Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-104 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-104
Title definitions
Status: in_force

(a) In this title, unless a different meaning is clearly intended: (1) "Armed forces personnel" means members of the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, environmental science services administration, and public health service of the United States or members of the merchant marine of the United States, and their spouses and dependents; (2) "Ballot" means either a piece of paper or the labeled face of a voting machine prepared by appropriate election officials for voters to use to cast their votes; (3) "Ballot box" means a container in which paper ballots are to be placed after being marked by voters; (4) "Ballot label" means a piece of paper, cardboard or other material which is placed in the ballot frames of a voting machine to make a ballot; (5) "Computerized county" means a county which utilizes a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections; (6) "County executive committee" means a political party's authoritative county body which is constituted either under the law or under the rules of the political party; (7) "Election" means a general election for which membership in a political party in order to participate therein is not required; (8) "Election officials" means the officers of elections, judges, voting machine operators, precinct and assistant precinct registrars, and inspectors appointed under this title; (9) "Federal election" means an election held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidate for congress or its candidates for elector for president and vice president; (B) Determine the presidential preference of a political party's members; or (C) Choose a member of congress or electors for president and vice president; (10) "Mail" means first class United States mail, but any higher class of mail may be used when "mail" is specified; (11) "Majority party" means the political party whose members hold the largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly; (12) "Minority party" means the political party whose members hold the second largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly; (13) "Newspaper of general circulation" means a publication bearing a title or name, regularly issued at least as frequently as once a week for a definite price, having a second class mailing privilege, being not less than four (4) pages, published continuously during the immediately preceding one-year period, which is published for the dissemination of news of general interest and is circulated generally in the political subdivision in which it is published and in which notice is to be given. In any county where a publication fully complying with this definition does not exist, the state coordinator of elections is authorized to determine the appropriate publication to receive any required election notice. A newspaper which is not engaged in the distribution of news of general interest to the public, but which is primarily engaged in the distribution of news of interest to a particular group of citizens, is not a "newspaper of general circulation"; (14) "Political party" means an organization which nominates candidates for public office; (15) "Poll book" means the official record book of an election containing poll lists; (16) "Poll list" means the official list of the names of voters in an election. In computerized counties, such a list may consist of a computer printout of registered voters who voted in that election; (17) "Polling place" means the room or rooms where voters apply to vote and mark and cast their ballots; (18) "Precinct" means a geographic unit for the holding of elections having one (1) polling place; (19) "Primary election" means an election held for a political party for the purpose of allowing members of that party to select a nominee or nominees to appear on the general election ballot; (20) "Protective counter" means a voting machine counter which cannot be reset and which records the total number of movements of the operating lever of the machine; (21) "Public counter" means a voting machine counter which shows the total number of movements of the operating lever of the machine at any point in time during an election; (22) "Question" means a statement of a constitutional amendment or any other proposition submitted to the vote of the people; (23) "Recognized minor party" means any group or association that has successfully petitioned by filing with the coordinator of elections a petition which shall conform to requirements established by the coordinator of elections, but which must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election of governor, and on each page of the petition, state its purpose, state its name, and contain the names of registered voters from a single county; (24) "Registered voter" means a qualified voter who has fulfilled the registration requirements of this title; (25) "Regular August election" means the election held on the first Thursday in August of every even-numbered year; (26) "Regular November election" means the election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year; (27) "Resident" has the meaning given in §§ 2-2-102 and 2-2-122 ; (28) "State election" means an election held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidates for state, county or district offices; or (B) Choose state, county or district officers; (29) "Statewide election" means an election held to nominate or to choose officers elected by or to submit a question to the voters of the entire state; and (30) "Statewide political party" means a political party at least one (1) of whose candidates for an office to be elected by voters of the entire state has received a number of votes equal to at least five percent (5%) of the total number of votes cast for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election of governor. (b) Where any act or section of the Tennessee Code refers to chapters or sections of the former title 2 of the Tennessee Code, which was repealed effective January 15, 1973, such references are deemed references to the appropriate chapters or sections of this title. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1016, s 1, eff. 4/28/2016. Acts 1972, ch. 740, §§ 1, 5; 1973, ch. 327, § 1; 1975, ch. 72, §5; T.C.A., § 2-104; Acts 1980, ch. 725, §§ 1, 2; 1983, ch. 450, § 1; 1990, ch. 727, §§1, 2; 2008 , ch. 1108, §2; 2010 , ch. 612, §6; 2011 , ch. 257, §§1, 2; 2011 , ch. 301, § 5.
(a) In this title, unless a different meaning is clearly intended: (1) "Armed forces personnel" means members of the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, environmental science services administration, and public health service of the United States or members of the merchant marine of the United States, and their spouses and dependents; (2) "Ballot" means either a piece of paper or the labeled face of a voting machine prepared by appropriate election officials for voters to use to cast their votes; (3) "Ballot box" means a container in which paper ballots are to be placed after being marked by voters; (4) "Ballot label" means a piece of paper, cardboard or other material which is placed in the ballot frames of a voting machine to make a ballot; (5) "Computerized county" means a county which utilizes a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections; (6) "County executive committee" means a political party's authoritative county body which is constituted either under the law or under the rules of the political party; (7) "Election" means a general election for which membership in a political party in order to participate therein is not required; (8) "Election officials" means the officers of elections, judges, voting machine operators, precinct and assistant precinct registrars, and inspectors appointed under this title; (9) "Federal election" means an election held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidate for congress or its candidates for elector for president and vice president; (B) Determine the presidential preference of a political party's members; or (C) Choose a member of congress or electors for president and vice president; (10) "Mail" means first class United States mail, but any higher class of mail may be used when "mail" is specified; (11) "Majority party" means the political party whose members hold the largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly; (12) "Minority party" means the political party whose members hold the second largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly; (13) "Newspaper of general circulation" means a publication bearing a title or name, regularly issued at least as frequently as once a week for a definite price, having a second class mailing privilege, being not less than four (4) pages, published continuously during the immediately preceding one-year period, which is published for the dissemination of news of general interest and is circulated generally in the political subdivision in which it is published and in which notice is to be given. In any county where a publication fully complying with this definition does not exist, the state coordinator of elections is authorized to determine the appropriate publication to receive any required election notice. A newspaper which is not engaged in the distribution of news of general interest to the public, but which is primarily engaged in the distribution of news of interest to a particular group of citizens, is not a "newspaper of general circulation"; (14) "Political party" means an organization which nominates candidates for public office; (15) "Poll book" means the official record book of an election containing poll lists; (16) "Poll list" means the official list of the names of voters in an election. In computerized counties, such a list may consist of a computer printout of registered voters who voted in that election; (17) "Polling place" means the room or rooms where voters apply to vote and mark and cast their ballots; (18) "Precinct" means a geographic unit for the holding of elections having one (1) polling place; (19) "Primary election" means an election held for a political party for the purpose of allowing members of that party to select a nominee or nominees to appear on the general election ballot; (20) "Protective counter" means a voting machine counter which cannot be reset and which records the total number of movements of the operating lever of the machine; (21) "Public counter" means a voting machine counter which shows the total number of movements of the operating lever of the machine at any point in time during an election; (22) "Question" means a statement of a constitutional amendment or any other proposition submitted to the vote of the people; (23) "Recognized minor party" means any group or association that has successfully petitioned by filing with the coordinator of elections a petition which shall conform to requirements established by the coordinator of elections, but which must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election of governor, and on each page of the petition, state its purpose, state its name, and contain the names of registered voters from a single county; (24) "Registered voter" means a qualified voter who has fulfilled the registration requirements of this title; (25) "Regular August election" means the election held on the first Thursday in August of every even-numbered year; (26) "Regular November election" means the election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year; (27) "Resident" has the meaning given in §§ 2-2-102 and 2-2-122 ; (28) "State election" means an election held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidates for state, county or district offices; or (B) Choose state, county or district officers; (29) "Statewide election" means an election held to nominate or to choose officers elected by or to submit a question to the voters of the entire state; and (30) "Statewide political party" means a political party at least one (1) of whose candidates for an office to be elected by voters of the entire state has received a number of votes equal to at least five percent (5%) of the total number of votes cast for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election of governor.
