2-9-105 , the machine technicians shall certify in writing that the proper firmware is loaded on each unit of voting equipment and that system settings are correct; and (C) (i) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from a convenience voting center in the county; and (ii) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct to audit the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the precinct. (2) No later than the day after the election and at a place open to the public, the county election commission shall randomly select the voting convenience center or centers, as appropriate, and shall select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner used to count ballots during early voting to be used for the automatic mandatory audit and shall announce to the public the results of the random drawing. The method of random selection used by the county election commission must ensure that all voting precincts in the county and all precinct-based optical scanners used to count ballots cast during early voting have an equal chance of being selected. The county election commission shall give public notice at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the audit being conducted.
(1) The county election commission shall prepare to conduct the audit in the following manner: (A) Prior to each election, the county election commission shall first assure that each precinct-based optical scanner used to count absentee by-mail ballots, early voting ballots, and election day ballots have been cleaned of debris; (B) At the same time the machines are inspected under § 2-9-105 , the machine technicians shall certify in writing that the proper firmware is loaded on each unit of voting equipment and that system settings are correct; and (C) (i) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from a convenience voting center in the county; and (ii) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct to audit the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the precinct.
(A) Prior to each election, the county election commission shall first assure that each precinct-based optical scanner used to count absentee by-mail ballots, early voting ballots, and election day ballots have been cleaned of debris;
(B) At the same time the machines are inspected under § 2-9-105 , the machine technicians shall certify in writing that the proper firmware is loaded on each unit of voting equipment and that system settings are correct; and
(C) (i) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from a convenience voting center in the county; and (ii) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct to audit the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the precinct.
(i) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from a convenience voting center in the county; and
(ii) The county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct to audit the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the precinct.
(2) No later than the day after the election and at a place open to the public, the county election commission shall randomly select the voting convenience center or centers, as appropriate, and shall select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner used to count ballots during early voting to be used for the automatic mandatory audit and shall announce to the public the results of the random drawing. The method of random selection used by the county election commission must ensure that all voting precincts in the county and all precinct-based optical scanners used to count ballots cast during early voting have an equal chance of being selected. The county election commission shall give public notice at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the audit being conducted.
(c) (1) After the unofficial election results, excluding provisional ballots, have been determined and made public, a county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party shall have all absentee by-mail ballots, all ballots cast during the early voting period, and all ballots cast on election day locked and secured until the county election commission convenes to conduct the audit. The county election commission shall also lock and secure each precinct-based optical scanner used in the election process until the county election commission convenes to conduct the audit. (2) Before the election is certified, the automatic audit must be conducted in the following manner: (A) At a time and place open to the public, the county election commission shall identify the ballot boxes containing the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and identify the ballot boxes containing the election day ballots cast in the randomly selected convenience voting center or centers. The election commission shall include in the audit only those absentee by-mail ballots that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner rather than by hand. A county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party, personally holding the keys to such ballot box or boxes, shall unlock the ballot box or boxes; (B) The election commission shall identify and remove from the respective ballot box or boxes each ballot cast in the absentee by-mail voting process in the selected precincts that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner and each ballot cast on election day in the selected convenience voting center or centers; (C) (i) In auditing the precinct-based optical scanner that had been used to originally count the early voting voter-verified paper ballots, the county election commission shall remove the early voting ballots contained in the ballot box of the precinct-based optical scanner and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; (ii) In auditing the absentee by-mail ballots which were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner, the county election commission shall take the absentee by-mail ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the absentee by-mail ballots; (iii) In auditing the election day ballots, the county election commission shall take the election day ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; and (iv) To judge the accuracy of the unofficial election results, the county election commission shall compare the results obtained during the automatic audit with the unofficial election results obtained on election night; (D) (i) If as a result of the automatic audit, the county election commission finds that there is a variance of more than one percent (1%) between the unofficial election results and the automatic audit, the county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from two (2) additional convenience voting centers in the county. The county election commission must identify the ballot box or boxes from the subject convenience voting centers, obtain the ballots out of those ballot boxes, and then hand count the ballots; (ii) If all of the ballots in a race are counted as part of the manual hand count audit, the results of the hand count audit shall be used as the official results to be certified by the county election commission; and (iii) The results of a difference between precinct-based optical scanner tabulations or the hand count audit must be available for use in any election contest filed pursuant to chapter 17 of this title; and (E) The county election commission shall report the results of the 2022 hand count election audit pilot to the coordinator of elections and make the report available to the public.
(1) After the unofficial election results, excluding provisional ballots, have been determined and made public, a county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party shall have all absentee by-mail ballots, all ballots cast during the early voting period, and all ballots cast on election day locked and secured until the county election commission convenes to conduct the audit. The county election commission shall also lock and secure each precinct-based optical scanner used in the election process until the county election commission convenes to conduct the audit.
(2) Before the election is certified, the automatic audit must be conducted in the following manner: (A) At a time and place open to the public, the county election commission shall identify the ballot boxes containing the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and identify the ballot boxes containing the election day ballots cast in the randomly selected convenience voting center or centers. The election commission shall include in the audit only those absentee by-mail ballots that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner rather than by hand. A county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party, personally holding the keys to such ballot box or boxes, shall unlock the ballot box or boxes; (B) The election commission shall identify and remove from the respective ballot box or boxes each ballot cast in the absentee by-mail voting process in the selected precincts that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner and each ballot cast on election day in the selected convenience voting center or centers; (C) (i) In auditing the precinct-based optical scanner that had been used to originally count the early voting voter-verified paper ballots, the county election commission shall remove the early voting ballots contained in the ballot box of the precinct-based optical scanner and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; (ii) In auditing the absentee by-mail ballots which were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner, the county election commission shall take the absentee by-mail ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the absentee by-mail ballots; (iii) In auditing the election day ballots, the county election commission shall take the election day ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; and (iv) To judge the accuracy of the unofficial election results, the county election commission shall compare the results obtained during the automatic audit with the unofficial election results obtained on election night; (D) (i) If as a result of the automatic audit, the county election commission finds that there is a variance of more than one percent (1%) between the unofficial election results and the automatic audit, the county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from two (2) additional convenience voting centers in the county. The county election commission must identify the ballot box or boxes from the subject convenience voting centers, obtain the ballots out of those ballot boxes, and then hand count the ballots; (ii) If all of the ballots in a race are counted as part of the manual hand count audit, the results of the hand count audit shall be used as the official results to be certified by the county election commission; and (iii) The results of a difference between precinct-based optical scanner tabulations or the hand count audit must be available for use in any election contest filed pursuant to chapter 17 of this title; and (E) The county election commission shall report the results of the 2022 hand count election audit pilot to the coordinator of elections and make the report available to the public.
