Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-106
Absence from work allowed for voting
Status: in_force

(a) Any person entitled to vote in an election held in this state may be absent from any service or employment on the day of the election for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed three (3) hours, necessary to vote during the time the polls are open in the county where the person is a resident. (b) A voter who is absent from work to vote in compliance with this section may not be subjected to any penalty or reduction in pay for such absence. (c) If the tour of duty of an employee begins three (3) or more hours after the opening of the polls or ends three (3) or more hours before the closing of the polls of the county where the employee is a resident, the employee may not take time off under this section. (d) The employer may specify the hours during which the employee may be absent. Application for such absence shall be made to the employer before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon of the day before the election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-106.
(a) Any person entitled to vote in an election held in this state may be absent from any service or employment on the day of the election for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed three (3) hours, necessary to vote during the time the polls are open in the county where the person is a resident.
(b) A voter who is absent from work to vote in compliance with this section may not be subjected to any penalty or reduction in pay for such absence.
(c) If the tour of duty of an employee begins three (3) or more hours after the opening of the polls or ends three (3) or more hours before the closing of the polls of the county where the employee is a resident, the employee may not take time off under this section.
(d) The employer may specify the hours during which the employee may be absent. Application for such absence shall be made to the employer before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon of the day before the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-106.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-202 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-202
Time of election - Vacancy in state senate
Status: in_force

(a) If twelve (12) months or more remain prior to the next regular election for members of the general assembly, the governor shall, by writs of election, order a special election to fill such vacancy. (b) (1) The governor shall, by writs of election, set a date not less than fifty-five (55) nor more than sixty (60) days from the date of the writs for primary elections for nominations by statewide political parties to fill the vacancy and shall, by the same writs of election, set a date of not less than one hundred (100) nor more than one hundred seven (107) days from the date of the writs for a general election to fill the vacancy. (2) Candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates for the general election shall qualify as required in regular elections but shall file qualifying petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the sixth Thursday before the day of the primary elections. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline. (3) Except where this subsection (b) makes different provisions, part 1 of this chapter shall govern elections required by this subsection (b). The state primary boards shall perform their duties under chapter 8 of this title with respect to primaries held under this subsection (b) as quickly as practicable. (c) (1) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacancy in the membership of the general assembly, and the date for such election, as established under subsection (b), falls within thirty (30) days of a regular primary or general election being held in the legislative district, or alternatively falls within thirty (30) days of a municipal election being held in an odd-numbered year in a legislative district which is contained entirely within the boundaries of such municipality, the governor may issue the writ of election for the special election for the date which will coincide with the regular primary, general or municipal election. (2) If the date of the election is adjusted, as provided herein, all other dates dependent on the date of the election shall be adjusted accordingly, and any filing of candidacy, qualifying petitions, financial statements, or other acts shall be timely done if performed in accordance with the revised dates. (d) (1) If a vacancy occurs in the state senate in a seat with more than two (2) years remaining in the term, but less than twelve (12) months before the next general election for members of the general assembly, candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates shall qualify at the regular qualifying deadline for state elections. (2) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the seventh day before the regular qualifying deadline for statewide offices, candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates shall file the necessary qualifying petitions before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the sixth Thursday before the day of the primary election. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline. (3) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the sixth Thursday before the primary election, then the members of the county executive committees who reside within the senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on the November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party; provided, however, if no member of the county executive committee resides within the senate district, then the members of the county executive committees who represent precincts within the senate district may nominate a candidate. If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the sixth Thursday before the primary election in any county having a metropolitan form of government with a population of more than five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, then the members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on the November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party. The procedure to be followed by an executive committee shall be the same as set forth in § 2-13-204(b)(4) . Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the forty-fifth day prior to the regular November election. Independent candidates shall qualify by filing petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the forty-fifth day prior to the regular November election. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline. (4) (A) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs within forty-five (45) days of the next general election for legislators, members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on a separate November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party within forty-eight (48) hours of notice of the vacancy; provided, however, that any notice requirement under a party's rules in nominating a candidate shall be waived in order to meet the forty-eight-hour deadline. Any recognized minor party that does not have a county executive committee may nominate candidates by caucus or by state executive committee. Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, within forty-eight (48) hours of being nominated. Certification of the candidates to the affected county election commissions may be transmitted by email. Independent candidates shall be issued nominating petitions immediately upon notice of the vacancy and shall qualify by filing such petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the same deadline for the certification of the political party candidates. The publication requirements of the qualifying deadline and of the election day sample ballot shall be met by the county election commission posting the same on its website or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. No other notices of this election shall be required. (B) Any election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A) shall not be subject to early voting provisions in § 2-6-102 . (C) The county election commission shall allow any person, who did vote early for the November election, to additionally cast a ballot in person on election day for any state senate election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A). Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 397,s 1, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 827,s 6, eff. 4/21/2016. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 484,s 2, eff. 5/20/2015. Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2002; modified; Acts 1980, ch. 649, § 3; 1981, ch. 478, § 11; 1982, ch. 678, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 756, §§ 21, 22; 2012, ch. 1101, § 11.
(a) If twelve (12) months or more remain prior to the next regular election for members of the general assembly, the governor shall, by writs of election, order a special election to fill such vacancy.
(b) (1) The governor shall, by writs of election, set a date not less than fifty-five (55) nor more than sixty (60) days from the date of the writs for primary elections for nominations by statewide political parties to fill the vacancy and shall, by the same writs of election, set a date of not less than one hundred (100) nor more than one hundred seven (107) days from the date of the writs for a general election to fill the vacancy. (2) Candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates for the general election shall qualify as required in regular elections but shall file qualifying petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the sixth Thursday before the day of the primary elections. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline. (3) Except where this subsection (b) makes different provisions, part 1 of this chapter shall govern elections required by this subsection (b). The state primary boards shall perform their duties under chapter 8 of this title with respect to primaries held under this subsection (b) as quickly as practicable.
(1) The governor shall, by writs of election, set a date not less than fifty-five (55) nor more than sixty (60) days from the date of the writs for primary elections for nominations by statewide political parties to fill the vacancy and shall, by the same writs of election, set a date of not less than one hundred (100) nor more than one hundred seven (107) days from the date of the writs for a general election to fill the vacancy.
(2) Candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates for the general election shall qualify as required in regular elections but shall file qualifying petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the sixth Thursday before the day of the primary elections. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline.
(3) Except where this subsection (b) makes different provisions, part 1 of this chapter shall govern elections required by this subsection (b). The state primary boards shall perform their duties under chapter 8 of this title with respect to primaries held under this subsection (b) as quickly as practicable.
(c) (1) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacancy in the membership of the general assembly, and the date for such election, as established under subsection (b), falls within thirty (30) days of a regular primary or general election being held in the legislative district, or alternatively falls within thirty (30) days of a municipal election being held in an odd-numbered year in a legislative district which is contained entirely within the boundaries of such municipality, the governor may issue the writ of election for the special election for the date which will coincide with the regular primary, general or municipal election. (2) If the date of the election is adjusted, as provided herein, all other dates dependent on the date of the election shall be adjusted accordingly, and any filing of candidacy, qualifying petitions, financial statements, or other acts shall be timely done if performed in accordance with the revised dates.
(1) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacancy in the membership of the general assembly, and the date for such election, as established under subsection (b), falls within thirty (30) days of a regular primary or general election being held in the legislative district, or alternatively falls within thirty (30) days of a municipal election being held in an odd-numbered year in a legislative district which is contained entirely within the boundaries of such municipality, the governor may issue the writ of election for the special election for the date which will coincide with the regular primary, general or municipal election.
(2) If the date of the election is adjusted, as provided herein, all other dates dependent on the date of the election shall be adjusted accordingly, and any filing of candidacy, qualifying petitions, financial statements, or other acts shall be timely done if performed in accordance with the revised dates.
(d) (1) If a vacancy occurs in the state senate in a seat with more than two (2) years remaining in the term, but less than twelve (12) months before the next general election for members of the general assembly, candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates shall qualify at the regular qualifying deadline for state elections. (2) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the seventh day before the regular qualifying deadline for statewide offices, candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates shall file the necessary qualifying petitions before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the sixth Thursday before the day of the primary election. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline. (3) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the sixth Thursday before the primary election, then the members of the county executive committees who reside within the senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on the November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party; provided, however, if no member of the county executive committee resides within the senate district, then the members of the county executive committees who represent precincts within the senate district may nominate a candidate. If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the sixth Thursday before the primary election in any county having a metropolitan form of government with a population of more than five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, then the members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on the November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party. The procedure to be followed by an executive committee shall be the same as set forth in § 2-13-204(b)(4) . Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the forty-fifth day prior to the regular November election. Independent candidates shall qualify by filing petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the forty-fifth day prior to the regular November election. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline. (4) (A) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs within forty-five (45) days of the next general election for legislators, members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on a separate November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party within forty-eight (48) hours of notice of the vacancy; provided, however, that any notice requirement under a party's rules in nominating a candidate shall be waived in order to meet the forty-eight-hour deadline. Any recognized minor party that does not have a county executive committee may nominate candidates by caucus or by state executive committee. Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, within forty-eight (48) hours of being nominated. Certification of the candidates to the affected county election commissions may be transmitted by email. Independent candidates shall be issued nominating petitions immediately upon notice of the vacancy and shall qualify by filing such petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the same deadline for the certification of the political party candidates. The publication requirements of the qualifying deadline and of the election day sample ballot shall be met by the county election commission posting the same on its website or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. No other notices of this election shall be required. (B) Any election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A) shall not be subject to early voting provisions in § 2-6-102 . (C) The county election commission shall allow any person, who did vote early for the November election, to additionally cast a ballot in person on election day for any state senate election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A).
(1) If a vacancy occurs in the state senate in a seat with more than two (2) years remaining in the term, but less than twelve (12) months before the next general election for members of the general assembly, candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates shall qualify at the regular qualifying deadline for state elections.
(2) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the seventh day before the regular qualifying deadline for statewide offices, candidates for the primary elections and independent candidates shall file the necessary qualifying petitions before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the sixth Thursday before the day of the primary election. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline.
(3) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the sixth Thursday before the primary election, then the members of the county executive committees who reside within the senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on the November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party; provided, however, if no member of the county executive committee resides within the senate district, then the members of the county executive committees who represent precincts within the senate district may nominate a candidate. If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs after the sixth Thursday before the primary election in any county having a metropolitan form of government with a population of more than five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, then the members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on the November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party. The procedure to be followed by an executive committee shall be the same as set forth in § 2-13-204(b)(4) . Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the forty-fifth day prior to the regular November election. Independent candidates shall qualify by filing petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the forty-fifth day prior to the regular November election. Any candidate wishing to withdraw shall do so before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the qualifying deadline.
(4) (A) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs within forty-five (45) days of the next general election for legislators, members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on a separate November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party within forty-eight (48) hours of notice of the vacancy; provided, however, that any notice requirement under a party's rules in nominating a candidate shall be waived in order to meet the forty-eight-hour deadline. Any recognized minor party that does not have a county executive committee may nominate candidates by caucus or by state executive committee. Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, within forty-eight (48) hours of being nominated. Certification of the candidates to the affected county election commissions may be transmitted by email. Independent candidates shall be issued nominating petitions immediately upon notice of the vacancy and shall qualify by filing such petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the same deadline for the certification of the political party candidates. The publication requirements of the qualifying deadline and of the election day sample ballot shall be met by the county election commission posting the same on its website or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. No other notices of this election shall be required. (B) Any election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A) shall not be subject to early voting provisions in § 2-6-102 . (C) The county election commission shall allow any person, who did vote early for the November election, to additionally cast a ballot in person on election day for any state senate election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A).
(A) If a vacancy as described in subdivision (d)(1) occurs within forty-five (45) days of the next general election for legislators, members of the county executive committees who represent the precincts composing such senate district may nominate a candidate to appear on a separate November election ballot by any method authorized under the rules of the party within forty-eight (48) hours of notice of the vacancy; provided, however, that any notice requirement under a party's rules in nominating a candidate shall be waived in order to meet the forty-eight-hour deadline. Any recognized minor party that does not have a county executive committee may nominate candidates by caucus or by state executive committee. Persons so chosen shall be certified to every county election commission wholly or partially in the district by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, within forty-eight (48) hours of being nominated. Certification of the candidates to the affected county election commissions may be transmitted by email. Independent candidates shall be issued nominating petitions immediately upon notice of the vacancy and shall qualify by filing such petitions as provided for in § 2-5-104 by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the same deadline for the certification of the political party candidates. The publication requirements of the qualifying deadline and of the election day sample ballot shall be met by the county election commission posting the same on its website or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. No other notices of this election shall be required.
(B) Any election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A) shall not be subject to early voting provisions in § 2-6-102 .
(C) The county election commission shall allow any person, who did vote early for the November election, to additionally cast a ballot in person on election day for any state senate election held pursuant to subdivision (d)(4)(A).
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 397,s 1, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 827,s 6, eff. 4/21/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 484,s 2, eff. 5/20/2015.
Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2002; modified; Acts 1980, ch. 649, § 3; 1981, ch. 478, § 11; 1982, ch. 678, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 756, §§ 21, 22; 2012, ch. 1101, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-308 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-308
Establishment of convenient voting centers in county that conducted a pilot project
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding § 2-3-302(f) , any county which conducted a pilot project under § 2-3-301 establishing convenient voting centers in the county and for which the coordinator of elections filed a favorable report under § 2-3-307 may create a program that establishes convenient voting centers in the county for federal, state, and local elections under the following conditions: (1) 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 locations 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; (2) Convenient voting centers shall be open for voting for a minimum of ten (10) continuous hours but no more than thirteen (13) hours. All convenient voting centers in the eastern time zone shall close at eight o'clock p.m. (8:00 p.m.), prevailing time, and convenient voting centers in the central time zone shall close at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) prevailing time; (3) At least fifteen (15) days before the date of each election, the county election commission shall determine a uniform time for the opening of all convenient voting centers; (4) Each convenient voting center used in the program shall have a secure electronic connection, certified by the coordinator of elections, to the computerized voter registration system maintained by the county election commission permitting all voting information processed by any computer at a convenient voting center to be immediately accessible to all other computers at all convenient voting centers in the county. The secure electronic connection must be sufficient to prevent any voter from voting more than once and to prevent unauthorized access to the computerized voter registration system; (5) Each convenient voting center shall meet applicable federal and state laws, including the accessibility requirements of the Help America Vote Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 15301 ); (6) Section 2-3-107 and chapter 7 of this title apply to all convenient voting centers; (7) If convenient voting centers are used in the election, the county election commission is not limited by § 2-3-101(a) ; provided, that no polling location may be changed within ten (10) days of an election, except in an emergency. (b) Any county meeting the requirements of subsection (a) must mail notices to active registered voters only if the election commission designates convenient voting centers that differ from those used in the previous election cycle. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 2, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 4, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 234, s 1, eff. 4/30/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 65, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1.
(a) Notwithstanding § 2-3-302(f) , any county which conducted a pilot project under § 2-3-301 establishing convenient voting centers in the county and for which the coordinator of elections filed a favorable report under § 2-3-307 may create a program that establishes convenient voting centers in the county for federal, state, and local elections under the following conditions: (1) 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 locations 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; (2) Convenient voting centers shall be open for voting for a minimum of ten (10) continuous hours but no more than thirteen (13) hours. All convenient voting centers in the eastern time zone shall close at eight o'clock p.m. (8:00 p.m.), prevailing time, and convenient voting centers in the central time zone shall close at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) prevailing time; (3) At least fifteen (15) days before the date of each election, the county election commission shall determine a uniform time for the opening of all convenient voting centers; (4) Each convenient voting center used in the program shall have a secure electronic connection, certified by the coordinator of elections, to the computerized voter registration system maintained by the county election commission permitting all voting information processed by any computer at a convenient voting center to be immediately accessible to all other computers at all convenient voting centers in the county. The secure electronic connection must be sufficient to prevent any voter from voting more than once and to prevent unauthorized access to the computerized voter registration system; (5) Each convenient voting center shall meet applicable federal and state laws, including the accessibility requirements of the Help America Vote Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 15301 ); (6) Section 2-3-107 and chapter 7 of this title apply to all convenient voting centers; (7) If convenient voting centers are used in the election, the county election commission is not limited by § 2-3-101(a) ; provided, that no polling location may be changed within ten (10) days of an election, except in an emergency.
(1) 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 locations 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;
(2) Convenient voting centers shall be open for voting for a minimum of ten (10) continuous hours but no more than thirteen (13) hours. All convenient voting centers in the eastern time zone shall close at eight o'clock p.m. (8:00 p.m.), prevailing time, and convenient voting centers in the central time zone shall close at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) prevailing time;
(3) At least fifteen (15) days before the date of each election, the county election commission shall determine a uniform time for the opening of all convenient voting centers;
(4) Each convenient voting center used in the program shall have a secure electronic connection, certified by the coordinator of elections, to the computerized voter registration system maintained by the county election commission permitting all voting information processed by any computer at a convenient voting center to be immediately accessible to all other computers at all convenient voting centers in the county. The secure electronic connection must be sufficient to prevent any voter from voting more than once and to prevent unauthorized access to the computerized voter registration system;
(5) Each convenient voting center shall meet applicable federal and state laws, including the accessibility requirements of the Help America Vote Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 15301 );
(6) Section 2-3-107 and chapter 7 of this title apply to all convenient voting centers;
(7) If convenient voting centers are used in the election, the county election commission is not limited by § 2-3-101(a) ; provided, that no polling location may be changed within ten (10) days of an election, except in an emergency.
(b) Any county meeting the requirements of subsection (a) must mail notices to active registered voters only if the election commission designates convenient voting centers that differ from those used in the previous election cycle.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 2, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 4, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 234, s 1, eff. 4/30/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 65, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-115 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-115
Holdover powers of county election commission upon subdivision of county
Status: in_force