(1) "Armed forces personnel" means members of the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, environmental science services administration, and public health service of the United States or members of the merchant marine of the United States, and their spouses and dependents;
(2) "Ballot" means either a piece of paper or the labeled face of a voting machine prepared by appropriate election officials for voters to use to cast their votes;
(3) "Ballot box" means a container in which paper ballots are to be placed after being marked by voters;
(4) "Ballot label" means a piece of paper, cardboard or other material which is placed in the ballot frames of a voting machine to make a ballot;
(5) "Computerized county" means a county which utilizes a computerized voter registration system which has been approved by the coordinator of elections;
(6) "County executive committee" means a political party's authoritative county body which is constituted either under the law or under the rules of the political party;
(7) "Election" means a general election for which membership in a political party in order to participate therein is not required;
(8) "Election officials" means the officers of elections, judges, voting machine operators, precinct and assistant precinct registrars, and inspectors appointed under this title;
(9) "Federal election" means an election held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidate for congress or its candidates for elector for president and vice president; (B) Determine the presidential preference of a political party's members; or (C) Choose a member of congress or electors for president and vice president;
(A) Nominate a political party's candidate for congress or its candidates for elector for president and vice president;
(B) Determine the presidential preference of a political party's members; or
(C) Choose a member of congress or electors for president and vice president;
(10) "Mail" means first class United States mail, but any higher class of mail may be used when "mail" is specified;
(11) "Majority party" means the political party whose members hold the largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly;
(12) "Minority party" means the political party whose members hold the second largest number of seats in the combined houses of the general assembly;
(13) "Newspaper of general circulation" means a publication bearing a title or name, regularly issued at least as frequently as once a week for a definite price, having a second class mailing privilege, being not less than four (4) pages, published continuously during the immediately preceding one-year period, which is published for the dissemination of news of general interest and is circulated generally in the political subdivision in which it is published and in which notice is to be given. In any county where a publication fully complying with this definition does not exist, the state coordinator of elections is authorized to determine the appropriate publication to receive any required election notice. A newspaper which is not engaged in the distribution of news of general interest to the public, but which is primarily engaged in the distribution of news of interest to a particular group of citizens, is not a "newspaper of general circulation";
(14) "Political party" means an organization which nominates candidates for public office;
(15) "Poll book" means the official record book of an election containing poll lists;
(16) "Poll list" means the official list of the names of voters in an election. In computerized counties, such a list may consist of a computer printout of registered voters who voted in that election;
(17) "Polling place" means the room or rooms where voters apply to vote and mark and cast their ballots;
(18) "Precinct" means a geographic unit for the holding of elections having one (1) polling place;
(19) "Primary election" means an election held for a political party for the purpose of allowing members of that party to select a nominee or nominees to appear on the general election ballot;
(20) "Protective counter" means a voting machine counter which cannot be reset and which records the total number of movements of the operating lever of the machine;
(21) "Public counter" means a voting machine counter which shows the total number of movements of the operating lever of the machine at any point in time during an election;
(22) "Question" means a statement of a constitutional amendment or any other proposition submitted to the vote of the people;
(23) "Recognized minor party" means any group or association that has successfully petitioned by filing with the coordinator of elections a petition which shall conform to requirements established by the coordinator of elections, but which must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election of governor, and on each page of the petition, state its purpose, state its name, and contain the names of registered voters from a single county;
(24) "Registered voter" means a qualified voter who has fulfilled the registration requirements of this title;
(25) "Regular August election" means the election held on the first Thursday in August of every even-numbered year;
(26) "Regular November election" means the election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year;
(27) "Resident" has the meaning given in §§ 2-2-102 and 2-2-122 ;
(28) "State election" means an election held to: (A) Nominate a political party's candidates for state, county or district offices; or (B) Choose state, county or district officers;
(A) Nominate a political party's candidates for state, county or district offices; or
(B) Choose state, county or district officers;
(29) "Statewide election" means an election held to nominate or to choose officers elected by or to submit a question to the voters of the entire state; and
(30) "Statewide political party" means a political party at least one (1) of whose candidates for an office to be elected by voters of the entire state has received a number of votes equal to at least five percent (5%) of the total number of votes cast for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election of governor.
(b) Where any act or section of the Tennessee Code refers to chapters or sections of the former title 2 of the Tennessee Code, which was repealed effective January 15, 1973, such references are deemed references to the appropriate chapters or sections of this title.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1016, s 1, eff. 4/28/2016.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, §§ 1, 5; 1973, ch. 327, § 1; 1975, ch. 72, §5; T.C.A., § 2-104; Acts 1980, ch. 725, §§ 1, 2; 1983, ch. 450, § 1; 1990, ch. 727, §§1, 2; 2008 , ch. 1108, §2; 2010 , ch. 612, §6; 2011 , ch. 257, §§1, 2; 2011 , ch. 301, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-217 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-217
Ballot boxes paid for by state
Status: in_force

All ballot boxes shall be paid for by the state. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-523.
All ballot boxes shall be paid for by the state.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-523.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-201
Methods of voting absentee
Status: in_force

A registered voter in any of the following circumstances may vote absentee by mail in the procedures outlined in this part: (1) Persons Outside of County. If the voter will be outside the county where the voter is registered during the early voting period and on election day during all the hours the polls are open for any reason other than the fact that the voter will be imprisoned; (2) Students and Spouses Outside of County. If a voter is enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college, university or similar accredited institution of learning in this state which is outside the county where the voter is registered. This provision also applies to the spouse of the student who resides with the student; (3) (A) Permanent Absentee Voting Register. The county election commission shall establish a permanent absentee voting register for any person who is, because of sickness, hospitalization or physical disability unable to appear at either the commission office or at the person's polling place for the purpose of voting. To be eligible for placement on the register, a voter shall file a statement by the person's licensed physician with the county election commission stating, under the penalty of perjury, that in the physician's professional medical judgment, the patient (voter) is medically unable to appear at the polling place to vote and is medically unable to go to the commission office for the purpose of early voting. The voter shall file the physician's statement and the application not less than ten (10) days before the election. The administrator of elections shall attach the physician's statement to the voter's permanent registration record. Without any further request, the administrator shall send to each person placed on the permanent absentee voting register an application for an absentee ballot for each election in which the person may vote; (B) Residents of Certain Institutions. In the case of individuals who are full-time residents of any licensed nursing home, home for the aged or similar licensed institution providing relatively permanent domiciliary care, other than a penal institution, outside the voter's county of residence, the procedure for voting shall substantially follow the provisions established in subdivision (3)(A) for voters on the permanent absentee voting register, or the voter may vote under the procedures established in subdivision (1) for voters outside of the county; (4) Jurors. If an individual expects to be unable to appear during the early voting period or at the polling place on election day because the person is serving as a juror for a federal or state court; (5) Persons Over 60 - Persons Hospitalized, Ill or Disabled. (A) A person sixty (60) years of age or older when the person requests to vote absentee; (B) The person is a voter with a disability as defined in § 2-3-109 , and the voter's polling place is inaccessible; (C) The person is hospitalized, ill or physically disabled, and because of such condition, the person is unable to appear at the person's polling place on election day; or (D) The person is a caretaker of a hospitalized, ill or disabled person; (6) Candidates for Office. Without stating any reason therefor, if the voter is a candidate for office in the election for which the voter seeks to cast an absentee ballot; (7) Election Officials - Election Commission Members or Employees. If the person is an election official or a member or employee of the election commission on election day; (8) Observance of a Religious Holiday. If the voter cannot appear during the early voting period or at the polling place because of observance of a religious holiday; or (9) Persons Possessing a Valid Commercial Driver License or Transportation Worker Identification Credential. A voter who possesses a valid commercial driver license or a valid transportation worker identification credential and who certifies that the voter: (A) Will be working outside of the county or state where the voter is registered during the early voting period and on election day during all the hours the polls are open; and (B) Has no specific out-of-county or out-of-state location to which mail may be sent or received during such time; may complete an application to vote absentee by mail at the voter's county election commission office or complete an absentee by-mail application pursuant to § 2-6-202(a)(3) ; provided, that if applicable, such voter satisfies the requirements of § 2-2-115(b)(7) . In order for the absentee application to be processed, the voter must provide a photocopy of the commercial driver license or transportation worker identification credential, the commercial driver license number on the voter's current commercial driver license, if applicable, and provide a current residential address and a mailing address to which the ballot shall be mailed. This subdivision (9) also applies to the spouse of the person who possesses the commercial driver license. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 560,s 1, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 245, s 4, eff. 5/2/2017. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 231, s 7, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 399, § 1; 1975, ch. 133, § 1; 1975, ch. 381, § 1; 1978, ch. 814, §§ 1, 2; 1978, ch. 861, §§ 1, 4; 1979, ch. 316, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-602; Acts 1980, ch. 638, §§ 4-6, 8; 1983, ch. 450, § 3; 1985, ch. 90, § 1; 1986, ch. 763, § 1; 1989, ch. 455, § 1; 1990, ch. 731, § 1; 1991, ch. 70, § 1; 1991, ch. 71, §§ 1, 2; 1991, ch. 184, § 3; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 8-10, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-102 ; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1997 , ch. 558, §§ 11, 20; 2003 , ch. 33, § 1; 2007 , ch. 48, § 3; 2008 , ch. 928, § 11; 2012, ch. 1037, § 1.