(A) At a time and place open to the public, the county election commission shall identify the ballot boxes containing the absentee by-mail ballots cast in the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and identify the ballot boxes containing the election day ballots cast in the randomly selected convenience voting center or centers. The election commission shall include in the audit only those absentee by-mail ballots that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner rather than by hand. A county election commissioner from the majority party and a county election commissioner from the minority party, personally holding the keys to such ballot box or boxes, shall unlock the ballot box or boxes;
(B) The election commission shall identify and remove from the respective ballot box or boxes each ballot cast in the absentee by-mail voting process in the selected precincts that were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner and each ballot cast on election day in the selected convenience voting center or centers;
(C) (i) In auditing the precinct-based optical scanner that had been used to originally count the early voting voter-verified paper ballots, the county election commission shall remove the early voting ballots contained in the ballot box of the precinct-based optical scanner and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; (ii) In auditing the absentee by-mail ballots which were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner, the county election commission shall take the absentee by-mail ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the absentee by-mail ballots; (iii) In auditing the election day ballots, the county election commission shall take the election day ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; and (iv) To judge the accuracy of the unofficial election results, the county election commission shall compare the results obtained during the automatic audit with the unofficial election results obtained on election night;
(i) In auditing the precinct-based optical scanner that had been used to originally count the early voting voter-verified paper ballots, the county election commission shall remove the early voting ballots contained in the ballot box of the precinct-based optical scanner and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots;
(ii) In auditing the absentee by-mail ballots which were counted by a precinct-based optical scanner, the county election commission shall take the absentee by-mail ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the absentee by-mail ballots;
(iii) In auditing the election day ballots, the county election commission shall take the election day ballots from the randomly selected voting precinct or precincts and shall verify the accuracy of the unofficial election results by hand counting the ballots; and
(iv) To judge the accuracy of the unofficial election results, the county election commission shall compare the results obtained during the automatic audit with the unofficial election results obtained on election night;
(D) (i) If as a result of the automatic audit, the county election commission finds that there is a variance of more than one percent (1%) between the unofficial election results and the automatic audit, the county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from two (2) additional convenience voting centers in the county. The county election commission must identify the ballot box or boxes from the subject convenience voting centers, obtain the ballots out of those ballot boxes, and then hand count the ballots; (ii) If all of the ballots in a race are counted as part of the manual hand count audit, the results of the hand count audit shall be used as the official results to be certified by the county election commission; and (iii) The results of a difference between precinct-based optical scanner tabulations or the hand count audit must be available for use in any election contest filed pursuant to chapter 17 of this title; and
(i) If as a result of the automatic audit, the county election commission finds that there is a variance of more than one percent (1%) between the unofficial election results and the automatic audit, the county election commission shall randomly select at least one (1) precinct-based optical scanner from two (2) additional convenience voting centers in the county. The county election commission must identify the ballot box or boxes from the subject convenience voting centers, obtain the ballots out of those ballot boxes, and then hand count the ballots;
(ii) If all of the ballots in a race are counted as part of the manual hand count audit, the results of the hand count audit shall be used as the official results to be certified by the county election commission; and
(iii) The results of a difference between precinct-based optical scanner tabulations or the hand count audit must be available for use in any election contest filed pursuant to chapter 17 of this title; and
(E) The county election commission shall report the results of the 2022 hand count election audit pilot to the coordinator of elections and make the report available to the public.
(d) This section is deleted on January 1, 2023, and will no longer be effective on and after that date.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965, Secs.s6, s6 eff. 5/2/2022, pursuant to subsection (d) of the section as enacted.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-102 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-102
Nominating petitions - Form - Requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Nominating petitions shall be in substantially the following form: We the undersigned registered voters of the city of ____________________, (for municipal elections) in the county of ____________________, State of Tennessee, (and members of the (for primaries) ______________________ Party), hereby nominate (for municipal elections) ________________ ______________, (name) (address) ______________ County as a candidate (for nomination) for the office of (for primaries) ______________, ______________ (office) (division, part or district number) to be voted in the election to be held on the ____________________ day of ____________________, ____________________. We request that such candidate's name be printed on the official ballot. This petition was issued by ______________, (signature of administrator of elections, deputy or election commissioner) ______________ (date) TO BE COMPLETED BY CANDIDATE I hereby direct that my name appear on the official ballot as follows: ______________ PRINT NAME ____________________ ______________ ______________ (residential address of candidate) (zip) (telephone) ____________________ ______________ ______________ (business address of candidate) (zip) (telephone) FOR CANDIDATES REQUIRED TO BE AN ATTORNEY: By my signature, I hereby certify that I am licensed to practice law in this state. ______________ (signature of candidate) SUPREME COURT REGISTRATION No. ____________________ NOMINATING SIGNATURES (Must be registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill this office) Signature of Voter Address of Residence as Shown on Voter Registration ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ (b) (1) All nominating petitions required for nomination and election to all congressional, state, county, municipal and political party executive committee offices shall be furnished only by the county election commission office. At the time of issuance of the nominating petitions, the administrator of elections, deputy or a county election commissioner shall type or handwrite in ink at the top of the cover page and each succeeding page of the form the name of the candidate, the office sought by the candidate, including any division, part, district or other identifying number for the office sought, and shall sign and date the form. Additional pages to be attached to a nominating petition may be obtained at a later date; provided, that each additional page must also have the name of the candidate, the office being sought and any identifying number for the office typed or handwritten at the top by the administrator, deputy or election commissioner along with the candidate's signature and the date. (2) Nominating petitions for offices listed in § 2-13-202 may also be obtained from the office of the coordinator of elections. An employee of the coordinator's office has the same responsibilities as the administrator, deputy and election commissioners in subdivision (b)(1). (3) The items to be completed under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) may not be altered, and a petition on which any of these items has been altered may not be accepted in the office in which it is required to be filed in this state. Neither shall any original nominating petition be accepted on which any of the items required to be completed under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) have been photocopied. (4) If a county election commission finds it necessary to photocopy the nominating petition, the county election commission shall indicate in the upper right hand corner of each page that the document was photocopied by the county election commission prior to distributing the form to a candidate. Such information shall be typed, stamped or otherwise permanently affixed to the form. (5) Nominating petitions must not be issued by any administrator, deputy, county election commissioner, or employee of the coordinator's office more than sixty (60) days before the qualifying deadline for the office for which the petition is issued; provided, that nominating petitions for the offices of President of the United States and delegates to the national conventions of all statewide political parties may be issued only by an employee of the coordinator's office and must not be issued more than ninety (90) days before the applicable qualifying deadline for the respective office. During any year in which reapportionment must occur, the coordinator of elections shall determine the earliest date on which petitions may be issued. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 637, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724, s 4, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-506; Acts 1991, ch. 198, § 1; 1992, ch. 757, § 1; 1997 , ch. 558, § 4; 2001, ch. 413, § 14.
(a) Nominating petitions shall be in substantially the following form: We the undersigned registered voters of the city of ____________________, (for municipal elections) in the county of ____________________, State of Tennessee, (and members of the (for primaries) ______________________ Party), hereby nominate (for municipal elections) ________________ ______________, (name) (address) ______________ County as a candidate (for nomination) for the office of (for primaries) ______________, ______________ (office) (division, part or district number) to be voted in the election to be held on the ____________________ day of ____________________, ____________________. We request that such candidate's name be printed on the official ballot. This petition was issued by ______________, (signature of administrator of elections, deputy or election commissioner) ______________ (date) TO BE COMPLETED BY CANDIDATE I hereby direct that my name appear on the official ballot as follows: ______________ PRINT NAME ____________________ ______________ ______________ (residential address of candidate) (zip) (telephone) ____________________ ______________ ______________ (business address of candidate) (zip) (telephone) FOR CANDIDATES REQUIRED TO BE AN ATTORNEY: By my signature, I hereby certify that I am licensed to practice law in this state. ______________ (signature of candidate) SUPREME COURT REGISTRATION No. ____________________ NOMINATING SIGNATURES (Must be registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill this office) Signature of Voter Address of Residence as Shown on Voter Registration ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
We the undersigned registered voters of the city of ____________________,
(for municipal elections)
in the county of ____________________, State of Tennessee, (and members of the (for primaries) ______________________ Party), hereby nominate
(for municipal elections)
________________ ______________,
(name) (address)
______________ County as a candidate (for nomination) for the office of
(for primaries)
______________, ______________
(office) (division, part or district number)
to be voted in the election to be held on the ____________________ day of ____________________, ____________________. We request that such candidate's name be printed on the official ballot.