In all cases not otherwise provided for, when fractions of counties have been cut off to establish a new county, the county election commission of each old county shall, until the next apportionment of representatives, hold all elections for governor, members of congress, and members of the general assembly. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1220.
In all cases not otherwise provided for, when fractions of counties have been cut off to establish a new county, the county election commission of each old county shall, until the next apportionment of representatives, hold all elections for governor, members of congress, and members of the general assembly.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1220.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-105 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-105
Time for filing complaint
Status: in_force

The complaint contesting an election under § 2-17-101 shall be filed within five (5) days after certification of the election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-1705; Acts 2008 , ch. 1108, § 4.
The complaint contesting an election under § 2-17-101 shall be filed within five (5) days after certification of the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-1705; Acts 2008 , ch. 1108, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-139 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-139
Restoration of suffrage to persons convicted of infamous crimes
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who has forfeited the right of suffrage because of conviction of an infamous crime may register to vote and vote at any election for which the person is eligible by submitting sufficient proof to the administrator of elections in the county in which the person is seeking to register to vote, that: (1) The person has been pardoned of all infamous crimes and the person's full rights of citizenship, including the right of suffrage, have been restored; (2) The person's full rights of citizenship have been restored as prescribed by law; or (3) An appellate court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final judgment reversing the person's conviction, or convictions, of all infamous crimes. (b) For purposes of this section, a pardon or a certified copy of a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction shall be sufficient proof to the administrator that the person fulfills the above requirements as to the offense or offenses specified on the pardon or judgment; however, before allowing a person convicted of an infamous crime to become a registered voter, it shall be the duty of the administrator in each county to verify with the state coordinator of elections that the person is eligible to register under this section. (c) The state election coordinator is empowered to formulate a uniform procedure for verifying the registration eligibility of any person convicted of an infamous crime. Upon receiving sufficient verification of such person's eligibility to register, the administrator shall allow such person to become a registered voter in the same manner and in accordance with the same laws, rules, or regulations as any other citizen of this state. (d) The provisions of this section, relative to the forfeiture and restoration of the right of suffrage for those persons convicted of infamous crimes, shall also apply to those persons convicted of crimes prior to May 18, 1981, which are infamous crimes after May 18, 1981. Acts 1981, ch. 345, §§ 3, 8.
(a) Any person who has forfeited the right of suffrage because of conviction of an infamous crime may register to vote and vote at any election for which the person is eligible by submitting sufficient proof to the administrator of elections in the county in which the person is seeking to register to vote, that: (1) The person has been pardoned of all infamous crimes and the person's full rights of citizenship, including the right of suffrage, have been restored; (2) The person's full rights of citizenship have been restored as prescribed by law; or (3) An appellate court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final judgment reversing the person's conviction, or convictions, of all infamous crimes.
(1) The person has been pardoned of all infamous crimes and the person's full rights of citizenship, including the right of suffrage, have been restored;
(2) The person's full rights of citizenship have been restored as prescribed by law; or
(3) An appellate court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final judgment reversing the person's conviction, or convictions, of all infamous crimes.
(b) For purposes of this section, a pardon or a certified copy of a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction shall be sufficient proof to the administrator that the person fulfills the above requirements as to the offense or offenses specified on the pardon or judgment; however, before allowing a person convicted of an infamous crime to become a registered voter, it shall be the duty of the administrator in each county to verify with the state coordinator of elections that the person is eligible to register under this section.
(c) The state election coordinator is empowered to formulate a uniform procedure for verifying the registration eligibility of any person convicted of an infamous crime. Upon receiving sufficient verification of such person's eligibility to register, the administrator shall allow such person to become a registered voter in the same manner and in accordance with the same laws, rules, or regulations as any other citizen of this state.
(d) The provisions of this section, relative to the forfeiture and restoration of the right of suffrage for those persons convicted of infamous crimes, shall also apply to those persons convicted of crimes prior to May 18, 1981, which are infamous crimes after May 18, 1981.
Acts 1981, ch. 345, §§ 3, 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-142 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-142
Training for individuals or organizations who conduct voter registration drives - Submission of voter registration forms - Restrictions regarding applicant's personal information - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, the term "voter registration drive" means to collect voter registration applications from another person and submit the collected application to the county or state election commission for the purposes of registering that person to vote, but does not include state or county governmental entities operating in the course and scope of their official duties. (b) The coordinator of elections shall offer free voluntary training to individuals or organizations who conduct voter registration drives. The training shall, at a minimum, summarize the laws and procedures regarding voter registration. A list of those individuals or organizations who complete the training may be published on the secretary of state's website or published by any other means deemed appropriate by the secretary of state. (c) No person or organization shall employ or compensate any person, nor shall any person receive any wages or compensation for registering voters based on the number of voters registered. Nothing in this section prohibits a person from being paid on an hourly or salaried basis to register voters. (d) No person or organization shall establish quotas or a minimum number of completed voter registration forms to be collected by individuals conducting a voter registration drive. (e) Any person or organization collecting a voter registration form submitted by an applicant during a voter registration drive shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the form, deliver or mail the form to the county election commission in which the applicant resides according to the address on the application or to the state election commission; provided, that if the date of the receipt of the form is within fifteen (15) calendar days of the voter registration deadline, the submitted forms must be delivered or mailed no later than the voter registration deadline. For the purposes of this subsection (e), a form shall be considered mailed on the date of the postmark stamped on the cover in which such document was mailed. The date on which an applicant signs a voter registration application is presumed to be the date on which the person or organization received or collected the voter registration application. (f) Any person or organization other than a federal, state, or county governmental entity operating in the course and scope of its official duties who conducts a voter registration drive or operates an online voter registration platform is prohibited from copying, photographing, or in any way retaining, electronically or physically, personal identifying information collected on a voter registration application or entered into the online voter registration platform, including name, date and place of birth, residential address, mailing address, email, phone number, and signature for any purpose other than voter participation, voter engagement, or voter turnout unless the person or organization informs the applicant how the applicant's personal information will be used by the person or organization and the applicant expressly consents in writing or electronically. The social security number provided on the voter registration application or entered into the online voter registration platform is confidential and shall not be copied, photographed, or in any way retained, electronically or physically, by any person other than election officials in their official capacity. (g) A person or organization shall not: (1) Mail or otherwise provide a voter registration application upon which any information about an applicant has been filled in before it is provided to the applicant. This subdivision (g)(1) does not apply to government agencies providing voter registration as authorized under this chapter; or (2) Allow an individual convicted of a felony violation under this title, § 39-15-502 , or § 39-16-703 to collect or handle a voter registration application from another person. (h) A person or organization collecting voter registrations shall not alter the voter registration form of any person without the person's knowledge and consent. (i) (1) The state election commission may impose a maximum civil penalty up to: (A) Fifty dollars ($50.00) for each violation of subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) or subdivision (g)(1); and (B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation of subdivision (g)(2) or subsection (h). (2) For any violation or violations, the state election commission shall send, by return mail, receipt requested, an assessment letter to the person or organization in a form sufficient to advise the person or organization of the factual basis of the violation or violations, the total civil penalty, and the date a response to the letter must be filed. Refusal of or failure to timely claim an assessment letter sent by return mail, receipt requested, constitutes acceptance of the assessment letter for purposes of service. (3) To request a waiver of reduction in, or to contest, a penalty imposed by the state election commission, a person or organization shall file a petition with the state election commission. Such petition may be considered as commencing a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (j) Any person or organization who provides or publishes erroneous or incorrect information regarding the qualifications to vote, the requirements to register to vote, whether an individual voter is currently registered to vote or eligible to register to vote, voter registration deadlines, or polling dates, times, and locations shall, upon discovery, immediately notify the appropriate county election commission and the coordinator of elections. (k) The coordinator of elections and the state election commission are authorized to adopt policies or procedures and to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate this section. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 871,s 2, eff. 5/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 871,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 3, eff. 4/2/2020. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 10/1/2019.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term "voter registration drive" means to collect voter registration applications from another person and submit the collected application to the county or state election commission for the purposes of registering that person to vote, but does not include state or county governmental entities operating in the course and scope of their official duties.
(b) The coordinator of elections shall offer free voluntary training to individuals or organizations who conduct voter registration drives. The training shall, at a minimum, summarize the laws and procedures regarding voter registration. A list of those individuals or organizations who complete the training may be published on the secretary of state's website or published by any other means deemed appropriate by the secretary of state.
(c) No person or organization shall employ or compensate any person, nor shall any person receive any wages or compensation for registering voters based on the number of voters registered. Nothing in this section prohibits a person from being paid on an hourly or salaried basis to register voters.
(d) No person or organization shall establish quotas or a minimum number of completed voter registration forms to be collected by individuals conducting a voter registration drive.
(e) Any person or organization collecting a voter registration form submitted by an applicant during a voter registration drive shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the form, deliver or mail the form to the county election commission in which the applicant resides according to the address on the application or to the state election commission; provided, that if the date of the receipt of the form is within fifteen (15) calendar days of the voter registration deadline, the submitted forms must be delivered or mailed no later than the voter registration deadline. For the purposes of this subsection (e), a form shall be considered mailed on the date of the postmark stamped on the cover in which such document was mailed. The date on which an applicant signs a voter registration application is presumed to be the date on which the person or organization received or collected the voter registration application.
(f) Any person or organization other than a federal, state, or county governmental entity operating in the course and scope of its official duties who conducts a voter registration drive or operates an online voter registration platform is prohibited from copying, photographing, or in any way retaining, electronically or physically, personal identifying information collected on a voter registration application or entered into the online voter registration platform, including name, date and place of birth, residential address, mailing address, email, phone number, and signature for any purpose other than voter participation, voter engagement, or voter turnout unless the person or organization informs the applicant how the applicant's personal information will be used by the person or organization and the applicant expressly consents in writing or electronically. The social security number provided on the voter registration application or entered into the online voter registration platform is confidential and shall not be copied, photographed, or in any way retained, electronically or physically, by any person other than election officials in their official capacity.
(g) A person or organization shall not: (1) Mail or otherwise provide a voter registration application upon which any information about an applicant has been filled in before it is provided to the applicant. This subdivision (g)(1) does not apply to government agencies providing voter registration as authorized under this chapter; or (2) Allow an individual convicted of a felony violation under this title, § 39-15-502 , or § 39-16-703 to collect or handle a voter registration application from another person.
(1) Mail or otherwise provide a voter registration application upon which any information about an applicant has been filled in before it is provided to the applicant. This subdivision (g)(1) does not apply to government agencies providing voter registration as authorized under this chapter; or
(2) Allow an individual convicted of a felony violation under this title, § 39-15-502 , or § 39-16-703 to collect or handle a voter registration application from another person.
(h) A person or organization collecting voter registrations shall not alter the voter registration form of any person without the person's knowledge and consent.
(i) (1) The state election commission may impose a maximum civil penalty up to: (A) Fifty dollars ($50.00) for each violation of subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) or subdivision (g)(1); and (B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation of subdivision (g)(2) or subsection (h). (2) For any violation or violations, the state election commission shall send, by return mail, receipt requested, an assessment letter to the person or organization in a form sufficient to advise the person or organization of the factual basis of the violation or violations, the total civil penalty, and the date a response to the letter must be filed. Refusal of or failure to timely claim an assessment letter sent by return mail, receipt requested, constitutes acceptance of the assessment letter for purposes of service. (3) To request a waiver of reduction in, or to contest, a penalty imposed by the state election commission, a person or organization shall file a petition with the state election commission. Such petition may be considered as commencing a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) The state election commission may impose a maximum civil penalty up to: (A) Fifty dollars ($50.00) for each violation of subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) or subdivision (g)(1); and (B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation of subdivision (g)(2) or subsection (h).
(A) Fifty dollars ($50.00) for each violation of subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) or subdivision (g)(1); and
(B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation of subdivision (g)(2) or subsection (h).
(2) For any violation or violations, the state election commission shall send, by return mail, receipt requested, an assessment letter to the person or organization in a form sufficient to advise the person or organization of the factual basis of the violation or violations, the total civil penalty, and the date a response to the letter must be filed. Refusal of or failure to timely claim an assessment letter sent by return mail, receipt requested, constitutes acceptance of the assessment letter for purposes of service.
(3) To request a waiver of reduction in, or to contest, a penalty imposed by the state election commission, a person or organization shall file a petition with the state election commission. Such petition may be considered as commencing a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(j) Any person or organization who provides or publishes erroneous or incorrect information regarding the qualifications to vote, the requirements to register to vote, whether an individual voter is currently registered to vote or eligible to register to vote, voter registration deadlines, or polling dates, times, and locations shall, upon discovery, immediately notify the appropriate county election commission and the coordinator of elections.
(k) The coordinator of elections and the state election commission are authorized to adopt policies or procedures and to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate this section.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 871,s 2, eff. 5/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 871,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 3, eff. 4/2/2020.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 10/1/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-206 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-206
Form for declining to register
Status: in_force