A registered voter in any of the following circumstances may vote absentee by mail in the procedures outlined in this part:
(1) Persons Outside of County. If the voter will be outside the county where the voter is registered during the early voting period and on election day during all the hours the polls are open for any reason other than the fact that the voter will be imprisoned;
(2) Students and Spouses Outside of County. If a voter is enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college, university or similar accredited institution of learning in this state which is outside the county where the voter is registered. This provision also applies to the spouse of the student who resides with the student;
(3) (A) Permanent Absentee Voting Register. The county election commission shall establish a permanent absentee voting register for any person who is, because of sickness, hospitalization or physical disability unable to appear at either the commission office or at the person's polling place for the purpose of voting. To be eligible for placement on the register, a voter shall file a statement by the person's licensed physician with the county election commission stating, under the penalty of perjury, that in the physician's professional medical judgment, the patient (voter) is medically unable to appear at the polling place to vote and is medically unable to go to the commission office for the purpose of early voting. The voter shall file the physician's statement and the application not less than ten (10) days before the election. The administrator of elections shall attach the physician's statement to the voter's permanent registration record. Without any further request, the administrator shall send to each person placed on the permanent absentee voting register an application for an absentee ballot for each election in which the person may vote; (B) Residents of Certain Institutions. In the case of individuals who are full-time residents of any licensed nursing home, home for the aged or similar licensed institution providing relatively permanent domiciliary care, other than a penal institution, outside the voter's county of residence, the procedure for voting shall substantially follow the provisions established in subdivision (3)(A) for voters on the permanent absentee voting register, or the voter may vote under the procedures established in subdivision (1) for voters outside of the county;
(A) Permanent Absentee Voting Register. The county election commission shall establish a permanent absentee voting register for any person who is, because of sickness, hospitalization or physical disability unable to appear at either the commission office or at the person's polling place for the purpose of voting. To be eligible for placement on the register, a voter shall file a statement by the person's licensed physician with the county election commission stating, under the penalty of perjury, that in the physician's professional medical judgment, the patient (voter) is medically unable to appear at the polling place to vote and is medically unable to go to the commission office for the purpose of early voting. The voter shall file the physician's statement and the application not less than ten (10) days before the election. The administrator of elections shall attach the physician's statement to the voter's permanent registration record. Without any further request, the administrator shall send to each person placed on the permanent absentee voting register an application for an absentee ballot for each election in which the person may vote;
(B) Residents of Certain Institutions. In the case of individuals who are full-time residents of any licensed nursing home, home for the aged or similar licensed institution providing relatively permanent domiciliary care, other than a penal institution, outside the voter's county of residence, the procedure for voting shall substantially follow the provisions established in subdivision (3)(A) for voters on the permanent absentee voting register, or the voter may vote under the procedures established in subdivision (1) for voters outside of the county;
(4) Jurors. If an individual expects to be unable to appear during the early voting period or at the polling place on election day because the person is serving as a juror for a federal or state court;
(5) Persons Over 60 - Persons Hospitalized, Ill or Disabled. (A) A person sixty (60) years of age or older when the person requests to vote absentee; (B) The person is a voter with a disability as defined in § 2-3-109 , and the voter's polling place is inaccessible; (C) The person is hospitalized, ill or physically disabled, and because of such condition, the person is unable to appear at the person's polling place on election day; or (D) The person is a caretaker of a hospitalized, ill or disabled person;
(A) A person sixty (60) years of age or older when the person requests to vote absentee;
(B) The person is a voter with a disability as defined in § 2-3-109 , and the voter's polling place is inaccessible;
(C) The person is hospitalized, ill or physically disabled, and because of such condition, the person is unable to appear at the person's polling place on election day; or
(D) The person is a caretaker of a hospitalized, ill or disabled person;
(6) Candidates for Office. Without stating any reason therefor, if the voter is a candidate for office in the election for which the voter seeks to cast an absentee ballot;
(7) Election Officials - Election Commission Members or Employees. If the person is an election official or a member or employee of the election commission on election day;
(8) Observance of a Religious Holiday. If the voter cannot appear during the early voting period or at the polling place because of observance of a religious holiday; or
(9) Persons Possessing a Valid Commercial Driver License or Transportation Worker Identification Credential. A voter who possesses a valid commercial driver license or a valid transportation worker identification credential and who certifies that the voter: (A) Will be working outside of the county or state where the voter is registered during the early voting period and on election day during all the hours the polls are open; and (B) Has no specific out-of-county or out-of-state location to which mail may be sent or received during such time; may complete an application to vote absentee by mail at the voter's county election commission office or complete an absentee by-mail application pursuant to § 2-6-202(a)(3) ; provided, that if applicable, such voter satisfies the requirements of § 2-2-115(b)(7) . In order for the absentee application to be processed, the voter must provide a photocopy of the commercial driver license or transportation worker identification credential, the commercial driver license number on the voter's current commercial driver license, if applicable, and provide a current residential address and a mailing address to which the ballot shall be mailed. This subdivision (9) also applies to the spouse of the person who possesses the commercial driver license.
(A) Will be working outside of the county or state where the voter is registered during the early voting period and on election day during all the hours the polls are open; and
(B) Has no specific out-of-county or out-of-state location to which mail may be sent or received during such time; may complete an application to vote absentee by mail at the voter's county election commission office or complete an absentee by-mail application pursuant to § 2-6-202(a)(3) ; provided, that if applicable, such voter satisfies the requirements of § 2-2-115(b)(7) . In order for the absentee application to be processed, the voter must provide a photocopy of the commercial driver license or transportation worker identification credential, the commercial driver license number on the voter's current commercial driver license, if applicable, and provide a current residential address and a mailing address to which the ballot shall be mailed. This subdivision (9) also applies to the spouse of the person who possesses the commercial driver license.
may complete an application to vote absentee by mail at the voter's county election commission office or complete an absentee by-mail application pursuant to § 2-6-202(a)(3) ; provided, that if applicable, such voter satisfies the requirements of § 2-2-115(b)(7) . In order for the absentee application to be processed, the voter must provide a photocopy of the commercial driver license or transportation worker identification credential, the commercial driver license number on the voter's current commercial driver license, if applicable, and provide a current residential address and a mailing address to which the ballot shall be mailed. This subdivision (9) also applies to the spouse of the person who possesses the commercial driver license.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 560,s 1, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 245, s 4, eff. 5/2/2017.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 231, s 7, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 399, § 1; 1975, ch. 133, § 1; 1975, ch. 381, § 1; 1978, ch. 814, §§ 1, 2; 1978, ch. 861, §§ 1, 4; 1979, ch. 316, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-602; Acts 1980, ch. 638, §§ 4-6, 8; 1983, ch. 450, § 3; 1985, ch. 90, § 1; 1986, ch. 763, § 1; 1989, ch. 455, § 1; 1990, ch. 731, § 1; 1991, ch. 70, § 1; 1991, ch. 71, §§ 1, 2; 1991, ch. 184, § 3; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 8-10, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-102 ; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1997 , ch. 558, §§ 11, 20; 2003 , ch. 33, § 1; 2007 , ch. 48, § 3; 2008 , ch. 928, § 11; 2012, ch. 1037, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-202 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-202
Separate general and primary election ballots
Status: in_force

Each county election commission shall have printed separate general and primary election ballots on which shall be only the names of candidates who have qualified and who are to be voted on at the polling place in which the ballots are to be used. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-502.