This petition was issued by
______________,
(signature of administrator of elections, deputy or election commissioner)
______________
(date)
TO BE COMPLETED BY CANDIDATE
I hereby direct that my name appear on the official ballot as follows:
______________
PRINT NAME
____________________ ______________ ______________ (residential address of candidate) (zip) (telephone) ____________________ ______________ ______________ (business address of candidate) (zip) (telephone)
____________________
______________
(residential address of candidate)
(zip)
(telephone)
____________________
______________
(business address of candidate)
(zip)
(telephone)
FOR CANDIDATES REQUIRED TO BE AN ATTORNEY:
By my signature, I hereby certify that I
am licensed to practice law in this state. ______________
(signature of candidate)
SUPREME COURT REGISTRATION No. ____________________
NOMINATING SIGNATURES
(Must be registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill this office)
Signature of Voter Address of Residence as Shown on
Voter Registration
____________________ ____________________
(b) (1) All nominating petitions required for nomination and election to all congressional, state, county, municipal and political party executive committee offices shall be furnished only by the county election commission office. At the time of issuance of the nominating petitions, the administrator of elections, deputy or a county election commissioner shall type or handwrite in ink at the top of the cover page and each succeeding page of the form the name of the candidate, the office sought by the candidate, including any division, part, district or other identifying number for the office sought, and shall sign and date the form. Additional pages to be attached to a nominating petition may be obtained at a later date; provided, that each additional page must also have the name of the candidate, the office being sought and any identifying number for the office typed or handwritten at the top by the administrator, deputy or election commissioner along with the candidate's signature and the date. (2) Nominating petitions for offices listed in § 2-13-202 may also be obtained from the office of the coordinator of elections. An employee of the coordinator's office has the same responsibilities as the administrator, deputy and election commissioners in subdivision (b)(1). (3) The items to be completed under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) may not be altered, and a petition on which any of these items has been altered may not be accepted in the office in which it is required to be filed in this state. Neither shall any original nominating petition be accepted on which any of the items required to be completed under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) have been photocopied. (4) If a county election commission finds it necessary to photocopy the nominating petition, the county election commission shall indicate in the upper right hand corner of each page that the document was photocopied by the county election commission prior to distributing the form to a candidate. Such information shall be typed, stamped or otherwise permanently affixed to the form. (5) Nominating petitions must not be issued by any administrator, deputy, county election commissioner, or employee of the coordinator's office more than sixty (60) days before the qualifying deadline for the office for which the petition is issued; provided, that nominating petitions for the offices of President of the United States and delegates to the national conventions of all statewide political parties may be issued only by an employee of the coordinator's office and must not be issued more than ninety (90) days before the applicable qualifying deadline for the respective office. During any year in which reapportionment must occur, the coordinator of elections shall determine the earliest date on which petitions may be issued.
(1) All nominating petitions required for nomination and election to all congressional, state, county, municipal and political party executive committee offices shall be furnished only by the county election commission office. At the time of issuance of the nominating petitions, the administrator of elections, deputy or a county election commissioner shall type or handwrite in ink at the top of the cover page and each succeeding page of the form the name of the candidate, the office sought by the candidate, including any division, part, district or other identifying number for the office sought, and shall sign and date the form. Additional pages to be attached to a nominating petition may be obtained at a later date; provided, that each additional page must also have the name of the candidate, the office being sought and any identifying number for the office typed or handwritten at the top by the administrator, deputy or election commissioner along with the candidate's signature and the date.
(2) Nominating petitions for offices listed in § 2-13-202 may also be obtained from the office of the coordinator of elections. An employee of the coordinator's office has the same responsibilities as the administrator, deputy and election commissioners in subdivision (b)(1).
(3) The items to be completed under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) may not be altered, and a petition on which any of these items has been altered may not be accepted in the office in which it is required to be filed in this state. Neither shall any original nominating petition be accepted on which any of the items required to be completed under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) have been photocopied.
(4) If a county election commission finds it necessary to photocopy the nominating petition, the county election commission shall indicate in the upper right hand corner of each page that the document was photocopied by the county election commission prior to distributing the form to a candidate. Such information shall be typed, stamped or otherwise permanently affixed to the form.
(5) Nominating petitions must not be issued by any administrator, deputy, county election commissioner, or employee of the coordinator's office more than sixty (60) days before the qualifying deadline for the office for which the petition is issued; provided, that nominating petitions for the offices of President of the United States and delegates to the national conventions of all statewide political parties may be issued only by an employee of the coordinator's office and must not be issued more than ninety (90) days before the applicable qualifying deadline for the respective office. During any year in which reapportionment must occur, the coordinator of elections shall determine the earliest date on which petitions may be issued.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 637, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724, s 4, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-506; Acts 1991, ch. 198, § 1; 1992, ch. 757, § 1; 1997 , ch. 558, § 4; 2001, ch. 413, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-140 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-140
Procedures for certain inactive voters
Status: in_force

(a) Voters whose registration is in inactive status because of a failure to respond to a confirmation notice described in § 2-2-106(c) and voters who have changed their address of residence to a new address within the county of registration shall be required to vote under the procedures of this section. (b) An inactive voter who has not moved or any registered voter of the county who has changed residence to a new address within the same voting precinct shall be required to make a written affirmation of such voter's current address 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. (c) (1) A registered voter of the county who has changed residence to a new address within the county of registration but outside such voter's former voting precinct shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote before voting; (2) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at an early voting location and makes the proper affirmation, the election official shall allow the voter to vote the ballot for the voter's new precinct of residence using the same method as any other voter at the polling place; (3) (A) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at such voter's former polling place, the voter cannot cast any ballot at that location. An election official shall make a determination of the voter's new polling place and inform the voter of the appropriate place to vote. The voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The official at the voter's former polling location shall indicate on the affirmation that the person has not been allowed to vote at that location and shall give the voter a copy of the form to take to such voter's new polling location. Upon presenting that affirmation at the new polling location and verification that the new address is within that precinct, the voter shall be allowed to vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place; (B) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subdivision (c)(3); (C) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such former polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at the 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; (4) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at a polling location where the voter is not currently registered, and does not have a copy of the form described in subdivision (c)(3), the election official shall make a determination as to whether that voter's new address is within the voting precinct for that polling location. If the voter now resides in that precinct, the voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The fact that this person is a registered voter must be confirmed by the county election commission before this person's vote is counted. (d) If a voter described in subsection (a) applies for an absentee ballot, the voter shall fill out the appropriate portion of the absentee application to affirm the voter's address and that the voter is entitled to vote. This affirmation would not have to be made in front of an election official. Upon receiving a proper application, the administrator of elections shall send the voter a ballot for the precinct where the voter now resides and update the registration based upon the affirmation as necessary. Acts 1997 , ch. 550, §2; 2003 , ch. 307, § 1.
(a) Voters whose registration is in inactive status because of a failure to respond to a confirmation notice described in § 2-2-106(c) and voters who have changed their address of residence to a new address within the county of registration shall be required to vote under the procedures of this section.
(b) An inactive voter who has not moved or any registered voter of the county who has changed residence to a new address within the same voting precinct shall be required to make a written affirmation of such voter's current address 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.
(c) (1) A registered voter of the county who has changed residence to a new address within the county of registration but outside such voter's former voting precinct shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote before voting; (2) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at an early voting location and makes the proper affirmation, the election official shall allow the voter to vote the ballot for the voter's new precinct of residence using the same method as any other voter at the polling place; (3) (A) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at such voter's former polling place, the voter cannot cast any ballot at that location. An election official shall make a determination of the voter's new polling place and inform the voter of the appropriate place to vote. The voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The official at the voter's former polling location shall indicate on the affirmation that the person has not been allowed to vote at that location and shall give the voter a copy of the form to take to such voter's new polling location. Upon presenting that affirmation at the new polling location and verification that the new address is within that precinct, the voter shall be allowed to vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place; (B) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subdivision (c)(3); (C) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such former polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at the 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; (4) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at a polling location where the voter is not currently registered, and does not have a copy of the form described in subdivision (c)(3), the election official shall make a determination as to whether that voter's new address is within the voting precinct for that polling location. If the voter now resides in that precinct, the voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The fact that this person is a registered voter must be confirmed by the county election commission before this person's vote is counted.