(a) The form by which a person may decline to register to vote that is required by § 2-2-204(a)(2) shall include the following: (1) The question: "If you are not registered to vote where you live now, would you like to apply to register to vote here today?"; (2) If the agency provides public assistance, the statement, "Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency."; (3) Boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant would like to register or declines to register to vote, together with the statement "IF YOU DO NOT CHECK EITHER BOX, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE DECIDED NOT TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS TIME."; (4) The statement, "If you would like help in filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you. The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the application form in private."; and (5) The statement, "If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote or your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, you may file a complaint with the coordinator of elections." The statement shall also include the address and telephone number of the coordinator of elections. (b) Each voter registration agency shall maintain the declinations completed by their clientele. Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 7.
(a) The form by which a person may decline to register to vote that is required by § 2-2-204(a)(2) shall include the following: (1) The question: "If you are not registered to vote where you live now, would you like to apply to register to vote here today?"; (2) If the agency provides public assistance, the statement, "Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency."; (3) Boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant would like to register or declines to register to vote, together with the statement "IF YOU DO NOT CHECK EITHER BOX, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE DECIDED NOT TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS TIME."; (4) The statement, "If you would like help in filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you. The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the application form in private."; and (5) The statement, "If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote or your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, you may file a complaint with the coordinator of elections." The statement shall also include the address and telephone number of the coordinator of elections.
(1) The question: "If you are not registered to vote where you live now, would you like to apply to register to vote here today?";
(2) If the agency provides public assistance, the statement, "Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency.";
(3) Boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant would like to register or declines to register to vote, together with the statement "IF YOU DO NOT CHECK EITHER BOX, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE DECIDED NOT TO REGISTER TO VOTE AT THIS TIME.";
(4) The statement, "If you would like help in filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you. The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the application form in private."; and
(5) The statement, "If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote or your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, you may file a complaint with the coordinator of elections." The statement shall also include the address and telephone number of the coordinator of elections.
(b) Each voter registration agency shall maintain the declinations completed by their clientele.
Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-129 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-129
Transfer of registration - Procedure
Status: in_force

(a) A voter may transfer registration when such voter moves outside the precinct in which such voter is registered as follows: (1) (A) If a voter has moved within the same county, the voter may transfer the registration either in person, by mail, facsimile transmission or by email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. The voter may request a form which reads substantially as follows: Click here to view form. (B) If a voter does not use the form, the voter shall include in the request for transfer all of the information required by this subdivision (a)(1); (2) If the voter moves outside the county, the voter may transfer by registering in the county of the voter's new residence; and (3) To provide an additional means of initiating and effecting transfers of voter registration within the county of current registration, the commission shall provide the officer of elections at each polling place and the officials at each early voting site with the proper affidavits. Voters who have moved within the county of registration may vote under the provisions described in § 2-7-140 and simultaneously transfer their registration. The written affidavit completed by the voter shall serve as a transfer of registration form for the voter. The election commission shall also make available transfer of address forms for voters who may anticipate a move in the future. (b) A county election commission may transfer registration when a voter moves outside the precinct in which such voter is registered as follows: (1) If the county election commission uses change of address information supplied by the postal service to identify registered voters whose addresses may have changed; and (2) If it appears from information provided by the postal service that: (A) A registered voter has moved to a different address of residence within the same county, the administrator may change the registration records to show the new address and send the registered voter a forwardable audit notice of the change using the new address and a postage prepaid pre-addressed return form by which the voter may verify or correct the address information; or (B) A registered voter has moved to an address of residence in a different county or moved without filing a change of address with the postal service, the administrator of elections may mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the registered voter pursuant to the procedures provided in § 2-2-106(c) and (d) . (c) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates the address information provided by the postal service is incorrect, the voter's registration shall be updated to reflect the correct address of residence. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 365, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-229; Acts 1994, ch. 919, §§ 21-25; 1997 , ch. 550, § 4; 1999, ch. 499, § 1; 2009 , ch. 218, § 1; 2012, ch. 1101, § 1.
(a) A voter may transfer registration when such voter moves outside the precinct in which such voter is registered as follows: (1) (A) If a voter has moved within the same county, the voter may transfer the registration either in person, by mail, facsimile transmission or by email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. The voter may request a form which reads substantially as follows: Click here to view form. (B) If a voter does not use the form, the voter shall include in the request for transfer all of the information required by this subdivision (a)(1); (2) If the voter moves outside the county, the voter may transfer by registering in the county of the voter's new residence; and (3) To provide an additional means of initiating and effecting transfers of voter registration within the county of current registration, the commission shall provide the officer of elections at each polling place and the officials at each early voting site with the proper affidavits. Voters who have moved within the county of registration may vote under the provisions described in § 2-7-140 and simultaneously transfer their registration. The written affidavit completed by the voter shall serve as a transfer of registration form for the voter. The election commission shall also make available transfer of address forms for voters who may anticipate a move in the future.
(1) (A) If a voter has moved within the same county, the voter may transfer the registration either in person, by mail, facsimile transmission or by email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. The voter may request a form which reads substantially as follows: Click here to view form. (B) If a voter does not use the form, the voter shall include in the request for transfer all of the information required by this subdivision (a)(1);
(A) If a voter has moved within the same county, the voter may transfer the registration either in person, by mail, facsimile transmission or by email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. The voter may request a form which reads substantially as follows: Click here to view form.
Click here to view form.
(B) If a voter does not use the form, the voter shall include in the request for transfer all of the information required by this subdivision (a)(1);
(2) If the voter moves outside the county, the voter may transfer by registering in the county of the voter's new residence; and
(3) To provide an additional means of initiating and effecting transfers of voter registration within the county of current registration, the commission shall provide the officer of elections at each polling place and the officials at each early voting site with the proper affidavits. Voters who have moved within the county of registration may vote under the provisions described in § 2-7-140 and simultaneously transfer their registration. The written affidavit completed by the voter shall serve as a transfer of registration form for the voter. The election commission shall also make available transfer of address forms for voters who may anticipate a move in the future.
(b) A county election commission may transfer registration when a voter moves outside the precinct in which such voter is registered as follows: (1) If the county election commission uses change of address information supplied by the postal service to identify registered voters whose addresses may have changed; and (2) If it appears from information provided by the postal service that: (A) A registered voter has moved to a different address of residence within the same county, the administrator may change the registration records to show the new address and send the registered voter a forwardable audit notice of the change using the new address and a postage prepaid pre-addressed return form by which the voter may verify or correct the address information; or (B) A registered voter has moved to an address of residence in a different county or moved without filing a change of address with the postal service, the administrator of elections may mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the registered voter pursuant to the procedures provided in § 2-2-106(c) and (d) .
(1) If the county election commission uses change of address information supplied by the postal service to identify registered voters whose addresses may have changed; and
(2) If it appears from information provided by the postal service that: (A) A registered voter has moved to a different address of residence within the same county, the administrator may change the registration records to show the new address and send the registered voter a forwardable audit notice of the change using the new address and a postage prepaid pre-addressed return form by which the voter may verify or correct the address information; or (B) A registered voter has moved to an address of residence in a different county or moved without filing a change of address with the postal service, the administrator of elections may mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the registered voter pursuant to the procedures provided in § 2-2-106(c) and (d) .
(A) A registered voter has moved to a different address of residence within the same county, the administrator may change the registration records to show the new address and send the registered voter a forwardable audit notice of the change using the new address and a postage prepaid pre-addressed return form by which the voter may verify or correct the address information; or
(B) A registered voter has moved to an address of residence in a different county or moved without filing a change of address with the postal service, the administrator of elections may mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the registered voter pursuant to the procedures provided in § 2-2-106(c) and (d) .
(c) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates the address information provided by the postal service is incorrect, the voter's registration shall be updated to reflect the correct address of residence.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 365, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-229; Acts 1994, ch. 919, §§ 21-25; 1997 , ch. 550, § 4; 1999, ch. 499, § 1; 2009 , ch. 218, § 1; 2012, ch. 1101, § 1.
2_129_1 - Attachment
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-15-206 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 15 / Section 2-15-206
Presiding officer - Elector vacancy
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state, or the secretary of state's designee, shall preside at the meeting of electors described in § 2-15-207 . (b) The position of an elector is vacant if the elector is not present to vote or vacates the office under § 2-15-207(c) . The electors present shall elect an individual as a substitute elector to fill a vacancy as follows: (1) If an alternate elector is present to vote, by electing an alternate elector for the vacant position; (2) If an alternate elector is not present to vote, by electing any resident citizen of the state to fill such vacancy; (3) If the vacant position is that of an unpledged elector and the alternate elector for that vacant position is not present to vote, or if there otherwise are no alternate electors eligible for the vacant position under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), by appointing any immediately available individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and has been chosen through nomination by and plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single elector if only one (1) remains; (4) If there is a tie between at least two (2) nominees for substitute elector in a vote conducted under subdivision (b)(3), by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those nominees; or (5) If all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to subdivisions (b)(1)-(4), by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions to be filled under subdivision (b)(3) and, if necessary, subdivision (b)(4). (c) To qualify as a substitute elector for a vacant position associated with an elector who had executed a pledge, an individual who has not executed the pledge required under § 2-15-204 , must execute the following pledge: "I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for President and Vice President consistent with the pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded." Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
(a) The secretary of state, or the secretary of state's designee, shall preside at the meeting of electors described in § 2-15-207 .
(b) The position of an elector is vacant if the elector is not present to vote or vacates the office under § 2-15-207(c) . The electors present shall elect an individual as a substitute elector to fill a vacancy as follows: (1) If an alternate elector is present to vote, by electing an alternate elector for the vacant position; (2) If an alternate elector is not present to vote, by electing any resident citizen of the state to fill such vacancy; (3) If the vacant position is that of an unpledged elector and the alternate elector for that vacant position is not present to vote, or if there otherwise are no alternate electors eligible for the vacant position under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), by appointing any immediately available individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and has been chosen through nomination by and plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single elector if only one (1) remains; (4) If there is a tie between at least two (2) nominees for substitute elector in a vote conducted under subdivision (b)(3), by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those nominees; or (5) If all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to subdivisions (b)(1)-(4), by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions to be filled under subdivision (b)(3) and, if necessary, subdivision (b)(4).
(1) If an alternate elector is present to vote, by electing an alternate elector for the vacant position;
(2) If an alternate elector is not present to vote, by electing any resident citizen of the state to fill such vacancy;
(3) If the vacant position is that of an unpledged elector and the alternate elector for that vacant position is not present to vote, or if there otherwise are no alternate electors eligible for the vacant position under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), by appointing any immediately available individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and has been chosen through nomination by and plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single elector if only one (1) remains;
(4) If there is a tie between at least two (2) nominees for substitute elector in a vote conducted under subdivision (b)(3), by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those nominees; or
(5) If all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to subdivisions (b)(1)-(4), by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions to be filled under subdivision (b)(3) and, if necessary, subdivision (b)(4).
(c) To qualify as a substitute elector for a vacant position associated with an elector who had executed a pledge, an individual who has not executed the pledge required under § 2-15-204 , must execute the following pledge: "I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for President and Vice President consistent with the pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded."
"I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for President and Vice President consistent with the pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded."
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-18-115 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 18 / Section 2-18-115
Resolution evidence of election - Inauguration
Status: in_force