Each county election commission shall have printed separate general and primary election ballots on which shall be only the names of candidates who have qualified and who are to be voted on at the polling place in which the ballots are to be used.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-502.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-108 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-108
Commission offices - Hours - Functions
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Each commission shall have an office in the county courthouse or another public building and such other locations as the commission may designate for registering voters and performing other functions required or authorized by law. The main office shall be open at least from nine o'clock a.m. (9:00 a.m.) until four o'clock p.m. (4:00 p.m.) on such day or days each week as the commission directs. (2) In counties with administrators of elections certified under § 2-11-202(b) , who receive at least ninety percent (90%) or eighty-five percent (85%) of the assessor of property's salary pursuant to [former] § 2-12-208(a)(1) or (a)(3) [now § 2-12-208(a) ], respectively, the commission office shall be open during the hours specified in this subsection (a) at least five (5) days per week. In counties with administrators certified under § 2-11-202(b) , who receive at least eighty percent (80%) of the assessor of property's salary pursuant to [former] § 2-12-208(a)(2) [now § 2-12-208(a) ], the commission office shall be open during the hours specified in this subsection (a) at least four (4) days per week. The hours such offices shall be open established by this subsection (a) shall be the minimum hours, and nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed as prohibiting the election commission from requiring such offices to stay open for additional hours per day or days per week. (b) The county election commission may establish additional hours when the main office shall be open to perform the commission's statutory functions. The office shall be open as many days a week as necessary to register qualified registrants, to replace lost registration cards, to transfer or change registrations and to perform the other duties of the commission. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 642, §§ 1, 4; T.C.A., § 2-208; Acts 1980, ch. 712, § 1; 1982, ch. 635, § 1; 1986, ch. 930, § 2; 1991, ch. 75, § 1; 1994, ch. 919, § 3; 1996, ch. 1081, §§ 1, 2.
(a) (1) Each commission shall have an office in the county courthouse or another public building and such other locations as the commission may designate for registering voters and performing other functions required or authorized by law. The main office shall be open at least from nine o'clock a.m. (9:00 a.m.) until four o'clock p.m. (4:00 p.m.) on such day or days each week as the commission directs. (2) In counties with administrators of elections certified under § 2-11-202(b) , who receive at least ninety percent (90%) or eighty-five percent (85%) of the assessor of property's salary pursuant to [former] § 2-12-208(a)(1) or (a)(3) [now § 2-12-208(a) ], respectively, the commission office shall be open during the hours specified in this subsection (a) at least five (5) days per week. In counties with administrators certified under § 2-11-202(b) , who receive at least eighty percent (80%) of the assessor of property's salary pursuant to [former] § 2-12-208(a)(2) [now § 2-12-208(a) ], the commission office shall be open during the hours specified in this subsection (a) at least four (4) days per week. The hours such offices shall be open established by this subsection (a) shall be the minimum hours, and nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed as prohibiting the election commission from requiring such offices to stay open for additional hours per day or days per week.
(1) Each commission shall have an office in the county courthouse or another public building and such other locations as the commission may designate for registering voters and performing other functions required or authorized by law. The main office shall be open at least from nine o'clock a.m. (9:00 a.m.) until four o'clock p.m. (4:00 p.m.) on such day or days each week as the commission directs.
(2) In counties with administrators of elections certified under § 2-11-202(b) , who receive at least ninety percent (90%) or eighty-five percent (85%) of the assessor of property's salary pursuant to [former] § 2-12-208(a)(1) or (a)(3) [now § 2-12-208(a) ], respectively, the commission office shall be open during the hours specified in this subsection (a) at least five (5) days per week. In counties with administrators certified under § 2-11-202(b) , who receive at least eighty percent (80%) of the assessor of property's salary pursuant to [former] § 2-12-208(a)(2) [now § 2-12-208(a) ], the commission office shall be open during the hours specified in this subsection (a) at least four (4) days per week. The hours such offices shall be open established by this subsection (a) shall be the minimum hours, and nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed as prohibiting the election commission from requiring such offices to stay open for additional hours per day or days per week.
(b) The county election commission may establish additional hours when the main office shall be open to perform the commission's statutory functions. The office shall be open as many days a week as necessary to register qualified registrants, to replace lost registration cards, to transfer or change registrations and to perform the other duties of the commission.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 642, §§ 1, 4; T.C.A., § 2-208; Acts 1980, ch. 712, § 1; 1982, ch. 635, § 1; 1986, ch. 930, § 2; 1991, ch. 75, § 1; 1994, ch. 919, § 3; 1996, ch. 1081, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-8-101 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 8 / Section 2-8-101
Meeting of county election commission following election
Status: in_force

(a) The county election commission shall meet at its office upon completion of its duties under § 2-8-104 , but no later than the third Monday after the election to compare the returns on the tally sheets, to certify the results as shown by the returns in writing signed by at least the majority of them, and to perform the duties prescribed by this chapter. (b) The commission may not recount any paper ballots, including absentee ballots. (c) Upon the completion of the vote tabulation on election night, each county election commission shall report unofficial results to the coordinator of elections in a form prescribed by the coordinator. (d) Any county election commission which fails to certify any election by the deadlines set forth in subsection (a), unless such failure is determined by the state election commission to be for good cause, shall forfeit any compensation due the members for the holding of such election. The chair of the state election commission shall promptly notify the chief fiscal officer of any county of such failure to certify under this section. (e) Upon certifying the results of a referendum held by a municipality or county pursuant to title 57, the county election commission shall send certification of the results to the alcoholic beverage commission. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 306, § 8; T.C.A., § 2-801; Acts 2001, ch. 465, §6; 2008 , ch. 1108, § 5.
(a) The county election commission shall meet at its office upon completion of its duties under § 2-8-104 , but no later than the third Monday after the election to compare the returns on the tally sheets, to certify the results as shown by the returns in writing signed by at least the majority of them, and to perform the duties prescribed by this chapter.
(b) The commission may not recount any paper ballots, including absentee ballots.
(c) Upon the completion of the vote tabulation on election night, each county election commission shall report unofficial results to the coordinator of elections in a form prescribed by the coordinator.
(d) Any county election commission which fails to certify any election by the deadlines set forth in subsection (a), unless such failure is determined by the state election commission to be for good cause, shall forfeit any compensation due the members for the holding of such election. The chair of the state election commission shall promptly notify the chief fiscal officer of any county of such failure to certify under this section.
(e) Upon certifying the results of a referendum held by a municipality or county pursuant to title 57, the county election commission shall send certification of the results to the alcoholic beverage commission.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 306, § 8; T.C.A., § 2-801; Acts 2001, ch. 465, §6; 2008 , ch. 1108, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-215 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-215
Bound duplicate registration records
Status: in_force

The county election commission shall provide for each polling place at all elections the bound duplicate registration records of all persons registered at the polling place. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-521.