(1) A registered voter of the county who has changed residence to a new address within the county of registration but outside such voter's former voting precinct shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote before voting;
(2) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at an early voting location and makes the proper affirmation, the election official shall allow the voter to vote the ballot for the voter's new precinct of residence using the same method as any other voter at the polling place;
(3) (A) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at such voter's former polling place, the voter cannot cast any ballot at that location. An election official shall make a determination of the voter's new polling place and inform the voter of the appropriate place to vote. The voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The official at the voter's former polling location shall indicate on the affirmation that the person has not been allowed to vote at that location and shall give the voter a copy of the form to take to such voter's new polling location. Upon presenting that affirmation at the new polling location and verification that the new address is within that precinct, the voter shall be allowed to vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place; (B) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subdivision (c)(3); (C) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such former polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at the 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;
(A) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at such voter's former polling place, the voter cannot cast any ballot at that location. An election official shall make a determination of the voter's new polling place and inform the voter of the appropriate place to vote. The voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The official at the voter's former polling location shall indicate on the affirmation that the person has not been allowed to vote at that location and shall give the voter a copy of the form to take to such voter's new polling location. Upon presenting that affirmation at the new polling location and verification that the new address is within that precinct, the voter shall be allowed to vote using the same method as any other voter at the polling place;
(B) A county election commission may establish a centrally located site or sites to be designated by such commission for voters voting under this subdivision (c)(3);
(C) If a county election commission elects to establish a centrally located site or sites, then the official at such former polling location shall notify the voter that the voter has the option to vote either at the new polling place or at the 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;
(4) If a voter under this subsection (c) appears at a polling location where the voter is not currently registered, and does not have a copy of the form described in subdivision (c)(3), the election official shall make a determination as to whether that voter's new address is within the voting precinct for that polling location. If the voter now resides in that precinct, the voter shall be required to make a written affirmation of the voter's current address and that the voter is entitled to vote. The fact that this person is a registered voter must be confirmed by the county election commission before this person's vote is counted.
(d) If a voter described in subsection (a) applies for an absentee ballot, the voter shall fill out the appropriate portion of the absentee application to affirm the voter's address and that the voter is entitled to vote. This affirmation would not have to be made in front of an election official. Upon receiving a proper application, the administrator of elections shall send the voter a ballot for the precinct where the voter now resides and update the registration based upon the affirmation as necessary.
Acts 1997 , ch. 550, §2; 2003 , ch. 307, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-209 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-209
State contribution to compensation of certified administrators of elections
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The state shall pay to the general fund of every county in which the administrator of elections is or becomes certified under § 2-11-202(b) , the sum of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) in the manner set out in subsection (b) of this section. (2) In years in which the secretary of state is required to reduce the department of state's budget, the secretary is authorized to reduce any appropriations authorized by this section up to nine percent (9%). (b) The state payments to a county made pursuant to this section shall be paid quarterly in amounts of four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500) per quarter. (1) If an administrator becomes certified at some time other than the beginning of a quarter, such payments to the county shall commence at the beginning of the quarter next following the administrator's certification. (2) If an administrator in a county receiving quarterly payments under this section loses certification for whatever reason, such administrator shall have six (6) months from the date of such loss to regain such certification. If the administrator has not done so at the end of six (6) months, state payments to the county pursuant to this section shall cease until the quarter next following the quarter such administrator regains certification. (3) If the office of administrator in a county receiving quarterly payments under this section becomes vacant for whatever reason, the new administrator shall have six (6) months from the date of taking office to become certified. If the new administrator has not become certified at the end of six (6) months, state payments to the county pursuant to this section shall cease until the quarter next following the quarter such new administrator becomes certified. (c) (1) No county receiving payments pursuant to this section shall reduce the total amount of funds appropriated to such county's election commission below the total amount appropriated to such commission in previous comparable election and non-election years. (2) (A) If a county election commission is of the opinion that the county legislative body has not appropriated an amount of funds for its budget that is comparable to previous years as prohibited by subdivision (c)(1), it shall, by petitioning the state election coordinator, have the right to a hearing on such matter before an administrative law judge in the office of the secretary of state. (B) Within ten (10) days of receiving such petition, the state election coordinator shall set a hearing date, which date shall be within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition. The county mayor and county election commission shall be notified of the time, place and date of the hearing by registered mail, return receipt requested, at least ten (10) days prior to such hearing. (C) The hearing shall be held before an administrative law judge from the office of the secretary of state. None of the parties involved in the hearing shall be required to have an attorney present. (D) The judge shall examine all evidence produced at the hearing, including the total appropriations made to the election commission of such county in previous comparable election or non-election years. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall determine whether the total amount of funds appropriated to the election commission of such county is comparable to the amount it appropriated to such commission in previous election or non-election years. (E) If the judge determines that the total amount appropriated to the county election commission is not comparable to previous years, and such county is receiving state payments pursuant to this section, the judge shall so certify to the state official responsible for authorizing such payments. Upon receiving certification from the judge pursuant to this subdivision (c)(2)(E), such state official shall cease authorization of payment to such county effective the quarter next following the one in which such certification is received. (3) In addition to the remedy set out in subdivision (c)(2), the county election commission of any county receiving state payments under this section which so reduces election appropriations shall also be authorized to seek a writ of mandamus to compel the county legislative body to comply with this subsection (c). Acts 1986, ch. 930, § 1; 1996, ch. 1081, §§ 6, 7; 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; 2003 , ch. 355, § 54.
(a) (1) The state shall pay to the general fund of every county in which the administrator of elections is or becomes certified under § 2-11-202(b) , the sum of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) in the manner set out in subsection (b) of this section. (2) In years in which the secretary of state is required to reduce the department of state's budget, the secretary is authorized to reduce any appropriations authorized by this section up to nine percent (9%).
(1) The state shall pay to the general fund of every county in which the administrator of elections is or becomes certified under § 2-11-202(b) , the sum of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) in the manner set out in subsection (b) of this section.
(2) In years in which the secretary of state is required to reduce the department of state's budget, the secretary is authorized to reduce any appropriations authorized by this section up to nine percent (9%).
(b) The state payments to a county made pursuant to this section shall be paid quarterly in amounts of four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500) per quarter. (1) If an administrator becomes certified at some time other than the beginning of a quarter, such payments to the county shall commence at the beginning of the quarter next following the administrator's certification. (2) If an administrator in a county receiving quarterly payments under this section loses certification for whatever reason, such administrator shall have six (6) months from the date of such loss to regain such certification. If the administrator has not done so at the end of six (6) months, state payments to the county pursuant to this section shall cease until the quarter next following the quarter such administrator regains certification. (3) If the office of administrator in a county receiving quarterly payments under this section becomes vacant for whatever reason, the new administrator shall have six (6) months from the date of taking office to become certified. If the new administrator has not become certified at the end of six (6) months, state payments to the county pursuant to this section shall cease until the quarter next following the quarter such new administrator becomes certified.
(1) If an administrator becomes certified at some time other than the beginning of a quarter, such payments to the county shall commence at the beginning of the quarter next following the administrator's certification.
(2) If an administrator in a county receiving quarterly payments under this section loses certification for whatever reason, such administrator shall have six (6) months from the date of such loss to regain such certification. If the administrator has not done so at the end of six (6) months, state payments to the county pursuant to this section shall cease until the quarter next following the quarter such administrator regains certification.
(3) If the office of administrator in a county receiving quarterly payments under this section becomes vacant for whatever reason, the new administrator shall have six (6) months from the date of taking office to become certified. If the new administrator has not become certified at the end of six (6) months, state payments to the county pursuant to this section shall cease until the quarter next following the quarter such new administrator becomes certified.