(a) The resolution shall be the evidence that the person named in the resolution has been elected governor and is entitled to be inaugurated. A copy of the resolution certified by the speaker of the senate and the tellers shall be issued to such person. (b) The governor-elect shall thereafter be inaugurated as soon as practicable, on a day to be designated by resolution of the general assembly. The oath of office shall be administered by the chief justice or an associate judge of the supreme court in the presence of the general assembly or a committee appointed by them. (c) The governor's term of office shall date from January 15 next following the November in which the election was held. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1815.
(a) The resolution shall be the evidence that the person named in the resolution has been elected governor and is entitled to be inaugurated. A copy of the resolution certified by the speaker of the senate and the tellers shall be issued to such person.
(b) The governor-elect shall thereafter be inaugurated as soon as practicable, on a day to be designated by resolution of the general assembly. The oath of office shall be administered by the chief justice or an associate judge of the supreme court in the presence of the general assembly or a committee appointed by them.
(c) The governor's term of office shall date from January 15 next following the November in which the election was held.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1815.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-307 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-307
Declaration of candidacy
Status: in_force

(a) At the time of filing the nominating petition, the candidate for delegate to a national convention shall also file a declaration of candidacy which shall be in the following form: I (candidate's name) declare that I reside in ______________ County and am a qualified and registered voter in that county. I further certify that I am a member of the (respective) party and am a candidate for election as a delegate (at large) or (from the ______________ congressional district) to the national convention of the (respective) party next to be held for the nomination of candidates of such party for president and vice president of the United States. I request that my name be printed as such candidate on the official ballot of the (respective) party in this election. I further declare that if elected as a delegate, I will attend such convention unless I shall be prevented by sickness or other occurrence over which I have no control. (b) If the delegate is supporting a particular presidential candidate, the declaration of candidacy shall also include the following: I further declare that I am pledged to and a supporter of (name of candidate) and if elected as a delegate will cast my vote for (name of candidate) for at least two (2) ballots if that many ballots are taken. Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 7; T.C.A., § 2-1347.
(a) At the time of filing the nominating petition, the candidate for delegate to a national convention shall also file a declaration of candidacy which shall be in the following form: I (candidate's name) declare that I reside in ______________ County and am a qualified and registered voter in that county. I further certify that I am a member of the (respective) party and am a candidate for election as a delegate (at large) or (from the ______________ congressional district) to the national convention of the (respective) party next to be held for the nomination of candidates of such party for president and vice president of the United States. I request that my name be printed as such candidate on the official ballot of the (respective) party in this election. I further declare that if elected as a delegate, I will attend such convention unless I shall be prevented by sickness or other occurrence over which I have no control.
I (candidate's name) declare that I reside in ______________ County and am a qualified and registered voter in that county. I further certify that I am a member of the (respective) party and am a candidate for election as a delegate (at large) or (from the ______________ congressional district) to the national convention of the (respective) party next to be held for the nomination of candidates of such party for president and vice president of the United States. I request that my name be printed as such candidate on the official ballot of the (respective) party in this election. I further declare that if elected as a delegate, I will attend such convention unless I shall be prevented by sickness or other occurrence over which I have no control.
(b) If the delegate is supporting a particular presidential candidate, the declaration of candidacy shall also include the following: I further declare that I am pledged to and a supporter of (name of candidate) and if elected as a delegate will cast my vote for (name of candidate) for at least two (2) ballots if that many ballots are taken.
I further declare that I am pledged to and a supporter of (name of candidate) and if elected as a delegate will cast my vote for (name of candidate) for at least two (2) ballots if that many ballots are taken.
Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 7; T.C.A., § 2-1347.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-104 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-104
Contest of primary election
Status: in_force

(a) Any candidate may contest the primary election of the candidate's party for the office for which that person was a candidate. (b) To institute a contest, the candidate shall, within five (5) days after the certification of results by the county election commission, file a written notice of contest with the state primary board of the candidate's party and with all other candidates who might be adversely affected by the contest. In the notice the candidate shall state fully the grounds of the contest. (c) The state primary board shall hear and determine the contest and make the disposition of the contest which justice and fairness require, including setting aside the election if necessary. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1704.
(a) Any candidate may contest the primary election of the candidate's party for the office for which that person was a candidate.
(b) To institute a contest, the candidate shall, within five (5) days after the certification of results by the county election commission, file a written notice of contest with the state primary board of the candidate's party and with all other candidates who might be adversely affected by the contest. In the notice the candidate shall state fully the grounds of the contest.
(c) The state primary board shall hear and determine the contest and make the disposition of the contest which justice and fairness require, including setting aside the election if necessary.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1704.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-202 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-202
Offices for which candidates are chosen in primary elections
Status: in_force

Statewide political parties shall nominate their candidates for the following offices by vote of the members of the party in primary elections at the regular August election: (1) Governor; (2) Members of the general assembly; (3) United States senator; and (4) Members of the United States house of representatives. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1314; 1995, ch. 305, § 60; 2012, ch. 955, § 5.
Statewide political parties shall nominate their candidates for the following offices by vote of the members of the party in primary elections at the regular August election:
(1) Governor;
(2) Members of the general assembly;
(3) United States senator; and
(4) Members of the United States house of representatives.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1314; 1995, ch. 305, § 60; 2012, ch. 955, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-202 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-202
Voter registration through other state agencies
Status: in_force

In addition to any other voter registration procedure provided by law and by § 2-2-201 : (1) All offices in the state that provide public assistance; (2) All offices in the state that provide state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities; and (3) Public libraries, public high schools, offices of county clerks and offices of county registers of deeds; shall serve as voter registration agencies. Those agencies designated under subdivision (2) that provide services to a person with a disability at the person's home shall provide the voter registration services at the person's home; provided, that a public library, a county clerk's office, or a county register of deeds office shall not serve as a voter registration agency if such office is located in the same building as the county election commission's office. Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 3; 1997, ch. 501, § 1.
In addition to any other voter registration procedure provided by law and by § 2-2-201 :
(1) All offices in the state that provide public assistance;
(2) All offices in the state that provide state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities; and
(3) Public libraries, public high schools, offices of county clerks and offices of county registers of deeds; shall serve as voter registration agencies. Those agencies designated under subdivision (2) that provide services to a person with a disability at the person's home shall provide the voter registration services at the person's home; provided, that a public library, a county clerk's office, or a county register of deeds office shall not serve as a voter registration agency if such office is located in the same building as the county election commission's office.
shall serve as voter registration agencies. Those agencies designated under subdivision (2) that provide services to a person with a disability at the person's home shall provide the voter registration services at the person's home; provided, that a public library, a county clerk's office, or a county register of deeds office shall not serve as a voter registration agency if such office is located in the same building as the county election commission's office.
Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 3; 1997, ch. 501, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-118 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-118
Filing by responsible party with prior assessment record
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for a responsible party of a multicandidate political campaign committee who has a prior assessment record to intentionally fail to file a required report under this chapter, for which the party is responsible for filing, within thirty-five (35) days after service of process or receipt of notice from the registry by registered or certified mail. For the purposes of this section, "responsible party" is the treasurer of the committee appointed pursuant to § 2-10-105(e) , or if no treasurer has been appointed, any person who organizes or directs the fundraising activities of a multicandidate political campaign committee. A responsible party shall be considered to have a prior assessment record for purposes of this section if during the person's service as a responsible party to one (1) or more multicandidate political campaign committees, the committee or committees violate on two (2) or more occasions § 2-10-110 or § 2-10-308 and such violations result in the committee or committees being assessed a penalty by the registry. (b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. Acts 1997, ch. 399, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful for a responsible party of a multicandidate political campaign committee who has a prior assessment record to intentionally fail to file a required report under this chapter, for which the party is responsible for filing, within thirty-five (35) days after service of process or receipt of notice from the registry by registered or certified mail. For the purposes of this section, "responsible party" is the treasurer of the committee appointed pursuant to § 2-10-105(e) , or if no treasurer has been appointed, any person who organizes or directs the fundraising activities of a multicandidate political campaign committee. A responsible party shall be considered to have a prior assessment record for purposes of this section if during the person's service as a responsible party to one (1) or more multicandidate political campaign committees, the committee or committees violate on two (2) or more occasions § 2-10-110 or § 2-10-308 and such violations result in the committee or committees being assessed a penalty by the registry.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1997, ch. 399, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-210 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-210
Authority to establish or levy penalty or sanction
Status: in_force

The registry of election finance shall not establish or levy any penalty or sanction for any action alleged to be a violation of the rules and regulations of the registry unless such action is also a violation of a statutory requirement. Acts 1992, ch. 988, § 4.
The registry of election finance shall not establish or levy any penalty or sanction for any action alleged to be a violation of the rules and regulations of the registry unless such action is also a violation of a statutory requirement.
Acts 1992, ch. 988, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-18-108 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 18 / Section 2-18-108
Specific denials to answer
Status: in_force

(a) The petitioner shall, within two (2) days from the filing of an answer containing counter-objections, file such specific denials thereto as the petitioner may see proper. All charges not denied shall be taken as true. (b) A copy of the petitioner's answer shall be served on each claimant as in the case of the petition. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1808.
(a) The petitioner shall, within two (2) days from the filing of an answer containing counter-objections, file such specific denials thereto as the petitioner may see proper. All charges not denied shall be taken as true.
(b) A copy of the petitioner's answer shall be served on each claimant as in the case of the petition.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1808.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-125 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-125
Challenged voter - Voting procedure
Status: in_force

(a) If the judges determine unanimously that the person is not entitled to vote, the person shall vote by paper ballot and the person's ballot shall be deposited in a sealed envelope marked "Rejected" with the person's name, the reason for rejection, and the signatures of the judges written on it. (b) If the judges do not agree unanimously to rejection, the person shall be permitted to vote as if unchallenged. (c) In either case the challenge and outcome shall be noted on the back of the voter's duplicate permanent registration record and on the poll lists. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-725.
(a) If the judges determine unanimously that the person is not entitled to vote, the person shall vote by paper ballot and the person's ballot shall be deposited in a sealed envelope marked "Rejected" with the person's name, the reason for rejection, and the signatures of the judges written on it.
(b) If the judges do not agree unanimously to rejection, the person shall be permitted to vote as if unchallenged.
(c) In either case the challenge and outcome shall be noted on the back of the voter's duplicate permanent registration record and on the poll lists.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-725.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-112 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 9 / Section 2-9-112
State financing of voting machines - Agreement
Status: in_force

(a) When the governing body of a county requests the coordinator of elections to have the state finance the acquisition of a specified number of voting machines under §§ 2-9-112 - 2-9-114, the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections shall enter into an agreement to be known as a "contract, lease and option," subject to the following requirements: (1) The original lease term shall be for a period agreed to by the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections. The county shall have the exclusive right and option to extend the term of the lease from year to year for periods of one (1) year at a time for an agreed period. The total lease period shall in no case exceed twenty (20) years. (2) The rentals prescribed for the original term and for each of the full number of years for which the lease may be extended shall not be less than the amounts required in each of such years to amortize the total amount of bonds issued to defray the cost of the machines. (3) The governing body of the county shall agree, in each effective year of the lease, to maintain the voting machines. (4) If the governing body of the county fails or neglects to pay any of the rentals prescribed, the commissioner of finance and administration shall retain the sum necessary for such payment out of any state funds distributable to the county for any purpose. No statutory requirement that any distributable, state collected, locally shared funds shall be used exclusively for a designated purpose shall be construed as preventing the commissioner of finance and administration from taking out of such fund. (5) The contract, lease and option may contain any other reasonable provision deemed necessary and desirable by the commissioner, the coordinator of elections or the governing body of the county. (6) Subject to all of the above, when the governing body of a county requests the coordinator of elections to have the state finance the cost of modifying its voting machines in order to comply with the specifications of this chapter, the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections shall enter into an agreement to be known as a "voting machine loan agreement." The agreement shall be subject to all the terms and conditions as if the county were purchasing machines. The agreement shall provide that the state maintain a lien on such machines until such agreement is satisfied and that such agreements are subject to an annual interest rate of six percent (6%). (b) If federal or state grants are used to completely pay for the voting machines or destruction of the voting machines, in lieu of the governing body of a county entering into the contract, lease, and option agreement, a county election commission may, in its sole discretion, elect by majority vote to enter into the contract, lease, and option agreement. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 817,s 2, eff. 4/29/2024. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-912; Acts 1981, ch. 461, § 2.
(a) When the governing body of a county requests the coordinator of elections to have the state finance the acquisition of a specified number of voting machines under §§ 2-9-112 - 2-9-114, the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections shall enter into an agreement to be known as a "contract, lease and option," subject to the following requirements: (1) The original lease term shall be for a period agreed to by the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections. The county shall have the exclusive right and option to extend the term of the lease from year to year for periods of one (1) year at a time for an agreed period. The total lease period shall in no case exceed twenty (20) years. (2) The rentals prescribed for the original term and for each of the full number of years for which the lease may be extended shall not be less than the amounts required in each of such years to amortize the total amount of bonds issued to defray the cost of the machines. (3) The governing body of the county shall agree, in each effective year of the lease, to maintain the voting machines. (4) If the governing body of the county fails or neglects to pay any of the rentals prescribed, the commissioner of finance and administration shall retain the sum necessary for such payment out of any state funds distributable to the county for any purpose. No statutory requirement that any distributable, state collected, locally shared funds shall be used exclusively for a designated purpose shall be construed as preventing the commissioner of finance and administration from taking out of such fund. (5) The contract, lease and option may contain any other reasonable provision deemed necessary and desirable by the commissioner, the coordinator of elections or the governing body of the county. (6) Subject to all of the above, when the governing body of a county requests the coordinator of elections to have the state finance the cost of modifying its voting machines in order to comply with the specifications of this chapter, the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections shall enter into an agreement to be known as a "voting machine loan agreement." The agreement shall be subject to all the terms and conditions as if the county were purchasing machines. The agreement shall provide that the state maintain a lien on such machines until such agreement is satisfied and that such agreements are subject to an annual interest rate of six percent (6%).
(1) The original lease term shall be for a period agreed to by the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections. The county shall have the exclusive right and option to extend the term of the lease from year to year for periods of one (1) year at a time for an agreed period. The total lease period shall in no case exceed twenty (20) years.
(2) The rentals prescribed for the original term and for each of the full number of years for which the lease may be extended shall not be less than the amounts required in each of such years to amortize the total amount of bonds issued to defray the cost of the machines.
(3) The governing body of the county shall agree, in each effective year of the lease, to maintain the voting machines.
(4) If the governing body of the county fails or neglects to pay any of the rentals prescribed, the commissioner of finance and administration shall retain the sum necessary for such payment out of any state funds distributable to the county for any purpose. No statutory requirement that any distributable, state collected, locally shared funds shall be used exclusively for a designated purpose shall be construed as preventing the commissioner of finance and administration from taking out of such fund.
(5) The contract, lease and option may contain any other reasonable provision deemed necessary and desirable by the commissioner, the coordinator of elections or the governing body of the county.
(6) Subject to all of the above, when the governing body of a county requests the coordinator of elections to have the state finance the cost of modifying its voting machines in order to comply with the specifications of this chapter, the governing body of the county and the coordinator of elections shall enter into an agreement to be known as a "voting machine loan agreement." The agreement shall be subject to all the terms and conditions as if the county were purchasing machines. The agreement shall provide that the state maintain a lien on such machines until such agreement is satisfied and that such agreements are subject to an annual interest rate of six percent (6%).
(b) If federal or state grants are used to completely pay for the voting machines or destruction of the voting machines, in lieu of the governing body of a county entering into the contract, lease, and option agreement, a county election commission may, in its sole discretion, elect by majority vote to enter into the contract, lease, and option agreement.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 817,s 2, eff. 4/29/2024.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-912; Acts 1981, ch. 461, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-209 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-209
Number of paper ballots for each precinct - Number reserved for emergency use - Use of ballot-on-demand technology
Status: repealed