The county election commission shall provide for each polling place at all elections the bound duplicate registration records of all persons registered at the polling place.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-521.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-114 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-114
Campaign funds - Allocation of unexpended contributions - Use of funds - Specifically prohibited uses of funds - Allocation of funds on death of incumbent or candidate
Status: in_force

(a) Any candidate for public office in this state shall allocate an unexpended balance of contributions after the election to one (1) or a combination of the following: (1) The funds may be retained or transferred to any campaign fund pursuant to Tennessee reporting requirements; (2) The funds may be returned to any or all of the candidate's contributors, in accordance with a formula or plan specified in the candidate's disclosure of the allocation; (3) The funds may be distributed to the executive committee of the candidate's political party; (4) The funds may be deposited in the volunteer public education trust fund established under title 49, chapter 3, part 4; (5) The funds may be distributed to any organization described in 26 U.S.C. § 170(c) ; (6) The funds may be distributed to an organization that has received a determination of exemption from the United States internal revenue service pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) or (4) , if such organization is currently operating under such exemption; (7) The funds may be used to defray any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the office of the officeholder. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, the cost of advertisements, membership fees, and donations to community causes; and (8) The funds may be distributed to any institution of public or private education in the state, for the purpose of supplementing the funds of an existing scholarship trust or program. (b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (a), no candidate for public office shall use any campaign funds for any other purpose other than a contribution or expenditure as defined by this part. The disbursement of campaign funds for a candidate's own personal use is not permitted. For the purpose of this section, "personal use" means any use by which the candidate for public office or elected public official would be required to treat the amount of the expenditure as gross income under 26 U.S.C. § 61 , or any subsequent corresponding Internal Revenue Code section. (2) Expenditures that are specifically prohibited under this section include, but are not limited to: (A) Any residential or household items, supplies or expenditures, including mortgage, rent or utility payments for any part of any personal residence of a candidate or officeholder or a member of the candidate's or officeholder's family; (B) Mortgage, rent, or utility payments for any part of any nonresidential property that is owned by a candidate or officeholder or a member of a candidate's or officeholder's family and used for campaign purposes, to the extent the payments exceed the fair market value of the property usage; (C) Funeral, cremation, or burial expenses related to deaths within a candidate's or officeholder's family; (D) Clothing, other than items of de minimis value that are used in the campaign; (E) Tuition payments within a candidate's or officeholder's family other than those associated with training campaign staff or associated with an officeholder's duties; (F) Dues, fees, or gratuities at a country club, health club, or recreational facility, unless they are part of a specific fundraising event that takes place on the organization's premises; (G) Salary payments to a member of a candidate's family, unless the family member is providing bona fide services to the campaign. If a family member provides bona fide services to the campaign, any salary payment in excess of the fair market value of the services provided is a prohibited use; (H) Admission to a sporting event, concert, theater, activity, charitable event or other form of entertainment, unless the event is an expense associated with a legitimate campaign or officeholder activity, where the tickets to such event are provided to students attending schools, guests or constituents of the candidate or officeholder, or persons involved in the candidate's or officeholder's campaign; (I) Payments for grooming or enhancing one's personal appearance unrelated to campaign activities; or (J) Payment of any fines, fees, or penalties assessed pursuant to this chapter or title 3, chapter 6. (3) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class 2 offense as defined in § 2-10-110(a)(2) . (c) In addition to the manner in which unexpended balances in the campaign account of a candidate may be allocated under subsection (a), if an incumbent dies while in office and has an unexpended balance in a campaign account, and if such incumbent's surviving spouse or child is appointed to fill the unexpired term of the deceased incumbent or is elected to the office previously held by the deceased, then the balance remaining in the campaign account of such deceased incumbent shall be transferred to the campaign account of the surviving spouse or child of the deceased incumbent for use by such surviving spouse or child as a candidate for election to public office in accordance with this part. (d) (1) In the event a candidate for public office dies with an unexpended balance of contributions in such candidate's campaign account and subsection (c) is not applicable, then the following individuals, in the descending order, are authorized to allocate such unexpended balance to those persons, political parties, or charitable organizations listed in subdivisions (a)(2)-(6) and (a)(8): (A) The deceased candidate, if the candidate provided for allocation of an unexpended balance through the candidate's will; (B) The deceased candidate's treasurer, unless the candidate was the treasurer; (C) The surviving spouse of the deceased candidate, if the candidate was the treasurer; and (D) The next of kin of the deceased candidate, if subdivisions (d)(1)(B) and (C) do not apply. (2) If a decision is not made by any such individual, or individuals where subdivision (d)(1)(D) applies, within one (1) year of the date of death of the deceased candidate, then the unexpended balance shall be distributed by the registry of election finance to the volunteer public education trust fund established under title 49, chapter 3, part 4. (e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if a member of the general assembly raises funds for a local public office during the time the general assembly is in session in accordance with § 2-10-310(a) , then any unexpended balance of contributions in the campaign account established by that member of the general assembly for the member's candidacy for local public office shall not be used for or distributed to a campaign fund: (1) For the benefit of any election for any candidate for the general assembly; (2) For the benefit of any statewide election, or any state, national or other political party; (3) For the benefit of any state, national or other political party caucus; or (4) For the benefit of any state, national or other political party caucus member. (f) In addition to the manner in which unexpended balances in the campaign account of a candidate may be allocated under subsection (a), a member of the general assembly may use the funds to: (1) Pay for lodging expenses or pay for a portion of lodging expenses on the same day the member earns mileage reimbursement or per diem, pursuant to § 3-1-106 , if the lodging is necessitated by the normal course of the member's duties and the member is not otherwise eligible for reimbursement for such lodging or the member's reimbursement does not cover the total amount of the lodging expense; and (2) Reimburse the member for mileage above the mileage for which the member is reimbursed by this state for travel to Nashville, if the additional miles traveled are necessitated by the normal course of the member's duties. (g) (1) Transfers of funds or assets from a candidate's campaign account or a political campaign committee controlled by a candidate for a federal election to a candidate's campaign account or a political campaign committee of or for such candidate in an election for a state or local public office in this state are prohibited. (2) Transfers of excess funds or assets from a candidate's political campaign committee or campaign account for election to a local public office to a political campaign committee or campaign account of or for such candidate in an election to the general assembly or governor in this state are prohibited. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 7, eff. 4/4/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1026, s 1, eff. 5/11/2022. Acts 1992, ch. 932, § 1; 2001, ch. 384, § 1; 2002, ch. 470, § 2; 2002, ch. 600, § 1; 2005, ch. 163, §§ 3, 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 8; 2011 , ch. 389, § 2.
(a) Any candidate for public office in this state shall allocate an unexpended balance of contributions after the election to one (1) or a combination of the following: (1) The funds may be retained or transferred to any campaign fund pursuant to Tennessee reporting requirements; (2) The funds may be returned to any or all of the candidate's contributors, in accordance with a formula or plan specified in the candidate's disclosure of the allocation; (3) The funds may be distributed to the executive committee of the candidate's political party; (4) The funds may be deposited in the volunteer public education trust fund established under title 49, chapter 3, part 4; (5) The funds may be distributed to any organization described in 26 U.S.C. § 170(c) ; (6) The funds may be distributed to an organization that has received a determination of exemption from the United States internal revenue service pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) or (4) , if such organization is currently operating under such exemption; (7) The funds may be used to defray any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the office of the officeholder. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, the cost of advertisements, membership fees, and donations to community causes; and (8) The funds may be distributed to any institution of public or private education in the state, for the purpose of supplementing the funds of an existing scholarship trust or program.
(1) The funds may be retained or transferred to any campaign fund pursuant to Tennessee reporting requirements;
(2) The funds may be returned to any or all of the candidate's contributors, in accordance with a formula or plan specified in the candidate's disclosure of the allocation;
(3) The funds may be distributed to the executive committee of the candidate's political party;
(4) The funds may be deposited in the volunteer public education trust fund established under title 49, chapter 3, part 4;
(5) The funds may be distributed to any organization described in 26 U.S.C. § 170(c) ;
(6) The funds may be distributed to an organization that has received a determination of exemption from the United States internal revenue service pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) or (4) , if such organization is currently operating under such exemption;
(7) The funds may be used to defray any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the office of the officeholder. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, the cost of advertisements, membership fees, and donations to community causes; and
(8) The funds may be distributed to any institution of public or private education in the state, for the purpose of supplementing the funds of an existing scholarship trust or program.
(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (a), no candidate for public office shall use any campaign funds for any other purpose other than a contribution or expenditure as defined by this part. The disbursement of campaign funds for a candidate's own personal use is not permitted. For the purpose of this section, "personal use" means any use by which the candidate for public office or elected public official would be required to treat the amount of the expenditure as gross income under 26 U.S.C. § 61 , or any subsequent corresponding Internal Revenue Code section. (2) Expenditures that are specifically prohibited under this section include, but are not limited to: (A) Any residential or household items, supplies or expenditures, including mortgage, rent or utility payments for any part of any personal residence of a candidate or officeholder or a member of the candidate's or officeholder's family; (B) Mortgage, rent, or utility payments for any part of any nonresidential property that is owned by a candidate or officeholder or a member of a candidate's or officeholder's family and used for campaign purposes, to the extent the payments exceed the fair market value of the property usage; (C) Funeral, cremation, or burial expenses related to deaths within a candidate's or officeholder's family; (D) Clothing, other than items of de minimis value that are used in the campaign; (E) Tuition payments within a candidate's or officeholder's family other than those associated with training campaign staff or associated with an officeholder's duties; (F) Dues, fees, or gratuities at a country club, health club, or recreational facility, unless they are part of a specific fundraising event that takes place on the organization's premises; (G) Salary payments to a member of a candidate's family, unless the family member is providing bona fide services to the campaign. If a family member provides bona fide services to the campaign, any salary payment in excess of the fair market value of the services provided is a prohibited use; (H) Admission to a sporting event, concert, theater, activity, charitable event or other form of entertainment, unless the event is an expense associated with a legitimate campaign or officeholder activity, where the tickets to such event are provided to students attending schools, guests or constituents of the candidate or officeholder, or persons involved in the candidate's or officeholder's campaign; (I) Payments for grooming or enhancing one's personal appearance unrelated to campaign activities; or (J) Payment of any fines, fees, or penalties assessed pursuant to this chapter or title 3, chapter 6. (3) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class 2 offense as defined in § 2-10-110(a)(2) .