(c) (1) No county receiving payments pursuant to this section shall reduce the total amount of funds appropriated to such county's election commission below the total amount appropriated to such commission in previous comparable election and non-election years. (2) (A) If a county election commission is of the opinion that the county legislative body has not appropriated an amount of funds for its budget that is comparable to previous years as prohibited by subdivision (c)(1), it shall, by petitioning the state election coordinator, have the right to a hearing on such matter before an administrative law judge in the office of the secretary of state. (B) Within ten (10) days of receiving such petition, the state election coordinator shall set a hearing date, which date shall be within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition. The county mayor and county election commission shall be notified of the time, place and date of the hearing by registered mail, return receipt requested, at least ten (10) days prior to such hearing. (C) The hearing shall be held before an administrative law judge from the office of the secretary of state. None of the parties involved in the hearing shall be required to have an attorney present. (D) The judge shall examine all evidence produced at the hearing, including the total appropriations made to the election commission of such county in previous comparable election or non-election years. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall determine whether the total amount of funds appropriated to the election commission of such county is comparable to the amount it appropriated to such commission in previous election or non-election years. (E) If the judge determines that the total amount appropriated to the county election commission is not comparable to previous years, and such county is receiving state payments pursuant to this section, the judge shall so certify to the state official responsible for authorizing such payments. Upon receiving certification from the judge pursuant to this subdivision (c)(2)(E), such state official shall cease authorization of payment to such county effective the quarter next following the one in which such certification is received. (3) In addition to the remedy set out in subdivision (c)(2), the county election commission of any county receiving state payments under this section which so reduces election appropriations shall also be authorized to seek a writ of mandamus to compel the county legislative body to comply with this subsection (c).
(1) No county receiving payments pursuant to this section shall reduce the total amount of funds appropriated to such county's election commission below the total amount appropriated to such commission in previous comparable election and non-election years.
(2) (A) If a county election commission is of the opinion that the county legislative body has not appropriated an amount of funds for its budget that is comparable to previous years as prohibited by subdivision (c)(1), it shall, by petitioning the state election coordinator, have the right to a hearing on such matter before an administrative law judge in the office of the secretary of state. (B) Within ten (10) days of receiving such petition, the state election coordinator shall set a hearing date, which date shall be within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition. The county mayor and county election commission shall be notified of the time, place and date of the hearing by registered mail, return receipt requested, at least ten (10) days prior to such hearing. (C) The hearing shall be held before an administrative law judge from the office of the secretary of state. None of the parties involved in the hearing shall be required to have an attorney present. (D) The judge shall examine all evidence produced at the hearing, including the total appropriations made to the election commission of such county in previous comparable election or non-election years. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall determine whether the total amount of funds appropriated to the election commission of such county is comparable to the amount it appropriated to such commission in previous election or non-election years. (E) If the judge determines that the total amount appropriated to the county election commission is not comparable to previous years, and such county is receiving state payments pursuant to this section, the judge shall so certify to the state official responsible for authorizing such payments. Upon receiving certification from the judge pursuant to this subdivision (c)(2)(E), such state official shall cease authorization of payment to such county effective the quarter next following the one in which such certification is received.
(A) If a county election commission is of the opinion that the county legislative body has not appropriated an amount of funds for its budget that is comparable to previous years as prohibited by subdivision (c)(1), it shall, by petitioning the state election coordinator, have the right to a hearing on such matter before an administrative law judge in the office of the secretary of state.
(B) Within ten (10) days of receiving such petition, the state election coordinator shall set a hearing date, which date shall be within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition. The county mayor and county election commission shall be notified of the time, place and date of the hearing by registered mail, return receipt requested, at least ten (10) days prior to such hearing.
(C) The hearing shall be held before an administrative law judge from the office of the secretary of state. None of the parties involved in the hearing shall be required to have an attorney present.
(D) The judge shall examine all evidence produced at the hearing, including the total appropriations made to the election commission of such county in previous comparable election or non-election years. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall determine whether the total amount of funds appropriated to the election commission of such county is comparable to the amount it appropriated to such commission in previous election or non-election years.
(E) If the judge determines that the total amount appropriated to the county election commission is not comparable to previous years, and such county is receiving state payments pursuant to this section, the judge shall so certify to the state official responsible for authorizing such payments. Upon receiving certification from the judge pursuant to this subdivision (c)(2)(E), such state official shall cease authorization of payment to such county effective the quarter next following the one in which such certification is received.
(3) In addition to the remedy set out in subdivision (c)(2), the county election commission of any county receiving state payments under this section which so reduces election appropriations shall also be authorized to seek a writ of mandamus to compel the county legislative body to comply with this subsection (c).
Acts 1986, ch. 930, § 1; 1996, ch. 1081, §§ 6, 7; 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; 2003 , ch. 355, § 54.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-20-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 20 / Section 2-20-106
Voting system preference
Status: in_force

Every effort shall be made to purchase United States manufactured precinct-based optical scanner voting systems. Acts 2010, ch. 612, § 5.
Every effort shall be made to purchase United States manufactured precinct-based optical scanner voting systems.
Acts 2010, ch. 612, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-216 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-216
Supplies for each polling place
Status: in_force

(a) The county election commission shall provide for each polling place: (1) Duplicate poll list forms on which to list the names of voters made so that writing on one (1) sheet makes an exact copy on the second sheet, and duplicate poll books; (2) The application for ballot forms shall contain a certification by the applicant that the applicant is a registered and qualified voter in the precinct in which the applicant is offering to vote and requests a ballot to vote in the election. The application shall contain a space for the initials of the precinct registrar approving the application and for ballot numbers and shall contain a printed application number. If a primary election is being held, the application shall include a place for the voter to indicate the voter's party; (3) Duplicate tally sheets which shall include the name of each candidate and question to be voted on at the polling place in the order in which they appear on the ballot and blanks for the names of write-in candidates. There shall be a space with each name or question for recording votes by paper ballot and, where voting machines are used, by voting machine and the total vote; and (4) Duplicate record sheets for counting paper ballots. (b) If a county is using a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission, and if the county legislative body approves by resolution the use of a computer printout instead of the duplicate registration records, the county election commission shall provide for each polling place the following: (1) (A) A printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter; (B) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), in any county having a population of not less than seventy-seven thousand nine hundred (77,900) nor more than seventy-eight thousand (78,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census in which a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission is in use, the county election commission shall provide for each polling place a printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter. This use of the computerized printout at each polling place instead of both the printout and the duplicate registration records requires an authorizing resolution approved by the county legislative body by a two-thirds (2/3) vote; (2) The application for ballot forms containing the certification required in subdivision (a)(2); provided, that ballot applications need not be provided in any county which uses Votomatic or a comparable punch card voting system; (3) Duplicate tally sheets containing the information required in subdivision (a)(3); and (4) Duplicate record sheets for counting paper ballots. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-522; Acts 1989, ch. 590, § 3; 1990, ch. 953, § 1; 1990, ch. 954, § 1; 1990, ch. 956, § 1; 1990, ch. 959, § 1; 1990, ch. 1020, § 1; 1990, ch. 1084, § 1; 1991, ch. 99, § 1; 1991, ch. 302, § 1; 1992, ch. 536, §§ 1, 2; 2004, ch. 480, § 6.
(a) The county election commission shall provide for each polling place: (1) Duplicate poll list forms on which to list the names of voters made so that writing on one (1) sheet makes an exact copy on the second sheet, and duplicate poll books; (2) The application for ballot forms shall contain a certification by the applicant that the applicant is a registered and qualified voter in the precinct in which the applicant is offering to vote and requests a ballot to vote in the election. The application shall contain a space for the initials of the precinct registrar approving the application and for ballot numbers and shall contain a printed application number. If a primary election is being held, the application shall include a place for the voter to indicate the voter's party; (3) Duplicate tally sheets which shall include the name of each candidate and question to be voted on at the polling place in the order in which they appear on the ballot and blanks for the names of write-in candidates. There shall be a space with each name or question for recording votes by paper ballot and, where voting machines are used, by voting machine and the total vote; and (4) Duplicate record sheets for counting paper ballots.
(1) Duplicate poll list forms on which to list the names of voters made so that writing on one (1) sheet makes an exact copy on the second sheet, and duplicate poll books;
(2) The application for ballot forms shall contain a certification by the applicant that the applicant is a registered and qualified voter in the precinct in which the applicant is offering to vote and requests a ballot to vote in the election. The application shall contain a space for the initials of the precinct registrar approving the application and for ballot numbers and shall contain a printed application number. If a primary election is being held, the application shall include a place for the voter to indicate the voter's party;
(3) Duplicate tally sheets which shall include the name of each candidate and question to be voted on at the polling place in the order in which they appear on the ballot and blanks for the names of write-in candidates. There shall be a space with each name or question for recording votes by paper ballot and, where voting machines are used, by voting machine and the total vote; and
(4) Duplicate record sheets for counting paper ballots.