(a) The coordinator of elections shall determine the minimum number of paper ballots furnished to each precinct on election day and the number of paper ballots to be held in reserve by the county election commission for emergency use. (b) (1) Any county election commission desiring to use ballot-on-demand technology must have approval by the coordinator of elections sixty (60) days before any election. (2) The coordinator of elections and the state election commission must provide an approved list of available ballot-on-demand technology vendors from which the county election commission must select for use. (3) Prior to the county election commission voting to utilize ballot-on-demand technology, the county election commission must hold a public meeting with an opportunity for public comment. (4) During the public meeting held pursuant to subdivision (b)(2), the county election commission must provide election officials and members of the public who are present an opportunity to have demonstrated to them the ballot-on-demand technology machines and the opportunity to experiment with the ballot-on-demand technology machines being considered for use in the county. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 441, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-515; Acts 1988, ch. 672, § 2; 2006, ch. 642, § 3; 2010 , ch. 612, § 8; 2011 , ch. 342, § 1.
(a) The coordinator of elections shall determine the minimum number of paper ballots furnished to each precinct on election day and the number of paper ballots to be held in reserve by the county election commission for emergency use.
(b) (1) Any county election commission desiring to use ballot-on-demand technology must have approval by the coordinator of elections sixty (60) days before any election. (2) The coordinator of elections and the state election commission must provide an approved list of available ballot-on-demand technology vendors from which the county election commission must select for use. (3) Prior to the county election commission voting to utilize ballot-on-demand technology, the county election commission must hold a public meeting with an opportunity for public comment. (4) During the public meeting held pursuant to subdivision (b)(2), the county election commission must provide election officials and members of the public who are present an opportunity to have demonstrated to them the ballot-on-demand technology machines and the opportunity to experiment with the ballot-on-demand technology machines being considered for use in the county.
(1) Any county election commission desiring to use ballot-on-demand technology must have approval by the coordinator of elections sixty (60) days before any election.
(2) The coordinator of elections and the state election commission must provide an approved list of available ballot-on-demand technology vendors from which the county election commission must select for use.
(3) Prior to the county election commission voting to utilize ballot-on-demand technology, the county election commission must hold a public meeting with an opportunity for public comment.
(4) During the public meeting held pursuant to subdivision (b)(2), the county election commission must provide election officials and members of the public who are present an opportunity to have demonstrated to them the ballot-on-demand technology machines and the opportunity to experiment with the ballot-on-demand technology machines being considered for use in the county.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 441, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-515; Acts 1988, ch. 672, § 2; 2006, ch. 642, § 3; 2010 , ch. 612, § 8; 2011 , ch. 342, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-20-107 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 20 / Section 2-20-107
Guidelines to conduct post-election audits
Status: in_force

The coordinator of elections may issue guidelines to be followed by election officials in conducting post-election audits. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965,s 2, eff. 5/2/2022.
The coordinator of elections may issue guidelines to be followed by election officials in conducting post-election audits.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965,s 2, eff. 5/2/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-213 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-213
Instruction facilities for voters
Status: in_force

The county election commission shall, where voting machines are used, provide adequate facilities for the instruction of voters prior to each election. The commission shall have in one (1) or more convenient public places a voting machine with samples of ballot labels affixed for the purpose of instructing voters in the operation of the machine. The samples of ballot labels may not contain the names of or names similar to those of candidates in the election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-519.
The county election commission shall, where voting machines are used, provide adequate facilities for the instruction of voters prior to each election. The commission shall have in one (1) or more convenient public places a voting machine with samples of ballot labels affixed for the purpose of instructing voters in the operation of the machine. The samples of ballot labels may not contain the names of or names similar to those of candidates in the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-519.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-18-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 18 / Section 2-18-111
Adjournment pending determination of objections
Status: in_force

Pending the determination of objections, the two (2) houses may, from time to time, adjourn the joint convention, and resolve themselves into their respective houses, and they may proceed as if no such proceedings were pending. The adjournment may be to a day certain or subject to the call of the speaker of the senate. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1811.
Pending the determination of objections, the two (2) houses may, from time to time, adjourn the joint convention, and resolve themselves into their respective houses, and they may proceed as if no such proceedings were pending. The adjournment may be to a day certain or subject to the call of the speaker of the senate.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1811.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-207 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-207
Form of paper ballots
Status: in_force

(a) The state election commission shall establish a uniform maximum and minimum width for all paper ballots. Paper ballots shall be of such length and width as the county election commission deems necessary to contain the offices, names of the candidates, and questions required to be printed, with a stub containing a number. (b) (1) On the front or back of paper ballots shall be conspicuously printed the words, "Official Ballot for (General) ( ______________ Party Primary) Election," followed by the designation of the polling place for which the ballot is prepared, the date of the election, and the names of the members of the county election commission holding the election. The size of the print shall not be less than ten (10) point font. (2) Except for ballots authorized by state or federal law to be delivered electronically to qualified voters who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot, all absentee ballots must include a watermark approved by the coordinator of elections. The coordinator of elections may define the method and type of watermark to be placed on the absentee ballot and may authorize the use of invisible ink or pre-printed opaque images to produce the watermark. The watermark must be easily discernible for verification purposes by the absentee counting board. (c) Except in counties using an electronic ballot marking system or ballot-on-demand technology approved by the coordinator of elections, all paper ballots for use in a polling place must be fastened together in convenient numbers in books so that each ballot may be detached and removed separately. Each stub must be attached to the ballot so that when the ballot is folded, the stub can be detached without injury to the ballot and without exposing its contents. Each stub must be serially numbered by the printer, and no two (2) ballots for use in a single precinct may have the same number. The commission shall keep a record of the numbers of the ballots supplied to each polling place. (d) (1) On paper ballots, the titles of the offices shall be printed vertically on the left side of the ballot. There shall be a sufficient number of columns to list all political party nominees, independents and uncontested races, each political party and the independents having a column of its own. Any candidate whose name is to be placed on the ballot by virtue of party nomination shall be listed in the political column of the candidate's party, opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. The independent candidate's name shall also be placed opposite the title of the office such candidate seeks. One (1) column will be left blank for each race, for the purpose of write-in candidates. (2) Whenever primary elections are being held to select nominees, the names of the candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order, according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial, in the column of their respective political party. (e) The county election commission of each county shall prepare a sample ballot of all candidates and submit this sample ballot to the coordinator of elections for approval. The absentee sample ballot must contain a watermark approved by the coordinator of elections. The sample ballots provided to the public pursuant to § 2-5-211 shall not contain the approved watermark. A ballot shall not be printed or funds expended therefor by any county until such approval has been granted. (f) The coordinator of elections shall determine distinguishable colors to be used in the printing of the ballot envelopes for early voting and absentee voting. Both envelopes shall include a place for the voter's precinct and district number and a statement for the administrator of elections to sign stating that the voter's signature has been verified and appears to be valid. The absentee voting ballot envelope need not contain a certificate for an attesting official. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965, s 4, eff. 5/2/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 374, s 3, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 374, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 1, eff. 4/2/2020. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 353, § 3; T.C.A., § 2-513; Acts 1988, ch. 933, § 7; 1994, ch. 859, § 8; 2007 , ch. 125, § 2.
(a) The state election commission shall establish a uniform maximum and minimum width for all paper ballots. Paper ballots shall be of such length and width as the county election commission deems necessary to contain the offices, names of the candidates, and questions required to be printed, with a stub containing a number.
(b) (1) On the front or back of paper ballots shall be conspicuously printed the words, "Official Ballot for (General) ( ______________ Party Primary) Election," followed by the designation of the polling place for which the ballot is prepared, the date of the election, and the names of the members of the county election commission holding the election. The size of the print shall not be less than ten (10) point font. (2) Except for ballots authorized by state or federal law to be delivered electronically to qualified voters who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot, all absentee ballots must include a watermark approved by the coordinator of elections. The coordinator of elections may define the method and type of watermark to be placed on the absentee ballot and may authorize the use of invisible ink or pre-printed opaque images to produce the watermark. The watermark must be easily discernible for verification purposes by the absentee counting board.
(1) On the front or back of paper ballots shall be conspicuously printed the words, "Official Ballot for (General) ( ______________ Party Primary) Election," followed by the designation of the polling place for which the ballot is prepared, the date of the election, and the names of the members of the county election commission holding the election. The size of the print shall not be less than ten (10) point font.
(2) Except for ballots authorized by state or federal law to be delivered electronically to qualified voters who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot, all absentee ballots must include a watermark approved by the coordinator of elections. The coordinator of elections may define the method and type of watermark to be placed on the absentee ballot and may authorize the use of invisible ink or pre-printed opaque images to produce the watermark. The watermark must be easily discernible for verification purposes by the absentee counting board.
(c) Except in counties using an electronic ballot marking system or ballot-on-demand technology approved by the coordinator of elections, all paper ballots for use in a polling place must be fastened together in convenient numbers in books so that each ballot may be detached and removed separately. Each stub must be attached to the ballot so that when the ballot is folded, the stub can be detached without injury to the ballot and without exposing its contents. Each stub must be serially numbered by the printer, and no two (2) ballots for use in a single precinct may have the same number. The commission shall keep a record of the numbers of the ballots supplied to each polling place.
(d) (1) On paper ballots, the titles of the offices shall be printed vertically on the left side of the ballot. There shall be a sufficient number of columns to list all political party nominees, independents and uncontested races, each political party and the independents having a column of its own. Any candidate whose name is to be placed on the ballot by virtue of party nomination shall be listed in the political column of the candidate's party, opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. The independent candidate's name shall also be placed opposite the title of the office such candidate seeks. One (1) column will be left blank for each race, for the purpose of write-in candidates. (2) Whenever primary elections are being held to select nominees, the names of the candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order, according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial, in the column of their respective political party.
(1) On paper ballots, the titles of the offices shall be printed vertically on the left side of the ballot. There shall be a sufficient number of columns to list all political party nominees, independents and uncontested races, each political party and the independents having a column of its own. Any candidate whose name is to be placed on the ballot by virtue of party nomination shall be listed in the political column of the candidate's party, opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. The independent candidate's name shall also be placed opposite the title of the office such candidate seeks. One (1) column will be left blank for each race, for the purpose of write-in candidates.
(2) Whenever primary elections are being held to select nominees, the names of the candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order, according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial, in the column of their respective political party.
(e) The county election commission of each county shall prepare a sample ballot of all candidates and submit this sample ballot to the coordinator of elections for approval. The absentee sample ballot must contain a watermark approved by the coordinator of elections. The sample ballots provided to the public pursuant to § 2-5-211 shall not contain the approved watermark. A ballot shall not be printed or funds expended therefor by any county until such approval has been granted.
(f) The coordinator of elections shall determine distinguishable colors to be used in the printing of the ballot envelopes for early voting and absentee voting. Both envelopes shall include a place for the voter's precinct and district number and a statement for the administrator of elections to sign stating that the voter's signature has been verified and appears to be valid. The absentee voting ballot envelope need not contain a certificate for an attesting official.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965, s 4, eff. 5/2/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 374, s 3, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 374, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 1, eff. 4/2/2020.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 353, § 3; T.C.A., § 2-513; Acts 1988, ch. 933, § 7; 1994, ch. 859, § 8; 2007 , ch. 125, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-118 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-118
Time limit for voting - Removal of voter
Status: in_force