(1) Except as provided in subsection (a), no candidate for public office shall use any campaign funds for any other purpose other than a contribution or expenditure as defined by this part. The disbursement of campaign funds for a candidate's own personal use is not permitted. For the purpose of this section, "personal use" means any use by which the candidate for public office or elected public official would be required to treat the amount of the expenditure as gross income under 26 U.S.C. § 61 , or any subsequent corresponding Internal Revenue Code section.
(2) Expenditures that are specifically prohibited under this section include, but are not limited to: (A) Any residential or household items, supplies or expenditures, including mortgage, rent or utility payments for any part of any personal residence of a candidate or officeholder or a member of the candidate's or officeholder's family; (B) Mortgage, rent, or utility payments for any part of any nonresidential property that is owned by a candidate or officeholder or a member of a candidate's or officeholder's family and used for campaign purposes, to the extent the payments exceed the fair market value of the property usage; (C) Funeral, cremation, or burial expenses related to deaths within a candidate's or officeholder's family; (D) Clothing, other than items of de minimis value that are used in the campaign; (E) Tuition payments within a candidate's or officeholder's family other than those associated with training campaign staff or associated with an officeholder's duties; (F) Dues, fees, or gratuities at a country club, health club, or recreational facility, unless they are part of a specific fundraising event that takes place on the organization's premises; (G) Salary payments to a member of a candidate's family, unless the family member is providing bona fide services to the campaign. If a family member provides bona fide services to the campaign, any salary payment in excess of the fair market value of the services provided is a prohibited use; (H) Admission to a sporting event, concert, theater, activity, charitable event or other form of entertainment, unless the event is an expense associated with a legitimate campaign or officeholder activity, where the tickets to such event are provided to students attending schools, guests or constituents of the candidate or officeholder, or persons involved in the candidate's or officeholder's campaign; (I) Payments for grooming or enhancing one's personal appearance unrelated to campaign activities; or (J) Payment of any fines, fees, or penalties assessed pursuant to this chapter or title 3, chapter 6.
(A) Any residential or household items, supplies or expenditures, including mortgage, rent or utility payments for any part of any personal residence of a candidate or officeholder or a member of the candidate's or officeholder's family;
(B) Mortgage, rent, or utility payments for any part of any nonresidential property that is owned by a candidate or officeholder or a member of a candidate's or officeholder's family and used for campaign purposes, to the extent the payments exceed the fair market value of the property usage;
(C) Funeral, cremation, or burial expenses related to deaths within a candidate's or officeholder's family;
(D) Clothing, other than items of de minimis value that are used in the campaign;
(E) Tuition payments within a candidate's or officeholder's family other than those associated with training campaign staff or associated with an officeholder's duties;
(F) Dues, fees, or gratuities at a country club, health club, or recreational facility, unless they are part of a specific fundraising event that takes place on the organization's premises;
(G) Salary payments to a member of a candidate's family, unless the family member is providing bona fide services to the campaign. If a family member provides bona fide services to the campaign, any salary payment in excess of the fair market value of the services provided is a prohibited use;
(H) Admission to a sporting event, concert, theater, activity, charitable event or other form of entertainment, unless the event is an expense associated with a legitimate campaign or officeholder activity, where the tickets to such event are provided to students attending schools, guests or constituents of the candidate or officeholder, or persons involved in the candidate's or officeholder's campaign;
(I) Payments for grooming or enhancing one's personal appearance unrelated to campaign activities; or
(J) Payment of any fines, fees, or penalties assessed pursuant to this chapter or title 3, chapter 6.
(3) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class 2 offense as defined in § 2-10-110(a)(2) .
(c) In addition to the manner in which unexpended balances in the campaign account of a candidate may be allocated under subsection (a), if an incumbent dies while in office and has an unexpended balance in a campaign account, and if such incumbent's surviving spouse or child is appointed to fill the unexpired term of the deceased incumbent or is elected to the office previously held by the deceased, then the balance remaining in the campaign account of such deceased incumbent shall be transferred to the campaign account of the surviving spouse or child of the deceased incumbent for use by such surviving spouse or child as a candidate for election to public office in accordance with this part.
(d) (1) In the event a candidate for public office dies with an unexpended balance of contributions in such candidate's campaign account and subsection (c) is not applicable, then the following individuals, in the descending order, are authorized to allocate such unexpended balance to those persons, political parties, or charitable organizations listed in subdivisions (a)(2)-(6) and (a)(8): (A) The deceased candidate, if the candidate provided for allocation of an unexpended balance through the candidate's will; (B) The deceased candidate's treasurer, unless the candidate was the treasurer; (C) The surviving spouse of the deceased candidate, if the candidate was the treasurer; and (D) The next of kin of the deceased candidate, if subdivisions (d)(1)(B) and (C) do not apply. (2) If a decision is not made by any such individual, or individuals where subdivision (d)(1)(D) applies, within one (1) year of the date of death of the deceased candidate, then the unexpended balance shall be distributed by the registry of election finance to the volunteer public education trust fund established under title 49, chapter 3, part 4.
(1) In the event a candidate for public office dies with an unexpended balance of contributions in such candidate's campaign account and subsection (c) is not applicable, then the following individuals, in the descending order, are authorized to allocate such unexpended balance to those persons, political parties, or charitable organizations listed in subdivisions (a)(2)-(6) and (a)(8): (A) The deceased candidate, if the candidate provided for allocation of an unexpended balance through the candidate's will; (B) The deceased candidate's treasurer, unless the candidate was the treasurer; (C) The surviving spouse of the deceased candidate, if the candidate was the treasurer; and (D) The next of kin of the deceased candidate, if subdivisions (d)(1)(B) and (C) do not apply.
(A) The deceased candidate, if the candidate provided for allocation of an unexpended balance through the candidate's will;
(B) The deceased candidate's treasurer, unless the candidate was the treasurer;
(C) The surviving spouse of the deceased candidate, if the candidate was the treasurer; and
(D) The next of kin of the deceased candidate, if subdivisions (d)(1)(B) and (C) do not apply.
(2) If a decision is not made by any such individual, or individuals where subdivision (d)(1)(D) applies, within one (1) year of the date of death of the deceased candidate, then the unexpended balance shall be distributed by the registry of election finance to the volunteer public education trust fund established under title 49, chapter 3, part 4.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if a member of the general assembly raises funds for a local public office during the time the general assembly is in session in accordance with § 2-10-310(a) , then any unexpended balance of contributions in the campaign account established by that member of the general assembly for the member's candidacy for local public office shall not be used for or distributed to a campaign fund: (1) For the benefit of any election for any candidate for the general assembly; (2) For the benefit of any statewide election, or any state, national or other political party; (3) For the benefit of any state, national or other political party caucus; or (4) For the benefit of any state, national or other political party caucus member.
(1) For the benefit of any election for any candidate for the general assembly;
(2) For the benefit of any statewide election, or any state, national or other political party;
(3) For the benefit of any state, national or other political party caucus; or
(4) For the benefit of any state, national or other political party caucus member.
(f) In addition to the manner in which unexpended balances in the campaign account of a candidate may be allocated under subsection (a), a member of the general assembly may use the funds to: (1) Pay for lodging expenses or pay for a portion of lodging expenses on the same day the member earns mileage reimbursement or per diem, pursuant to § 3-1-106 , if the lodging is necessitated by the normal course of the member's duties and the member is not otherwise eligible for reimbursement for such lodging or the member's reimbursement does not cover the total amount of the lodging expense; and (2) Reimburse the member for mileage above the mileage for which the member is reimbursed by this state for travel to Nashville, if the additional miles traveled are necessitated by the normal course of the member's duties.
(1) Pay for lodging expenses or pay for a portion of lodging expenses on the same day the member earns mileage reimbursement or per diem, pursuant to § 3-1-106 , if the lodging is necessitated by the normal course of the member's duties and the member is not otherwise eligible for reimbursement for such lodging or the member's reimbursement does not cover the total amount of the lodging expense; and
(2) Reimburse the member for mileage above the mileage for which the member is reimbursed by this state for travel to Nashville, if the additional miles traveled are necessitated by the normal course of the member's duties.