(b) If a county is using a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission, and if the county legislative body approves by resolution the use of a computer printout instead of the duplicate registration records, the county election commission shall provide for each polling place the following: (1) (A) A printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter; (B) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), in any county having a population of not less than seventy-seven thousand nine hundred (77,900) nor more than seventy-eight thousand (78,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census in which a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission is in use, the county election commission shall provide for each polling place a printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter. This use of the computerized printout at each polling place instead of both the printout and the duplicate registration records requires an authorizing resolution approved by the county legislative body by a two-thirds (2/3) vote; (2) The application for ballot forms containing the certification required in subdivision (a)(2); provided, that ballot applications need not be provided in any county which uses Votomatic or a comparable punch card voting system; (3) Duplicate tally sheets containing the information required in subdivision (a)(3); and (4) Duplicate record sheets for counting paper ballots.
(1) (A) A printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter; (B) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), in any county having a population of not less than seventy-seven thousand nine hundred (77,900) nor more than seventy-eight thousand (78,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census in which a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission is in use, the county election commission shall provide for each polling place a printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter. This use of the computerized printout at each polling place instead of both the printout and the duplicate registration records requires an authorizing resolution approved by the county legislative body by a two-thirds (2/3) vote;
(A) A printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter;
(B) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), in any county having a population of not less than seventy-seven thousand nine hundred (77,900) nor more than seventy-eight thousand (78,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census in which a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission is in use, the county election commission shall provide for each polling place a printout containing the names and addresses of all eligible voters at the polling place and a space for the signature of each voter. This use of the computerized printout at each polling place instead of both the printout and the duplicate registration records requires an authorizing resolution approved by the county legislative body by a two-thirds (2/3) vote;
(2) The application for ballot forms containing the certification required in subdivision (a)(2); provided, that ballot applications need not be provided in any county which uses Votomatic or a comparable punch card voting system;
(3) Duplicate tally sheets containing the information required in subdivision (a)(3); and
(4) Duplicate record sheets for counting paper ballots.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-522; Acts 1989, ch. 590, § 3; 1990, ch. 953, § 1; 1990, ch. 954, § 1; 1990, ch. 956, § 1; 1990, ch. 959, § 1; 1990, ch. 1020, § 1; 1990, ch. 1084, § 1; 1991, ch. 99, § 1; 1991, ch. 302, § 1; 1992, ch. 536, §§ 1, 2; 2004, ch. 480, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-308 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-308
Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) The registry of election finance may impose a maximum civil penalty for a violation of this part of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the amount of all contributions made or accepted in excess of the limitations established by this part, whichever is greater. (b) Penalties imposed under this part shall be deposited into the state general fund. (c) To request a waiver, reduction, or to contest a penalty imposed by the registry of election finance pursuant to this part, a person or political campaign committee shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. In any such contested case proceeding, the person or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the person or committee's conduct complied with this part. (d) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed against a candidate is not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the candidate shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such penalty is paid. (e) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and all lawfully assessed costs attendant to the penalty against a political campaign committee are not paid within thirty (30) calendar days after the assessment becomes final: (1) The political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall not receive contributions; make expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or make expenditures to other political campaign committees. The treasurer and officers of such delinquent political campaign committee shall not create another political campaign committee or serve as a treasurer or an officer for another political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full; and (2) The treasurer and the officers of the political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to § 2-10-105(e) at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 11, eff. 4/4/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021. Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
(a) The registry of election finance may impose a maximum civil penalty for a violation of this part of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the amount of all contributions made or accepted in excess of the limitations established by this part, whichever is greater.
(b) Penalties imposed under this part shall be deposited into the state general fund.
(c) To request a waiver, reduction, or to contest a penalty imposed by the registry of election finance pursuant to this part, a person or political campaign committee shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. In any such contested case proceeding, the person or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the person or committee's conduct complied with this part.
(d) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed against a candidate is not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the candidate shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such penalty is paid.
(e) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and all lawfully assessed costs attendant to the penalty against a political campaign committee are not paid within thirty (30) calendar days after the assessment becomes final: (1) The political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall not receive contributions; make expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or make expenditures to other political campaign committees. The treasurer and officers of such delinquent political campaign committee shall not create another political campaign committee or serve as a treasurer or an officer for another political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full; and (2) The treasurer and the officers of the political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to § 2-10-105(e) at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid.
(1) The political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall not receive contributions; make expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or make expenditures to other political campaign committees. The treasurer and officers of such delinquent political campaign committee shall not create another political campaign committee or serve as a treasurer or an officer for another political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full; and
(2) The treasurer and the officers of the political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to § 2-10-105(e) at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 11, eff. 4/4/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-105 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 4 / Section 2-4-105
Election officials and inspectors - Limitation on number from same party - Exception
Status: in_force

(a) As nearly as practicable, no more than one-half (1/2) of the number of election officials at a polling place and no more than one-half (1/2) of the whole number of inspectors may be members of the same political party. In applying the rule of this section to inspectors, inspectors whose appointment is required by § 2-4-102 shall not be counted. (b) In the event that only one (1) political party elects to hold a primary election as authorized under § 2-13-203 , then only members of that political party who call the primary shall be appointed to serve at the polls as election officials as required by this title. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974 ch. 448, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-405.
(a) As nearly as practicable, no more than one-half (1/2) of the number of election officials at a polling place and no more than one-half (1/2) of the whole number of inspectors may be members of the same political party. In applying the rule of this section to inspectors, inspectors whose appointment is required by § 2-4-102 shall not be counted.
(b) In the event that only one (1) political party elects to hold a primary election as authorized under § 2-13-203 , then only members of that political party who call the primary shall be appointed to serve at the polls as election officials as required by this title.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974 ch. 448, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-307 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-307
Evaluation report of pilot projects
Status: in_force

The coordinator of elections shall file a report with the state and local government committee of the senate and the local government committee of the house of representatives by January 31 following any election conducted under the pilot project. The report shall contain the coordinator's evaluation of the pilot project, together with the coordinator's recommendations as to whether convenient voting centers should continue for future elections. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768,s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 2008, ch. 1087, § 1.
The coordinator of elections shall file a report with the state and local government committee of the senate and the local government committee of the house of representatives by January 31 following any election conducted under the pilot project. The report shall contain the coordinator's evaluation of the pilot project, together with the coordinator's recommendations as to whether convenient voting centers should continue for future elections.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768,s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 2008, ch. 1087, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-111
Unlawful examination, removal, rejection or destruction of marked ballots
Status: in_force

A person commits a Class A misdemeanor if, except as required or permitted by this title, such person intentionally opens and examines any voter's marked ballot, removes the ballot from the ballot box, prevents the ballot being placed in the ballot box or destroys or changes a voter's ballot. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1911; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1999, ch. 216, § 3.
A person commits a Class A misdemeanor if, except as required or permitted by this title, such person intentionally opens and examines any voter's marked ballot, removes the ballot from the ballot box, prevents the ballot being placed in the ballot box or destroys or changes a voter's ballot.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1911; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1999, ch. 216, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-103 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-103
State executive committee - Election - Composition - Terms
Status: in_force

(a) Members of the state executive committee for each party are elected at the regular August primary election immediately before the election of the governor. (b) In each party's primary its voters in each senatorial district shall elect one (1) man and one (1) woman as members of the state executive committee for terms of four (4) years beginning on September 15 following their election. (c) Persons elected shall qualify by taking the oath of office and filing it with the coordinator of elections. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1304.
(a) Members of the state executive committee for each party are elected at the regular August primary election immediately before the election of the governor.
(b) In each party's primary its voters in each senatorial district shall elect one (1) man and one (1) woman as members of the state executive committee for terms of four (4) years beginning on September 15 following their election.