(a) No voter who is voting without assistance may remain in a voting machine booth or occupy a voting compartment for more than five (5) minutes if other voters are waiting or more than ten (10) minutes in any event. (b) If a voter refuses to leave after such time elapses, the officer of elections shall have the voter removed. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-718; Acts 2004, ch. 480, § 9.
(a) No voter who is voting without assistance may remain in a voting machine booth or occupy a voting compartment for more than five (5) minutes if other voters are waiting or more than ten (10) minutes in any event.
(b) If a voter refuses to leave after such time elapses, the officer of elections shall have the voter removed.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-718; Acts 2004, ch. 480, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-108 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-108
Compensation
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), each member of the county election commission shall receive each month from the county funds the following minimum amount as compensation for each day spent in the performance of such duties: (A) In counties of the first class, seventy dollars ($70.00); (B) In counties of the second class, sixty-five dollars ($65.00); (C) In counties of the third class, sixty dollars ($60.00); (D) In counties of the fourth class, fifty-five dollars ($55.00); (E) In counties of the fifth class, fifty dollars ($50.00); (F) In counties of the sixth class, forty-five dollars ($45.00); and (G) In counties of the seventh class, forty dollars ($40.00). (2) (A) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred eighty-five thousand (285,000) nor more than two hundred eighty-eight thousand (288,000), and in counties having a population of not less than three hundred nineteen thousand six hundred twenty-five (319,625) nor more than three hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred twenty-five (319,725), according to the federal census of 1980 or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive three hundred fifty dollars ($350) per month and each other member of the commission shall receive three hundred dollars ($300) per month. (B) In counties having a population of eight hundred thousand (800,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive one thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($1,150) per month, and each other member of the commission shall receive one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month. (3) The compensation may be increased by resolution of the county legislative body. (b) For the purpose of computing what amount of time entitles a commissioner to the minimum compensation as provided in subdivision (a)(1), such commissioner shall have worked not less than one (1) hour in any given twenty-four-hour period in order to be entitled to such payment. Payment shall be made for meetings which last less than one (1) hour if such meetings are required by statute in order to call or conduct an election, or to prepare the annual budget or meetings which are necessary if the election commission is involved in litigation. (c) (1) The amount provided in this section, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body, shall be paid to the members for each day's attendance at meetings of the body, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body as a stated salary per month. (2) For the purposes of classifying the counties under this section, the population classifications established in § 8-24-101 shall be applicable. (3) The population of counties for purposes of this section shall be determined by the 1990 federal census or the most recent succeeding federal census or a special census as provided in § 8-24-102(c) . (4) The above minimum compensation amounts shall in no way diminish a compensation already being paid that may be greater than the stated amount. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 754, § 8; 1979, ch. 306, § 5; T.C.A., § 2-1208; Acts 1980, ch. 609, § 5; 1984, ch. 623, § 1; 1986, ch. 514, § 1; 1987, ch. 173, § 1; 1988, ch. 931, § 1; 1999, ch. 197, §§ 9 - 11.
(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), each member of the county election commission shall receive each month from the county funds the following minimum amount as compensation for each day spent in the performance of such duties: (A) In counties of the first class, seventy dollars ($70.00); (B) In counties of the second class, sixty-five dollars ($65.00); (C) In counties of the third class, sixty dollars ($60.00); (D) In counties of the fourth class, fifty-five dollars ($55.00); (E) In counties of the fifth class, fifty dollars ($50.00); (F) In counties of the sixth class, forty-five dollars ($45.00); and (G) In counties of the seventh class, forty dollars ($40.00). (2) (A) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred eighty-five thousand (285,000) nor more than two hundred eighty-eight thousand (288,000), and in counties having a population of not less than three hundred nineteen thousand six hundred twenty-five (319,625) nor more than three hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred twenty-five (319,725), according to the federal census of 1980 or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive three hundred fifty dollars ($350) per month and each other member of the commission shall receive three hundred dollars ($300) per month. (B) In counties having a population of eight hundred thousand (800,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive one thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($1,150) per month, and each other member of the commission shall receive one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month. (3) The compensation may be increased by resolution of the county legislative body.
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), each member of the county election commission shall receive each month from the county funds the following minimum amount as compensation for each day spent in the performance of such duties: (A) In counties of the first class, seventy dollars ($70.00); (B) In counties of the second class, sixty-five dollars ($65.00); (C) In counties of the third class, sixty dollars ($60.00); (D) In counties of the fourth class, fifty-five dollars ($55.00); (E) In counties of the fifth class, fifty dollars ($50.00); (F) In counties of the sixth class, forty-five dollars ($45.00); and (G) In counties of the seventh class, forty dollars ($40.00).
(A) In counties of the first class, seventy dollars ($70.00);
(B) In counties of the second class, sixty-five dollars ($65.00);
(C) In counties of the third class, sixty dollars ($60.00);
(D) In counties of the fourth class, fifty-five dollars ($55.00);
(E) In counties of the fifth class, fifty dollars ($50.00);
(F) In counties of the sixth class, forty-five dollars ($45.00); and
(G) In counties of the seventh class, forty dollars ($40.00).
(2) (A) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred eighty-five thousand (285,000) nor more than two hundred eighty-eight thousand (288,000), and in counties having a population of not less than three hundred nineteen thousand six hundred twenty-five (319,625) nor more than three hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred twenty-five (319,725), according to the federal census of 1980 or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive three hundred fifty dollars ($350) per month and each other member of the commission shall receive three hundred dollars ($300) per month. (B) In counties having a population of eight hundred thousand (800,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive one thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($1,150) per month, and each other member of the commission shall receive one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month.
(A) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred eighty-five thousand (285,000) nor more than two hundred eighty-eight thousand (288,000), and in counties having a population of not less than three hundred nineteen thousand six hundred twenty-five (319,625) nor more than three hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred twenty-five (319,725), according to the federal census of 1980 or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive three hundred fifty dollars ($350) per month and each other member of the commission shall receive three hundred dollars ($300) per month.
(B) In counties having a population of eight hundred thousand (800,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive one thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($1,150) per month, and each other member of the commission shall receive one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month.
(3) The compensation may be increased by resolution of the county legislative body.
(b) For the purpose of computing what amount of time entitles a commissioner to the minimum compensation as provided in subdivision (a)(1), such commissioner shall have worked not less than one (1) hour in any given twenty-four-hour period in order to be entitled to such payment. Payment shall be made for meetings which last less than one (1) hour if such meetings are required by statute in order to call or conduct an election, or to prepare the annual budget or meetings which are necessary if the election commission is involved in litigation.
(c) (1) The amount provided in this section, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body, shall be paid to the members for each day's attendance at meetings of the body, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body as a stated salary per month. (2) For the purposes of classifying the counties under this section, the population classifications established in § 8-24-101 shall be applicable. (3) The population of counties for purposes of this section shall be determined by the 1990 federal census or the most recent succeeding federal census or a special census as provided in § 8-24-102(c) . (4) The above minimum compensation amounts shall in no way diminish a compensation already being paid that may be greater than the stated amount.
(1) The amount provided in this section, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body, shall be paid to the members for each day's attendance at meetings of the body, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body as a stated salary per month.
(2) For the purposes of classifying the counties under this section, the population classifications established in § 8-24-101 shall be applicable.
(3) The population of counties for purposes of this section shall be determined by the 1990 federal census or the most recent succeeding federal census or a special census as provided in § 8-24-102(c) .
(4) The above minimum compensation amounts shall in no way diminish a compensation already being paid that may be greater than the stated amount.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 754, § 8; 1979, ch. 306, § 5; T.C.A., § 2-1208; Acts 1980, ch. 609, § 5; 1984, ch. 623, § 1; 1986, ch. 514, § 1; 1987, ch. 173, § 1; 1988, ch. 931, § 1; 1999, ch. 197, §§ 9 - 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-201
Voter registration applications through department of safety - Contents
Status: in_force

In addition to any other voter registration procedure provided for by law, the department of safety and each county election commission shall provide for voter registration procedures as follows: (1) The department of safety shall include a voter registration application as part of any motor vehicle driver license application or photo identification license used in Tennessee. Except as provided in subdivision (2)(B), an individual who completes the application and is otherwise eligible shall be registered to vote in accordance with the information supplied by the individual; (2) The voter registration section of the application: (A) May require a second signature or other information that duplicates, or is in addition to, information in the license section of the application only if the duplicate or additional information is necessary for prevention of multiple registration of the same individual, for determination of eligibility to vote, or for administration of voter registration or other aspects of the election process; (B) Shall include a box or other device to permit an applicant for a motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license to decline to register to vote; (C) Shall include a statement that specifies each eligibility requirement for voting, contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement, including citizenship, and requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury; (D) Shall be made available by the department to the appropriate county election commission office; and (E) Shall be processed as an in-person voter registration; (3) No information relating to a declination under subdivision (2)(B) may be used for other than official election-related purposes; (4) Any motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license form used for change of address of residence shall also serve as a notification of change of address of residence for voter registration; (5) The motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license application and change of address forms used in this state shall be subject to approval by the secretary of state for purposes of voter registration under this section; and (6) A completed voter registration or change of address of voter registration accepted at a motor vehicle office shall be transmitted to the appropriate county election commission office not later than ten (10) days after the date of acceptance; provided, that if the document is accepted within five (5) days before the last day for registration to vote in an election, the application shall be transmitted to the appropriate county election commission office not later than five (5) days after the date of acceptance. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 10, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 2.
In addition to any other voter registration procedure provided for by law, the department of safety and each county election commission shall provide for voter registration procedures as follows:
(1) The department of safety shall include a voter registration application as part of any motor vehicle driver license application or photo identification license used in Tennessee. Except as provided in subdivision (2)(B), an individual who completes the application and is otherwise eligible shall be registered to vote in accordance with the information supplied by the individual;
(2) The voter registration section of the application: (A) May require a second signature or other information that duplicates, or is in addition to, information in the license section of the application only if the duplicate or additional information is necessary for prevention of multiple registration of the same individual, for determination of eligibility to vote, or for administration of voter registration or other aspects of the election process; (B) Shall include a box or other device to permit an applicant for a motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license to decline to register to vote; (C) Shall include a statement that specifies each eligibility requirement for voting, contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement, including citizenship, and requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury; (D) Shall be made available by the department to the appropriate county election commission office; and (E) Shall be processed as an in-person voter registration;
(A) May require a second signature or other information that duplicates, or is in addition to, information in the license section of the application only if the duplicate or additional information is necessary for prevention of multiple registration of the same individual, for determination of eligibility to vote, or for administration of voter registration or other aspects of the election process;
(B) Shall include a box or other device to permit an applicant for a motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license to decline to register to vote;
(C) Shall include a statement that specifies each eligibility requirement for voting, contains an attestation that the applicant meets each such requirement, including citizenship, and requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury;
(D) Shall be made available by the department to the appropriate county election commission office; and
(E) Shall be processed as an in-person voter registration;
(3) No information relating to a declination under subdivision (2)(B) may be used for other than official election-related purposes;
(4) Any motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license form used for change of address of residence shall also serve as a notification of change of address of residence for voter registration;
(5) The motor vehicle driver license or photo identification license application and change of address forms used in this state shall be subject to approval by the secretary of state for purposes of voter registration under this section; and
(6) A completed voter registration or change of address of voter registration accepted at a motor vehicle office shall be transmitted to the appropriate county election commission office not later than ten (10) days after the date of acceptance; provided, that if the document is accepted within five (5) days before the last day for registration to vote in an election, the application shall be transmitted to the appropriate county election commission office not later than five (5) days after the date of acceptance.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 10, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-211 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-211
Sample ballots
Status: in_force

(a) The county election commission shall provide two (2) sample ballots for each polling place, arranged in the manner of the paper ballots for the polling place where voting machines are not used, but arranged in the form of a diagram showing the part of the face of the voting machine in use at that election where voting machines are used. Sample ballots may be either full or reduced size and shall contain suitable illustrated instructions for voting; provided, that in any county in which the votomatic punch card system is used, the county election commission may use copies of the guide page ballot as sample ballots. (b) At least five (5) days before the beginning of an early voting period and at least five (5) days before an election, the county election commission shall: (1) Publish a sample ballot in a newspaper of general circulation. Where voting machines are used, the sample ballot shall be the machine sample ballot. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote. A sample ballot does not have to be published in a newspaper of general circulation if a sample ballot that complies with this section has been mailed at least five (5) days prior to the beginning of the early voting period to every active registered voter. If more than one (1) registered voter is at the same address, then only one (1) sample ballot may be sent to that address; and (2) Post a sample ballot on a website maintained by the county election commission or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-517; Acts 1981, ch. 240, § 1; 1995, ch. 88, § 11; 2004, ch. 480, § 5; 2008 , ch. 1066, § 1.
(a) The county election commission shall provide two (2) sample ballots for each polling place, arranged in the manner of the paper ballots for the polling place where voting machines are not used, but arranged in the form of a diagram showing the part of the face of the voting machine in use at that election where voting machines are used. Sample ballots may be either full or reduced size and shall contain suitable illustrated instructions for voting; provided, that in any county in which the votomatic punch card system is used, the county election commission may use copies of the guide page ballot as sample ballots.
(b) At least five (5) days before the beginning of an early voting period and at least five (5) days before an election, the county election commission shall: (1) Publish a sample ballot in a newspaper of general circulation. Where voting machines are used, the sample ballot shall be the machine sample ballot. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote. A sample ballot does not have to be published in a newspaper of general circulation if a sample ballot that complies with this section has been mailed at least five (5) days prior to the beginning of the early voting period to every active registered voter. If more than one (1) registered voter is at the same address, then only one (1) sample ballot may be sent to that address; and (2) Post a sample ballot on a website maintained by the county election commission or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote.
(1) Publish a sample ballot in a newspaper of general circulation. Where voting machines are used, the sample ballot shall be the machine sample ballot. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote. A sample ballot does not have to be published in a newspaper of general circulation if a sample ballot that complies with this section has been mailed at least five (5) days prior to the beginning of the early voting period to every active registered voter. If more than one (1) registered voter is at the same address, then only one (1) sample ballot may be sent to that address; and
(2) Post a sample ballot on a website maintained by the county election commission or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-517; Acts 1981, ch. 240, § 1; 1995, ch. 88, § 11; 2004, ch. 480, § 5; 2008 , ch. 1066, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-8-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 8 / Section 2-8-111
Tie votes
Status: in_force