(g) (1) Transfers of funds or assets from a candidate's campaign account or a political campaign committee controlled by a candidate for a federal election to a candidate's campaign account or a political campaign committee of or for such candidate in an election for a state or local public office in this state are prohibited. (2) Transfers of excess funds or assets from a candidate's political campaign committee or campaign account for election to a local public office to a political campaign committee or campaign account of or for such candidate in an election to the general assembly or governor in this state are prohibited.
(1) Transfers of funds or assets from a candidate's campaign account or a political campaign committee controlled by a candidate for a federal election to a candidate's campaign account or a political campaign committee of or for such candidate in an election for a state or local public office in this state are prohibited.
(2) Transfers of excess funds or assets from a candidate's political campaign committee or campaign account for election to a local public office to a political campaign committee or campaign account of or for such candidate in an election to the general assembly or governor in this state are prohibited.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 7, eff. 4/4/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1026, s 1, eff. 5/11/2022.
Acts 1992, ch. 932, § 1; 2001, ch. 384, § 1; 2002, ch. 470, § 2; 2002, ch. 600, § 1; 2005, ch. 163, §§ 3, 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 8; 2011 , ch. 389, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-125 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-125
Disclosure of contract for consulting services or campaign services to the Tennessee ethics commission
Status: in_force

(a) If any person or other entity, other than the state, a county or municipality, contracts to pay a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services or campaign services to 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, then such person or entity shall disclose the following to the Tennessee ethics commission: (1) The person to whom the fee was paid, including the full names and identities of any person or other entity through which payment flowed to or from the person making the disclosure; (2) The position of the person to whom the fee was paid; (3) The amount of the fee; (4) The date the services were rendered; and (5) A general description of the services rendered. (b) 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 into a 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. (c) All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours. (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 person or entity contracts to pay a member of the general assembly or a staff person or employee of the general assembly a fee, commission, or other form of compensation, for the provision of campaign services to a candidate for state office or to a political campaign committee attempting to influence the result of a state election, the person or entity shall make the disclosures required under subdivisions (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 distributing mailers and fliers. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 37, s 1, eff. 3/14/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 18, s 21 eff. 8/15/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 17, 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) If any person or other entity, other than the state, a county or municipality, contracts to pay a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services or campaign services to 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, then such person or entity shall disclose the following to the Tennessee ethics commission: (1) The person to whom the fee was paid, including the full names and identities of any person or other entity through which payment flowed to or from the person making the disclosure; (2) The position of the person to whom the fee was paid; (3) The amount of the fee; (4) The date the services were rendered; and (5) A general description of the services rendered.
(1) The person to whom the fee was paid, including the full names and identities of any person or other entity through which payment flowed to or from the person making the disclosure;
(2) The position of the person to whom the fee was paid;
(3) The amount of the fee;
(4) The date the services were rendered; and
(5) A general description of the services rendered.
(b) 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 into a 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.
(c) All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours.
(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 person or entity contracts to pay a member of the general assembly or a staff person or employee of the general assembly a fee, commission, or other form of compensation, for the provision of campaign services to a candidate for state office or to a political campaign committee attempting to influence the result of a state election, the person or entity shall make the disclosures required under subdivisions (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 distributing mailers and fliers.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 37, s 1, eff. 3/14/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 18, s 21 eff. 8/15/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 17, 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. § 2-5-101 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-101
Time for filing - Required signatures - Failure to file - Filing office hours - Prohibited acts - Death or late withdrawal of candidates
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Candidates shall qualify by filing all nominating petitions, including any duplicate nominating petitions, by the deadlines set out in the schedule in this section. The qualifying deadline for any office not included in this section shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in the third calendar month before the election. (2) Independent and primary candidates for any office to be filled at the regular November election for which a primary is required to be held at the regular August election shall qualify by filing such candidates' nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. (3) Independent and primary candidates for any office to be filled in a regular August general election for which a May primary has been called under § 2-13-203 shall qualify by filing their petitions for the August election no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in February. In the event no May primary authorized under § 2-13-203 is called for any office to be filled in the regular August general election, then the candidates shall qualify by filing their petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. In presidential election years, if a political party calls for the county primary in March, the qualifying deadline for candidates in the primary and independent candidates for those offices shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Thursday in December. Independent candidates for offices which will appear on the county primary ballot shall qualify by filing their petitions at the same time primary candidates qualify. (4) Candidates in municipal elections held in conjunction with the regular August election shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. Candidates in municipal elections held in conjunction with the presidential preference primary election shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Thursday in December. Candidates in all other municipal elections shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in the third calendar month before the election. (5) In counties having a population in excess of six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the federal census of 1970 or any subsequent census, candidates in municipal elections will file their nominating petitions in accordance with time and date as prescribed for the August primary and November general election. When a special election is being held in conjunction with either a municipal August primary or November general election, the time of qualifying for candidates to the office for which the special election is being held shall conform and be governed by the same time and the same date prescribed for the municipal August primary or November general election; but in no way shall the time for qualifying specified by this subdivision (a)(5) be less than the qualifying time prescribed for the special election. (b) (1) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the office. Nominating petitions for independent presidential candidates shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters for each elector allocated to the state. Each independent candidate must designate the full number of electors allocated to the state. (2) The signer of a petition must include the address of the signer's residence as shown on the signer's voter registration card in order for that person's signature to be counted. In the event that the signer of a petition includes information on a nominating petition that exceeds the information contained on such person's voter registration card, the signature shall be counted if there is no conflict between the nominating petition and the voter registration card. If no street address is shown on the signer's voter registration card, that person's signature and address as shown on the voter registration card shall be sufficient. A street address shall be sufficient, and no apartment number shall be required. (3) A person's regular signature shall be accepted just as the person's legal signature would be accepted. For example, for the purposes of this subsection (b), "Joe Public" shall be accepted just as "Joseph Q. Public" would be accepted. (c) If a candidate does not file by the deadline specified in this section, or fails to file any duplicate petition required by § 2-5-104 by the deadline specified in this section, or the candidate's petition does not contain the signatures and residential addresses of twenty-five (25) or more registered voters eligible to vote to fill the office, the candidate's name shall not be printed on any official ballot for the election. (d) Offices in which petitions are to be filed shall be open until four o'clock (4:00 p.m.) prevailing time on the final day of any qualifying period. (e) The name of any candidate nominated by any political party by any method other than a primary election, for any office to be filled in a regular August election for which a March or May primary has been called under § 2-13-203 shall be certified by the party executive committee to the county election commission or county administrator of elections by the qualifying deadline for the respective primary as provided for elsewhere in this section. If no primary is held, party nominees shall be certified no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. (f) (1) It is unlawful for any person to qualify as a candidate in a primary election with more than one (1) political party in which such person seeks the same office. (2) It is unlawful for any person to qualify as an independent candidate and as a primary candidate for the same office in the same year. (3) No person defeated in a primary election or party caucus shall qualify as an independent for the general election. (4) No candidate in a party primary election or party caucus may appear on the ballot in a general election as the nominee of a different political party or as an independent. (5) No candidate, whether independent or represented by a political party, may be permitted to submit and have accepted by any election commission, more than one (1) qualifying petition, or otherwise qualify and be nominated, or have such candidate's name anywhere appear on any ballot for any election or primary, wherein such candidate is attempting to be qualified for and nominated or elected to more than one (1) state office as described in either § 2-13-202(1) or (2) or in article VI of the Constitution of Tennessee or more than one (1) constitutional county office described in article VII, § 1 of the Constitution of Tennessee or any other county-wide office, voted on by voters during any primary or general election. (6) It is unlawful for a person to qualify as a candidate for any election if such person has failed to file any required report for which a civil penalty has been imposed under chapter 10 of this title. (g) (1) If a candidate in a primary election or nonpartisan general election, after the qualifying deadline but on or before sixty (60) days before the primary or general election: (A) Dies; (B) Withdraws because of military call up; (C) Withdraws because of physical or mental disability, such physical or mental disability being properly documented by competent medical authority; (D) Withdraws because such candidate is forced to change residence by the