(c) Persons elected shall qualify by taking the oath of office and filing it with the coordinator of elections.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1304.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-102 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-102
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Affiliated political campaign committees" means political campaign committees established, financed, maintained, or controlled by any corporation, labor organization, or any other person, including any parent, subsidiary, branch, division, department, or local unit of such corporation, labor organization, or any other person, or by any group of such persons; (A) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a single corporation and/or its subsidiaries shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (B) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a single national or international union and/or its local unions or other subordinate organizations shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (C) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by an organization of national or international unions and/or all its state and the local central bodies shall be affiliated political campaign committees, but such committees shall not be affiliated with the political campaign committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by any union that is a member of the organization; (D) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a membership organization, other than political party committees, including trade or professional associations and/or related state and local entities of that organization or group shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (E) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by the same person or group of persons shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (F) Owners, officers, employees, members or other individuals associated with any corporation, labor organization, membership organization, or any other person or group of persons that has established, financed, maintained or controlled a political campaign committee shall not be considered affiliated with such political campaign committee; (2) "Attorney general and reporter" means the attorney general and reporter of Tennessee; (3) "Candidate" means an individual who has made a formal announcement of candidacy or who is qualified under the law of this state to seek nomination for election or elections to public office, or has received contributions or made expenditures except for incidental expenditures to determine if one shall be a candidate, or has given consent for a campaign committee to receive contributions or make expenditures with a view to bringing about the individual's nomination for election or election to state public office; (4) "Contribution" means any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, loan guaranty, personal funds of a candidate, payment, digital currency, gift, or subscription of money or like thing of value, and any contract, agreement, promise or other obligation, whether or not legally enforceable, made for the purpose of influencing a measure or nomination for election or the election of any person for public office or for the purpose of defraying any expenses of an officeholder incurred in connection with the performance of the officeholder's duties, responsibilities, or constituent services. "Contribution" shall not be construed to include the following: (A) Services, including expenses provided without compensation by a candidate or individuals volunteering a portion or all of their time, on behalf of a candidate or campaign committee; (B) Any news story, commentary or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication, unless such facilities are owned wholly or in part, or controlled by any political party, political committee or candidate; (C) Nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to register to vote or to vote; (D) Any written, oral or electronically transmitted communication by any membership organization or corporation to its members or stockholders, if such membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any person to public office; (E) The use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food and beverages not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), voluntarily provided on an individual's residential premises for candidate related activities; or (F) For a county executive committee that has annual receipts and expenditures of less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), receipts and expenditures, including a reasonable amount for rent, by a state or county executive committee or primary board when performing the duties imposed upon them by law; provided, that such receipts and expenditures are segregated from and maintained in a fund separate and apart from any funds used by the party as a political campaign committee, it being the legislative intent that if no separate fund is maintained, all receipts and expenditures of the committee or board shall be subject to the disclosure provisions of this part; (5) "Election" means any general, special or primary election or run-off election, held to approve or disapprove a measure or nominate or elect a candidate for public office; (6) (A) "Expenditure" means a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value made for the purpose of influencing a measure or the nomination for election or election of any person to public office; (B) "Expenditure" also includes the use of campaign funds by an officeholder for the furtherance of the office of the officeholder; (7) "File" or "filed" means the date actually deposited with or received by the appropriate office or the date of the postmark if postmarked and sent by registered or certified mail of the United States postal service; (8) "Measure" means any proposal submitted to the people of the entire state, or any political subdivision of the state, for their approval or rejection at an election, including any proposed law, act or part of an act of the general assembly, or revision of or amendment to the constitution; (9) "Multicandidate political campaign committee" means a political campaign committee to support or oppose two (2) or more candidates for public office or two (2) or more measures; (10) (A) "Person" means an individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or any other organization or group of persons; (B) Any limited liability company or limited liability partnership created under title 48 shall be considered a person for the purpose of this subdivision (10) and subdivision (1); (11) "Personal funds" means: (A) Any assets which the candidate had legal right of access to or control over at the time the candidate became a candidate and with respect to which the candidate had either: (i) Legal and rightful title; or (ii) An equitable interest; (B) Salary and other earned income from bona fide employment; (C) Dividends and proceeds from the sale of the candidate's stocks or other investments; (D) Bequests to the candidate; income from trusts established before candidacy; (E) Income from trusts established by bequest after candidacy of which the candidate is the beneficiary; (F) Gifts of a personal nature which had been customarily received prior to candidacy; and (G) That portion of assets jointly owned with the candidate's spouse which is the candidate's share under the instruments of conveyance or ownership. If no specific share is indicated by such instrument, the value of one-half (1/2) of the property used shall be considered as personal funds; (12) "Political campaign committee" means: (A) Any corporation or any other organization making expenditures, except as provided in subdivision (4), to support or oppose a measure; or (B) Any committee, club, corporation, association, or other group of persons which receives contributions or makes expenditures to support or oppose any candidate for public office or measure during a calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000); (13) "Public office" means any state public office or local public office filled by the voters; (A) "Local public office" means any state, county, municipal, school or other district or precinct office or position, including general sessions and juvenile court judges, that is filled by the voters, with the exception that "local public office" does not include any state public office as defined in subdivision (13)(B); and (B) "State public office" means the offices of governor, member of the general assembly, delegate to a Tennessee constitutional convention, trial judge, chancellor, district attorney general, district public defender, judge of the court of criminal appeals, judge of the court of appeals and supreme court judge; and (14) "Secretary of state" means the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 347, s 1, eff. 5/9/2017. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379, s 1, eff. 4/30/2015. Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 3; 1982, ch. 658, §§ 1-3; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 5, 7; 1990, ch. 1048, §§ 1-3; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 1, 2; 1992, ch. 988, § 8; 1995, ch. 305, § 59; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 2, 3; 1996, ch. 1005, § 1; 1999, ch. 455, § 33; 2000, ch. 756, § 12; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 5; 2011 , ch. 389, § 1; 2012 , ch. 789, §§ 1, 2.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Affiliated political campaign committees" means political campaign committees established, financed, maintained, or controlled by any corporation, labor organization, or any other person, including any parent, subsidiary, branch, division, department, or local unit of such corporation, labor organization, or any other person, or by any group of such persons; (A) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a single corporation and/or its subsidiaries shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (B) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a single national or international union and/or its local unions or other subordinate organizations shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (C) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by an organization of national or international unions and/or all its state and the local central bodies shall be affiliated political campaign committees, but such committees shall not be affiliated with the political campaign committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by any union that is a member of the organization; (D) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a membership organization, other than political party committees, including trade or professional associations and/or related state and local entities of that organization or group shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (E) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by the same person or group of persons shall be affiliated political campaign committees; (F) Owners, officers, employees, members or other individuals associated with any corporation, labor organization, membership organization, or any other person or group of persons that has established, financed, maintained or controlled a political campaign committee shall not be considered affiliated with such political campaign committee;
(A) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a single corporation and/or its subsidiaries shall be affiliated political campaign committees;
(B) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a single national or international union and/or its local unions or other subordinate organizations shall be affiliated political campaign committees;
(C) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by an organization of national or international unions and/or all its state and the local central bodies shall be affiliated political campaign committees, but such committees shall not be affiliated with the political campaign committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by any union that is a member of the organization;
(D) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by a membership organization, other than political party committees, including trade or professional associations and/or related state and local entities of that organization or group shall be affiliated political campaign committees;
(E) All committees established, financed, maintained or controlled by the same person or group of persons shall be affiliated political campaign committees;