If there is a tie vote between the two (2) or more persons having the highest number of votes for an office, the state election commission shall cast the deciding vote except that: (1) The county legislative body may cast the deciding vote for offices filled by the votes of a single county or civil district, or, in the alternative, the legislative body may by resolution call for a run-off election between the tied candidates; (2) The municipal legislative body shall cast the deciding vote for municipal offices, or, in the alternative, the legislative body may by resolution call for a run-off election between the tied candidates; (3) The governor shall cast the deciding vote for representatives in congress; (4) The election shall be void if it is for senator in congress, and the governor shall immediately issue an order directing the holding of a special election for the office; and (5) The general assembly in joint convention shall cast the deciding vote for governor. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 449, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-811; Acts 1981, ch. 478, §§4, 5; 1991, ch. 73, § 1; 1995, ch. 305, § 58.
If there is a tie vote between the two (2) or more persons having the highest number of votes for an office, the state election commission shall cast the deciding vote except that:
(1) The county legislative body may cast the deciding vote for offices filled by the votes of a single county or civil district, or, in the alternative, the legislative body may by resolution call for a run-off election between the tied candidates;
(2) The municipal legislative body shall cast the deciding vote for municipal offices, or, in the alternative, the legislative body may by resolution call for a run-off election between the tied candidates;
(3) The governor shall cast the deciding vote for representatives in congress;
(4) The election shall be void if it is for senator in congress, and the governor shall immediately issue an order directing the holding of a special election for the office; and
(5) The general assembly in joint convention shall cast the deciding vote for governor.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 449, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-811; Acts 1981, ch. 478, §§4, 5; 1991, ch. 73, § 1; 1995, ch. 305, § 58.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-126 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-126
Disclosure of fees, commissions or any other form of compensation for consulting services or campaign services to the Tennessee ethics commission
Status: in_force

(a) Any staff person or employee of the general assembly; member of a commission established by and responsible to the general assembly or either house of the general assembly; member or employee of a state regulatory commission, including, without limitation, commissioners of the Tennessee public utility commission; or member or employee of any executive department or agency or other state body in the executive branch, who contracts to receive a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services or campaign services from a person or entity other than the state, a county or municipality, shall be required to make the same disclosure required by § 2-10-125 . The Tennessee ethics commission may devise a new form for disclosure of consulting fees or may modify the one required by § 2-10-125 for use by all parties required to disclose. (b) All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours. (c) The disclosure must be on a form designed by the Tennessee ethics commission, be made under oath, and contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury. A disclosure form must be filed within five (5) days of entering any contract for consulting services or campaign services. If services continue to be provided under the contract for a period exceeding twelve (12) months, the disclosure form must be updated annually within five (5) days of the initial contract date in each subsequent year in which the contract is in effect. (d) (1) It is a Class A misdemeanor for a person or entity to knowingly fail to file a disclosure or to knowingly provide false, incomplete, or misleading information on the disclosure form. (2) It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to file a disclosure form required by this section more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the report is due. (e) If a member of the general assembly or a staff person or employee of the general assembly contracts to receive a fee, commission, or other form of compensation, for the provision of campaign services to a person or political campaign committee attempting to influence the result of a state election, the member, staff person, or employee shall make the disclosures required under § 2-10-125(a)(1)-(5) with respect to the campaign services provided. (f) As used in this section, "campaign services" means services to advise or assist a candidate, political campaign committee, affiliated political campaign committee, or multicandidate political campaign committee in affecting the result of a state election, including, without limitation, campaign work, paper and electronic advertising, producing mailers and fliers, and the distribution thereof. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 37, s 2, eff. 3/14/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 20, eff. 8/15/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 19, eff. 8/15/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 94, s 1, eff. 4/4/2017. Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 28.
(a) Any staff person or employee of the general assembly; member of a commission established by and responsible to the general assembly or either house of the general assembly; member or employee of a state regulatory commission, including, without limitation, commissioners of the Tennessee public utility commission; or member or employee of any executive department or agency or other state body in the executive branch, who contracts to receive a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services or campaign services from a person or entity other than the state, a county or municipality, shall be required to make the same disclosure required by § 2-10-125 . The Tennessee ethics commission may devise a new form for disclosure of consulting fees or may modify the one required by § 2-10-125 for use by all parties required to disclose.
(b) All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours.
(c) The disclosure must be on a form designed by the Tennessee ethics commission, be made under oath, and contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury. A disclosure form must be filed within five (5) days of entering any contract for consulting services or campaign services. If services continue to be provided under the contract for a period exceeding twelve (12) months, the disclosure form must be updated annually within five (5) days of the initial contract date in each subsequent year in which the contract is in effect.
(d) (1) It is a Class A misdemeanor for a person or entity to knowingly fail to file a disclosure or to knowingly provide false, incomplete, or misleading information on the disclosure form. (2) It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to file a disclosure form required by this section more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the report is due.
(1) It is a Class A misdemeanor for a person or entity to knowingly fail to file a disclosure or to knowingly provide false, incomplete, or misleading information on the disclosure form.
(2) It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to file a disclosure form required by this section more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the report is due.
(e) If a member of the general assembly or a staff person or employee of the general assembly contracts to receive a fee, commission, or other form of compensation, for the provision of campaign services to a person or political campaign committee attempting to influence the result of a state election, the member, staff person, or employee shall make the disclosures required under § 2-10-125(a)(1)-(5) with respect to the campaign services provided.
(f) As used in this section, "campaign services" means services to advise or assist a candidate, political campaign committee, affiliated political campaign committee, or multicandidate political campaign committee in affecting the result of a state election, including, without limitation, campaign work, paper and electronic advertising, producing mailers and fliers, and the distribution thereof.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 37, s 2, eff. 3/14/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 20, eff. 8/15/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 19, eff. 8/15/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 94, s 1, eff. 4/4/2017.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 28.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 4 / Section 2-4-106
Nominations for appointments as election officials - Appointment by commission
Status: in_force

(a) Each county primary board shall, and each county executive committee may, nominate persons for appointment as election officials, including precinct and assistant precinct registrars. (b) The county election commission shall appoint such nominees as election officials to meet the requirements of §§ 2-4-102 , 2-4-104 and 2-4-105 , but when there is an inadequate number of nominees, the county election commission may nominate as many additional persons as may be necessary for appointment. (c) The nominations made pursuant to this section shall be made thirty (30) days prior to the appointment time, except that this subsection (c) does not apply to counties with a metropolitan form of government. (d) The county election commission of any county may refuse to appoint any person nominated hereunder if the members of the county election commission of the political party for which the person was appointed are of the opinion that: (1) Such person is incompetent to hold elections; (2) Such person failed to serve as directed in previous elections; or (3) Such person is otherwise, in their opinion, unfit to serve in the election. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 1, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 642, §§ 2, 4; 1979, ch. 306, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-406.
(a) Each county primary board shall, and each county executive committee may, nominate persons for appointment as election officials, including precinct and assistant precinct registrars.
(b) The county election commission shall appoint such nominees as election officials to meet the requirements of §§ 2-4-102 , 2-4-104 and 2-4-105 , but when there is an inadequate number of nominees, the county election commission may nominate as many additional persons as may be necessary for appointment.
(c) The nominations made pursuant to this section shall be made thirty (30) days prior to the appointment time, except that this subsection (c) does not apply to counties with a metropolitan form of government.
(d) The county election commission of any county may refuse to appoint any person nominated hereunder if the members of the county election commission of the political party for which the person was appointed are of the opinion that: (1) Such person is incompetent to hold elections; (2) Such person failed to serve as directed in previous elections; or (3) Such person is otherwise, in their opinion, unfit to serve in the election.
(1) Such person is incompetent to hold elections;
(2) Such person failed to serve as directed in previous elections; or
(3) Such person is otherwise, in their opinion, unfit to serve in the election.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 1, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 642, §§ 2, 4; 1979, ch. 306, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-406.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-312 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-312
Senate contribution limit resets
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, with regard to any candidate for senate, the limits in § 2-10-302(b)(1) and (c)(1)(B) must reset every two (2) years in the same manner the house of representatives' limit resets; provided, however, that the candidate has a total of four (4) years to accumulate the total amount allowed by having the limit reset every two (2) years. Any candidate running for senate must have the same limits as any candidate in the same race who has accumulated limits under this section. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 3, eff. 5/18/2021.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, with regard to any candidate for senate, the limits in § 2-10-302(b)(1) and (c)(1)(B) must reset every two (2) years in the same manner the house of representatives' limit resets; provided, however, that the candidate has a total of four (4) years to accumulate the total amount allowed by having the limit reset every two (2) years. Any candidate running for senate must have the same limits as any candidate in the same race who has accumulated limits under this section.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 3, eff. 5/18/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-135 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-135
Threatening work stoppage as a result of election
Status: in_force

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any employer, within ninety (90) days of any election or primary provided for by law, to put up or otherwise exhibit in such employer's factory, workshop, mine, mill, boardinghouse, office, or other establishment or place where employees may be working or may be present in the course of their employment, any handbill, notice, or placard containing any threat, notice or information that in case any particular ticket or candidate shall or shall not be elected, work in that establishment shall cease in whole or in part, or the wages or number of workers be reduced, or other threats, express or implied, intended or calculated to influence the political opinions or actions of the employees. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1935; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any employer, within ninety (90) days of any election or primary provided for by law, to put up or otherwise exhibit in such employer's factory, workshop, mine, mill, boardinghouse, office, or other establishment or place where employees may be working or may be present in the course of their employment, any handbill, notice, or placard containing any threat, notice or information that in case any particular ticket or candidate shall or shall not be elected, work in that establishment shall cease in whole or in part, or the wages or number of workers be reduced, or other threats, express or implied, intended or calculated to influence the political opinions or actions of the employees.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1935; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-205 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-205
Presidential preference primaries - Date of election - Failure to have candidate's name on ballot
Status: in_force