(F) Owners, officers, employees, members or other individuals associated with any corporation, labor organization, membership organization, or any other person or group of persons that has established, financed, maintained or controlled a political campaign committee shall not be considered affiliated with such political campaign committee;
(2) "Attorney general and reporter" means the attorney general and reporter of Tennessee;
(3) "Candidate" means an individual who has made a formal announcement of candidacy or who is qualified under the law of this state to seek nomination for election or elections to public office, or has received contributions or made expenditures except for incidental expenditures to determine if one shall be a candidate, or has given consent for a campaign committee to receive contributions or make expenditures with a view to bringing about the individual's nomination for election or election to state public office;
(4) "Contribution" means any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, loan guaranty, personal funds of a candidate, payment, digital currency, gift, or subscription of money or like thing of value, and any contract, agreement, promise or other obligation, whether or not legally enforceable, made for the purpose of influencing a measure or nomination for election or the election of any person for public office or for the purpose of defraying any expenses of an officeholder incurred in connection with the performance of the officeholder's duties, responsibilities, or constituent services. "Contribution" shall not be construed to include the following: (A) Services, including expenses provided without compensation by a candidate or individuals volunteering a portion or all of their time, on behalf of a candidate or campaign committee; (B) Any news story, commentary or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication, unless such facilities are owned wholly or in part, or controlled by any political party, political committee or candidate; (C) Nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to register to vote or to vote; (D) Any written, oral or electronically transmitted communication by any membership organization or corporation to its members or stockholders, if such membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any person to public office; (E) The use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food and beverages not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), voluntarily provided on an individual's residential premises for candidate related activities; or (F) For a county executive committee that has annual receipts and expenditures of less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), receipts and expenditures, including a reasonable amount for rent, by a state or county executive committee or primary board when performing the duties imposed upon them by law; provided, that such receipts and expenditures are segregated from and maintained in a fund separate and apart from any funds used by the party as a political campaign committee, it being the legislative intent that if no separate fund is maintained, all receipts and expenditures of the committee or board shall be subject to the disclosure provisions of this part;
(A) Services, including expenses provided without compensation by a candidate or individuals volunteering a portion or all of their time, on behalf of a candidate or campaign committee;
(B) Any news story, commentary or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication, unless such facilities are owned wholly or in part, or controlled by any political party, political committee or candidate;
(C) Nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to register to vote or to vote;
(D) Any written, oral or electronically transmitted communication by any membership organization or corporation to its members or stockholders, if such membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any person to public office;
(E) The use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food and beverages not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), voluntarily provided on an individual's residential premises for candidate related activities; or
(F) For a county executive committee that has annual receipts and expenditures of less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), receipts and expenditures, including a reasonable amount for rent, by a state or county executive committee or primary board when performing the duties imposed upon them by law; provided, that such receipts and expenditures are segregated from and maintained in a fund separate and apart from any funds used by the party as a political campaign committee, it being the legislative intent that if no separate fund is maintained, all receipts and expenditures of the committee or board shall be subject to the disclosure provisions of this part;
(5) "Election" means any general, special or primary election or run-off election, held to approve or disapprove a measure or nominate or elect a candidate for public office;
(6) (A) "Expenditure" means a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value made for the purpose of influencing a measure or the nomination for election or election of any person to public office; (B) "Expenditure" also includes the use of campaign funds by an officeholder for the furtherance of the office of the officeholder;
(A) "Expenditure" means a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value made for the purpose of influencing a measure or the nomination for election or election of any person to public office;
(B) "Expenditure" also includes the use of campaign funds by an officeholder for the furtherance of the office of the officeholder;
(7) "File" or "filed" means the date actually deposited with or received by the appropriate office or the date of the postmark if postmarked and sent by registered or certified mail of the United States postal service;
(8) "Measure" means any proposal submitted to the people of the entire state, or any political subdivision of the state, for their approval or rejection at an election, including any proposed law, act or part of an act of the general assembly, or revision of or amendment to the constitution;
(9) "Multicandidate political campaign committee" means a political campaign committee to support or oppose two (2) or more candidates for public office or two (2) or more measures;
(10) (A) "Person" means an individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or any other organization or group of persons; (B) Any limited liability company or limited liability partnership created under title 48 shall be considered a person for the purpose of this subdivision (10) and subdivision (1);
(A) "Person" means an individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or any other organization or group of persons;
(B) Any limited liability company or limited liability partnership created under title 48 shall be considered a person for the purpose of this subdivision (10) and subdivision (1);
(11) "Personal funds" means: (A) Any assets which the candidate had legal right of access to or control over at the time the candidate became a candidate and with respect to which the candidate had either: (i) Legal and rightful title; or (ii) An equitable interest; (B) Salary and other earned income from bona fide employment; (C) Dividends and proceeds from the sale of the candidate's stocks or other investments; (D) Bequests to the candidate; income from trusts established before candidacy; (E) Income from trusts established by bequest after candidacy of which the candidate is the beneficiary; (F) Gifts of a personal nature which had been customarily received prior to candidacy; and (G) That portion of assets jointly owned with the candidate's spouse which is the candidate's share under the instruments of conveyance or ownership. If no specific share is indicated by such instrument, the value of one-half (1/2) of the property used shall be considered as personal funds;
(A) Any assets which the candidate had legal right of access to or control over at the time the candidate became a candidate and with respect to which the candidate had either: (i) Legal and rightful title; or (ii) An equitable interest;
(i) Legal and rightful title; or
(ii) An equitable interest;
(B) Salary and other earned income from bona fide employment;
(C) Dividends and proceeds from the sale of the candidate's stocks or other investments;
(D) Bequests to the candidate; income from trusts established before candidacy;
(E) Income from trusts established by bequest after candidacy of which the candidate is the beneficiary;
(F) Gifts of a personal nature which had been customarily received prior to candidacy; and
(G) That portion of assets jointly owned with the candidate's spouse which is the candidate's share under the instruments of conveyance or ownership. If no specific share is indicated by such instrument, the value of one-half (1/2) of the property used shall be considered as personal funds;
(12) "Political campaign committee" means: (A) Any corporation or any other organization making expenditures, except as provided in subdivision (4), to support or oppose a measure; or (B) Any committee, club, corporation, association, or other group of persons which receives contributions or makes expenditures to support or oppose any candidate for public office or measure during a calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000);
(A) Any corporation or any other organization making expenditures, except as provided in subdivision (4), to support or oppose a measure; or
(B) Any committee, club, corporation, association, or other group of persons which receives contributions or makes expenditures to support or oppose any candidate for public office or measure during a calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000);
(13) "Public office" means any state public office or local public office filled by the voters; (A) "Local public office" means any state, county, municipal, school or other district or precinct office or position, including general sessions and juvenile court judges, that is filled by the voters, with the exception that "local public office" does not include any state public office as defined in subdivision (13)(B); and (B) "State public office" means the offices of governor, member of the general assembly, delegate to a Tennessee constitutional convention, trial judge, chancellor, district attorney general, district public defender, judge of the court of criminal appeals, judge of the court of appeals and supreme court judge; and
(A) "Local public office" means any state, county, municipal, school or other district or precinct office or position, including general sessions and juvenile court judges, that is filled by the voters, with the exception that "local public office" does not include any state public office as defined in subdivision (13)(B); and
(B) "State public office" means the offices of governor, member of the general assembly, delegate to a Tennessee constitutional convention, trial judge, chancellor, district attorney general, district public defender, judge of the court of criminal appeals, judge of the court of appeals and supreme court judge; and
(14) "Secretary of state" means the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 347, s 1, eff. 5/9/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379, s 1, eff. 4/30/2015.
Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 3; 1982, ch. 658, §§ 1-3; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 5, 7; 1990, ch. 1048, §§ 1-3; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 1, 2; 1992, ch. 988, § 8; 1995, ch. 305, § 59; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 2, 3; 1996, ch. 1005, § 1; 1999, ch. 455, § 33; 2000, ch. 756, § 12; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 5; 2011 , ch. 389, § 1; 2012 , ch. 789, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-141 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-141
Disposition of fines
Status: in_force

All fines collected under this chapter shall be turned into the school fund. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1949.
All fines collected under this chapter shall be turned into the school fund.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1949.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-107 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 11 / Section 2-11-107
Compensation of members
Status: in_force

Each member of the state election commission shall receive as compensation such sum as the general assembly may appropriate. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1107.
Each member of the state election commission shall receive as compensation such sum as the general assembly may appropriate.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1107.