On the first Tuesday in March before presidential electors are elected, a presidential preference primary shall be held for each statewide political party. If no candidate will appear on the presidential preference primary ballot of a political party under § 2-5-205 , no presidential preference primary shall be held for that political party. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 439, § 3; 1977, ch. 316, § 3; T.C.A., § 2-1316; Acts 1986, ch. 562, § 5; 2003, ch. 374, § 2; 2007, ch. 71, § 1; 2011, ch. 182, §§ 3, 6.
On the first Tuesday in March before presidential electors are elected, a presidential preference primary shall be held for each statewide political party. If no candidate will appear on the presidential preference primary ballot of a political party under § 2-5-205 , no presidential preference primary shall be held for that political party.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 439, § 3; 1977, ch. 316, § 3; T.C.A., § 2-1316; Acts 1986, ch. 562, § 5; 2003, ch. 374, § 2; 2007, ch. 71, § 1; 2011, ch. 182, §§ 3, 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-202 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-202
Voting absentee - Applications - Ballots
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A voter who desires to vote absentee shall request an absentee ballot not more than ninety (90) and not later than ten (10) days before the election; (2) A voter who will be outside of the state on election day and during the period established for early voting may complete an application to vote absentee at the voter's county election commission office; (3) A voter may also request from the county election commission office an application to vote absentee. A voter may make the request or submit an application to vote by mail, facsimile transmission or email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. For a voter to use a facsimile transmission, an election commission shall have a facsimile machine physically located in the election commission office. The request shall be in writing over the voter's signature. The request serves as an application for a ballot if the request contains the following information: (A) The name of the registered voter; (B) The address of the voter's residence; (C) The voter's date of birth; (D) The voter's social security number; (E) The address to mail the ballot outside the county, if applicable; (F) The election the voter wishes to participate in; and (G) The reason the voter wishes to vote absentee. (4) This subsection (a) does not and may not be construed to require a county election commission to purchase or obtain a facsimile machine. (b) Upon receipt of a written request, the administrator of elections shall compare the signature of the voter with the signature on the voter's registration record in whatever form. If the signatures are the same and if the required information is provided, the administrator shall mail the voter a ballot in accordance with subsection (d). If the signatures are not the same, the administrator shall reject the application or request. If the required information is not provided, the administrator shall send the voter by mail or facsimile an application for a ballot. (c) (1) The coordinator of elections shall either supply to a county election commission the forms for applications for ballots or approve the usage of a county's forms. (2) The election commission shall furnish only one (1) application for absentee voting or one (1) set of absentee voting supplies to any voter unless the voter notifies the commission that the voter has spoiled the application or notifies the commission that the voter has not received the application or voting supplies. If so, the commission shall supply the voter with a subsequent application or supplies. The commission shall note on the records that a subsequent application or supplies have been sent. (3) A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class E felony if such person gives an application for an absentee ballot to any person. (4) A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person gives an unsolicited request for application for absentee ballot to any person. (5) Unless otherwise required by federal law, the county election commission shall retain a spoiled application for a ballot for six (6) months. (6) Any information regarding absentee requests and applications shall be confidential and not subject to the open records law, compiled in title 10, chapter 7, until the end of the early voting period. (d) (1) Upon receipt of a completed application, the administrator shall verify the signature of the voter by comparing it with the signature on the voter's registration record in whatever form. The administrator shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the administrator shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to § 2-7-140 . If the administrator determines that the voter may vote absentee, the administrator shall record the ballot number on the voter's application to vote and mail the voter the following: (A) Instructions; (B) One (1) absentee ballot or one (1) primary absentee ballot, or both; (C) One (1) absentee ballot envelope for each election in which the voter will vote; and (D) A larger envelope, unsealed, which shall bear upon its face the name and address of the county election commission to which the voter shall mail the completed materials. (2) An administrator may not mail any of the materials with the address "general delivery." (3) An administrator may not process an application for a ballot received after the tenth day before an election. (e) After receiving the absentee voting supplies and completing the ballot, the voter shall sign the appropriate affidavit under penalty of perjury. The effect of the signature is to verify the information as true and correct and that the voter is eligible to vote in the election. The voter shall then mail the ballot. (f) The election commission shall furnish only one (1) set of absentee voting supplies to any voter unless the voter notifies the commission that the voter has spoiled the supplies or notifies the commission that the voter has not received the supplies. If so, the commission shall supply the voter with a subsequent set of supplies. The commission shall note on the records that subsequent supplies have been sent. Unless otherwise required by federal law, the county election commission shall retain a spoiled ballot for six (6) months. (g) Upon receipt by mail of the absentee ballot, the administrator shall open only the outer envelope and compare the voter's signature on the application with the voter's signature on the appropriate registration record. Upon determining that the voter is entitled to vote, the administrator shall note on the voter's absentee ballot envelope that the voter's signature has been verified. The administrator shall also record that the voter has voted absentee in the election and in every case, including those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, shall record the voter's name on the absentee poll book for each election in which the voter voted. In those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, the administrator shall update the voter's computerized voter history by making the appropriate data entry. The administrator shall then immediately deposit the absentee ballot envelope in the general election absentee ballot box or in the party's primary absentee ballot box as the case may be. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 560,s 3, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 560,s 2, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 374, s 4, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 137, s 1, eff. 4/17/2017. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 336, § 1; 1979, ch. 316, § 4; T.C.A., § 2-611; Acts 1980, ch. 638, §§ 1-3; 1983, ch. 174, § 1; 1983, ch. 450, § 4; 1988, ch. 933, §§ 9, 12, 15; 1988, ch. 993, §§ 3-5; 1989, ch. 455, §§ 2, 3; 1989, ch. 590, § 6; 1991, ch. 69, § 2; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 5, 6, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-111 ; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1997 , ch. 550, § 7; 1997 , ch. 558, § 10; 2002, ch. 698, § 1; 2003 , ch. 33, § 2; 2007 , ch. 125, § 3; 2007 , ch. 152, § 1; 2009 , ch. 218, § 3; 2011 , ch. 412, § 4.
(a) (1) A voter who desires to vote absentee shall request an absentee ballot not more than ninety (90) and not later than ten (10) days before the election; (2) A voter who will be outside of the state on election day and during the period established for early voting may complete an application to vote absentee at the voter's county election commission office; (3) A voter may also request from the county election commission office an application to vote absentee. A voter may make the request or submit an application to vote by mail, facsimile transmission or email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. For a voter to use a facsimile transmission, an election commission shall have a facsimile machine physically located in the election commission office. The request shall be in writing over the voter's signature. The request serves as an application for a ballot if the request contains the following information: (A) The name of the registered voter; (B) The address of the voter's residence; (C) The voter's date of birth; (D) The voter's social security number; (E) The address to mail the ballot outside the county, if applicable; (F) The election the voter wishes to participate in; and (G) The reason the voter wishes to vote absentee. (4) This subsection (a) does not and may not be construed to require a county election commission to purchase or obtain a facsimile machine.
(1) A voter who desires to vote absentee shall request an absentee ballot not more than ninety (90) and not later than ten (10) days before the election;
(2) A voter who will be outside of the state on election day and during the period established for early voting may complete an application to vote absentee at the voter's county election commission office;
(3) A voter may also request from the county election commission office an application to vote absentee. A voter may make the request or submit an application to vote by mail, facsimile transmission or email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature. For a voter to use a facsimile transmission, an election commission shall have a facsimile machine physically located in the election commission office. The request shall be in writing over the voter's signature. The request serves as an application for a ballot if the request contains the following information: (A) The name of the registered voter; (B) The address of the voter's residence; (C) The voter's date of birth; (D) The voter's social security number; (E) The address to mail the ballot outside the county, if applicable; (F) The election the voter wishes to participate in; and (G) The reason the voter wishes to vote absentee.
(A) The name of the registered voter;
(B) The address of the voter's residence;
(C) The voter's date of birth;
(D) The voter's social security number;
(E) The address to mail the ballot outside the county, if applicable;
(F) The election the voter wishes to participate in; and
(G) The reason the voter wishes to vote absentee.
(4) This subsection (a) does not and may not be construed to require a county election commission to purchase or obtain a facsimile machine.
(b) Upon receipt of a written request, the administrator of elections shall compare the signature of the voter with the signature on the voter's registration record in whatever form. If the signatures are the same and if the required information is provided, the administrator shall mail the voter a ballot in accordance with subsection (d). If the signatures are not the same, the administrator shall reject the application or request. If the required information is not provided, the administrator shall send the voter by mail or facsimile an application for a ballot.
(c) (1) The coordinator of elections shall either supply to a county election commission the forms for applications for ballots or approve the usage of a county's forms. (2) The election commission shall furnish only one (1) application for absentee voting or one (1) set of absentee voting supplies to any voter unless the voter notifies the commission that the voter has spoiled the application or notifies the commission that the voter has not received the application or voting supplies. If so, the commission shall supply the voter with a subsequent application or supplies. The commission shall note on the records that a subsequent application or supplies have been sent. (3) A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class E felony if such person gives an application for an absentee ballot to any person. (4) A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person gives an unsolicited request for application for absentee ballot to any person. (5) Unless otherwise required by federal law, the county election commission shall retain a spoiled application for a ballot for six (6) months. (6) Any information regarding absentee requests and applications shall be confidential and not subject to the open records law, compiled in title 10, chapter 7, until the end of the early voting period.
(1) The coordinator of elections shall either supply to a county election commission the forms for applications for ballots or approve the usage of a county's forms.
(2) The election commission shall furnish only one (1) application for absentee voting or one (1) set of absentee voting supplies to any voter unless the voter notifies the commission that the voter has spoiled the application or notifies the commission that the voter has not received the application or voting supplies. If so, the commission shall supply the voter with a subsequent application or supplies. The commission shall note on the records that a subsequent application or supplies have been sent.
(3) A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class E felony if such person gives an application for an absentee ballot to any person.
(4) A person who is not an employee of an election commission commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person gives an unsolicited request for application for absentee ballot to any person.
(5) Unless otherwise required by federal law, the county election commission shall retain a spoiled application for a ballot for six (6) months.
(6) Any information regarding absentee requests and applications shall be confidential and not subject to the open records law, compiled in title 10, chapter 7, until the end of the early voting period.
(d) (1) Upon receipt of a completed application, the administrator shall verify the signature of the voter by comparing it with the signature on the voter's registration record in whatever form. The administrator shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the administrator shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to § 2-7-140 . If the administrator determines that the voter may vote absentee, the administrator shall record the ballot number on the voter's application to vote and mail the voter the following: (A) Instructions; (B) One (1) absentee ballot or one (1) primary absentee ballot, or both; (C) One (1) absentee ballot envelope for each election in which the voter will vote; and (D) A larger envelope, unsealed, which shall bear upon its face the name and address of the county election commission to which the voter shall mail the completed materials. (2) An administrator may not mail any of the materials with the address "general delivery." (3) An administrator may not process an application for a ballot received after the tenth day before an election.
(1) Upon receipt of a completed application, the administrator shall verify the signature of the voter by comparing it with the signature on the voter's registration record in whatever form. The administrator shall make a determination whether the voter's address is different from the address on the voter's permanent registration record or if the registration is in inactive status. If the voter has changed residence, or the voter's registration is inactive, the administrator shall follow the procedures for voting pursuant to § 2-7-140 . If the administrator determines that the voter may vote absentee, the administrator shall record the ballot number on the voter's application to vote and mail the voter the following: (A) Instructions; (B) One (1) absentee ballot or one (1) primary absentee ballot, or both; (C) One (1) absentee ballot envelope for each election in which the voter will vote; and (D) A larger envelope, unsealed, which shall bear upon its face the name and address of the county election commission to which the voter shall mail the completed materials.
(A) Instructions;
(B) One (1) absentee ballot or one (1) primary absentee ballot, or both;
(C) One (1) absentee ballot envelope for each election in which the voter will vote; and
(D) A larger envelope, unsealed, which shall bear upon its face the name and address of the county election commission to which the voter shall mail the completed materials.
(2) An administrator may not mail any of the materials with the address "general delivery."
(3) An administrator may not process an application for a ballot received after the tenth day before an election.
(e) After receiving the absentee voting supplies and completing the ballot, the voter shall sign the appropriate affidavit under penalty of perjury. The effect of the signature is to verify the information as true and correct and that the voter is eligible to vote in the election. The voter shall then mail the ballot.
(f) The election commission shall furnish only one (1) set of absentee voting supplies to any voter unless the voter notifies the commission that the voter has spoiled the supplies or notifies the commission that the voter has not received the supplies. If so, the commission shall supply the voter with a subsequent set of supplies. The commission shall note on the records that subsequent supplies have been sent. Unless otherwise required by federal law, the county election commission shall retain a spoiled ballot for six (6) months.
(g) Upon receipt by mail of the absentee ballot, the administrator shall open only the outer envelope and compare the voter's signature on the application with the voter's signature on the appropriate registration record. Upon determining that the voter is entitled to vote, the administrator shall note on the voter's absentee ballot envelope that the voter's signature has been verified. The administrator shall also record that the voter has voted absentee in the election and in every case, including those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, shall record the voter's name on the absentee poll book for each election in which the voter voted. In those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, the administrator shall update the voter's computerized voter history by making the appropriate data entry. The administrator shall then immediately deposit the absentee ballot envelope in the general election absentee ballot box or in the party's primary absentee ballot box as the case may be.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 560,s 3, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 560,s 2, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 374, s 4, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 137, s 1, eff. 4/17/2017.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 336, § 1; 1979, ch. 316, § 4; T.C.A., § 2-611; Acts 1980, ch. 638, §§ 1-3; 1983, ch. 174, § 1; 1983, ch. 450, § 4; 1988, ch. 933, §§ 9, 12, 15; 1988, ch. 993, §§ 3-5; 1989, ch. 455, §§ 2, 3; 1989, ch. 590, § 6; 1991, ch. 69, § 2; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 5, 6, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-111 ; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1997 , ch. 550, § 7; 1997 , ch. 558, § 10; 2002, ch. 698, § 1; 2003 , ch. 33, § 2; 2007 , ch. 125, § 3; 2007 , ch. 152, § 1; 2009 , ch. 218, § 3; 2011 , ch. 412, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-201
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Election" includes all elections, local, municipal, primary, general, state, federal and special and any election in the state or any county, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, but does not include referenda or issues submitted to a vote of the people, political convention or caucus; (2) "Public funds" and "public lands, offices, buildings, vehicles and facilities" include those owned and supported principally by public money appropriated from the state treasury. "Public lands, offices, buildings, vehicles, and facilities" include those owned and used by a local education agency (LEA); (3) "Public officers and employees" means all employees of the executive branch of the state government, or any department, division, or agency thereof, and all appointed officers and employees of any educational institution, establishment, corporation or agency supported principally by state funds, including teachers. Popularly elected officials, officials elected by the general assembly, qualified candidates for public office, members of the governor's cabinet, and members of the governor's staff are expressly excluded from this part, except for § 2-19-202 ; and (4) "Teacher" means any person employed in a public school system as a teacher, helping teacher, teacher's aide, librarian, principal, supervisor, director of schools, or member of the administrative staff. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4 eff. 7/1/2015. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1936.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Election" includes all elections, local, municipal, primary, general, state, federal and special and any election in the state or any county, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, but does not include referenda or issues submitted to a vote of the people, political convention or caucus;
(2) "Public funds" and "public lands, offices, buildings, vehicles and facilities" include those owned and supported principally by public money appropriated from the state treasury. "Public lands, offices, buildings, vehicles, and facilities" include those owned and used by a local education agency (LEA);
(3) "Public officers and employees" means all employees of the executive branch of the state government, or any department, division, or agency thereof, and all appointed officers and employees of any educational institution, establishment, corporation or agency supported principally by state funds, including teachers. Popularly elected officials, officials elected by the general assembly, qualified candidates for public office, members of the governor's cabinet, and members of the governor's staff are expressly excluded from this part, except for § 2-19-202 ; and
(4) "Teacher" means any person employed in a public school system as a teacher, helping teacher, teacher's aide, librarian, principal, supervisor, director of schools, or member of the administrative staff.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4 eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1936.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-204 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-204
Absent precinct registrars
Status: in_force

If a precinct registrar is absent on a day fixed for registration or for an election, the commissioners representing the same party as the absent registrar shall select a person who meets the requirements of this chapter to act for the absent precinct registrar during the period of such precinct registrar's absence. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1212.
If a precinct registrar is absent on a day fixed for registration or for an election, the commissioners representing the same party as the absent registrar shall select a person who meets the requirements of this chapter to act for the absent precinct registrar during the period of such precinct registrar's absence.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1212.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-203 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-203
Prohibited acts by registering agencies - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) A person who provides service described in § 2-2-202 shall not: (1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration; (2) Display any such political preference or party allegiance; or (3) Make any statement to an applicant or take any action, the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant from registering to vote. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 4.
(a) A person who provides service described in § 2-2-202 shall not: (1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration; (2) Display any such political preference or party allegiance; or (3) Make any statement to an applicant or take any action, the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant from registering to vote.
(1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration;
(2) Display any such political preference or party allegiance; or
(3) Make any statement to an applicant or take any action, the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant from registering to vote.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1994, ch. 947, § 4.