candidate's employer for a job-related reason; (E) Is declared ineligible or disqualified by a court; (F) Is declared disqualified by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission pursuant to § 8-8-102(e) ; (G) Is declared disqualified by the Tennessee highway officials certification board pursuant to § 54-7-104 ; or (H) Is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 ; leaving no candidates for nomination or office, additional candidates may qualify for the election or that nomination by filing their petitions as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the occurrence of such an event listed under this subdivision (g)(1); provided, that, if a candidate is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , the qualifying deadline shall be no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the final determination of the appeal process under § 2-5-204(b)(2)(B) . If a qualifying deadline is extended pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1), there shall not be a withdrawal period. (2) If the qualifying deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the qualifying deadline shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the previous business day. (3) Candidates may withdraw for reasons other than those listed in subdivision (g)(1); however, no additional candidates may qualify. (h) (1) This subsection (h) shall be known and may be cited as the "Anti-Skullduggery Act of 1991." (2) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, additional candidates may qualify for an office by qualifying as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the seventh day after the original withdrawal deadline, if an incumbent of such office is a candidate for a primary or a nonpartisan general election and if such incumbent dies or properly withdraws on the last day for qualifying or prior to twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the seventh day after the qualifying deadline. (3) If an incumbent withdraws during the period specified in subdivision (h)(2), this subsection (h) shall operate to: (A) Extend the period to qualify for the primary election of each political party holding a primary for that office; (B) Extend the period during which a political party that would have been authorized by law to nominate a candidate for the office by a means other than primary election, but did not do so prior to the withdrawal of the incumbent; and (C) Extend the period a person may qualify for a nonpartisan general election. (4) Any request to withdraw by such additional candidates shall be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the new qualifying deadline. (i) Notwithstanding subdivisions (f)(1), (2), and (4), if an incumbent member of the general assembly who has filed a petition for reelection is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , then the incumbent member of the general assembly may file a new petition for the same office as a candidate for another political party or as an independent candidate. Notwithstanding the filing deadlines in this section, an incumbent member of the general assembly filing a petition under this subsection (i) shall file the petition no later than ninety (90) days before: (1) The primary election, if the incumbent is filing a petition as a candidate for another political party; or (2) The general election, if the incumbent is filing a petition as an independent candidate. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 4, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 3, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 2, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 1, eff. 11/6/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 925, s 1, eff. 4/28/2022. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 713, s 1, eff. 6/22/2020. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 604, s 2, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 508, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 106, §§ 1, 2; 1973, ch. 160, § 1; 1974, ch. 660, § 1; 1974, ch. 731, § 1; 1975, ch. 26, § 1; 1975, ch. 83, § 1; 1977, ch. 47, § 1; 1978, ch. 940, § 1; 1979, ch. 115, § 1; 1979, ch. 136, § 1; 1979, ch. 306, § 15; T.C.A., §§ 2-505, 2-511(c); Acts 1981, ch. 382, § 1; 1981, ch. 385, § 3; 1981, ch. 478, §§ 12, 13; 1982, ch. 871, §§ 4, 5; 1982, ch. 894, § 1; 1983, ch. 266, § 1; 1985, ch. 81, § 1; 1986, ch. 562, § 20; 1988, ch. 516, § 1; 1988, ch. 933, §§ 5, 6, 13; 1989, ch. 128, §§ 1, 3; 1989, ch. 247, § 1; 1989, ch. 590, §§ 7-9; 1990, ch. 628, § 3; 1991, ch. 153, §§ 1-6; 1991, ch. 373, § 3; 1991, ch. 414, §§ 1, 2; 1994, ch. 771, §§ 1-3; 1995, ch. 87, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 6, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 208, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 756, § 8; 2001, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; 2003 , ch. 374, § 13; 2004, ch. 480, § 4; 2008 , ch. 618, § 1; 2011 , ch. 182, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 955, § 9.
(a) (1) Candidates shall qualify by filing all nominating petitions, including any duplicate nominating petitions, by the deadlines set out in the schedule in this section. The qualifying deadline for any office not included in this section shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in the third calendar month before the election. (2) Independent and primary candidates for any office to be filled at the regular November election for which a primary is required to be held at the regular August election shall qualify by filing such candidates' nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. (3) Independent and primary candidates for any office to be filled in a regular August general election for which a May primary has been called under § 2-13-203 shall qualify by filing their petitions for the August election no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in February. In the event no May primary authorized under § 2-13-203 is called for any office to be filled in the regular August general election, then the candidates shall qualify by filing their petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. In presidential election years, if a political party calls for the county primary in March, the qualifying deadline for candidates in the primary and independent candidates for those offices shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Thursday in December. Independent candidates for offices which will appear on the county primary ballot shall qualify by filing their petitions at the same time primary candidates qualify. (4) Candidates in municipal elections held in conjunction with the regular August election shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. Candidates in municipal elections held in conjunction with the presidential preference primary election shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Thursday in December. Candidates in all other municipal elections shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in the third calendar month before the election. (5) In counties having a population in excess of six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the federal census of 1970 or any subsequent census, candidates in municipal elections will file their nominating petitions in accordance with time and date as prescribed for the August primary and November general election. When a special election is being held in conjunction with either a municipal August primary or November general election, the time of qualifying for candidates to the office for which the special election is being held shall conform and be governed by the same time and the same date prescribed for the municipal August primary or November general election; but in no way shall the time for qualifying specified by this subdivision (a)(5) be less than the qualifying time prescribed for the special election.
(1) Candidates shall qualify by filing all nominating petitions, including any duplicate nominating petitions, by the deadlines set out in the schedule in this section. The qualifying deadline for any office not included in this section shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in the third calendar month before the election.
(2) Independent and primary candidates for any office to be filled at the regular November election for which a primary is required to be held at the regular August election shall qualify by filing such candidates' nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March.
(3) Independent and primary candidates for any office to be filled in a regular August general election for which a May primary has been called under § 2-13-203 shall qualify by filing their petitions for the August election no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in February. In the event no May primary authorized under § 2-13-203 is called for any office to be filled in the regular August general election, then the candidates shall qualify by filing their petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. In presidential election years, if a political party calls for the county primary in March, the qualifying deadline for candidates in the primary and independent candidates for those offices shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Thursday in December. Independent candidates for offices which will appear on the county primary ballot shall qualify by filing their petitions at the same time primary candidates qualify.
(4) Candidates in municipal elections held in conjunction with the regular August election shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March. Candidates in municipal elections held in conjunction with the presidential preference primary election shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Thursday in December. Candidates in all other municipal elections shall file their nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the third Thursday in the third calendar month before the election.
(5) In counties having a population in excess of six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the federal census of 1970 or any subsequent census, candidates in municipal elections will file their nominating petitions in accordance with time and date as prescribed for the August primary and November general election. When a special election is being held in conjunction with either a municipal August primary or November general election, the time of qualifying for candidates to the office for which the special election is being held shall conform and be governed by the same time and the same date prescribed for the municipal August primary or November general election; but in no way shall the time for qualifying specified by this subdivision (a)(5) be less than the qualifying time prescribed for the special election.
(b) (1) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the office. Nominating petitions for independent presidential candidates shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters for each elector allocated to the state. Each independent candidate must designate the full number of electors allocated to the state. (2) The signer of a petition must include the address of the signer's residence as shown on the signer's voter registration card in order for that person's signature to be counted. In the event that the signer of a petition includes information on a nominating petition that exceeds the information contained on such person's voter registration card, the signature shall be counted if there is no conflict between the nominating petition and the voter registration card. If no street address is shown on the signer's voter registration card, that person's signature and address as shown on the voter registration card shall be sufficient. A street address shall be sufficient, and no apartment number shall be required. (3) A person's regular signature shall be accepted just as the person's legal signature would be accepted. For example, for the purposes of this subsection (b), "Joe Public" shall be accepted just as "Joseph Q. Public" would be accepted.
(1) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the office. Nominating petitions for independent presidential candidates shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters for each elector allocated to the state. Each independent candidate must designate the full number of electors allocated to the state.
(2) The signer of a petition must include the address of the signer's residence as shown on the signer's voter registration card in order for that person's signature to be counted. In the event that the signer of a petition includes information on a nominating petition that exceeds the information contained on such person's voter registration card, the signature shall be counted if there is no conflict between the nominating petition and the voter registration card. If no street address is shown on the signer's voter registration card, that person's signature and address as shown on the voter registration card shall be sufficient. A street address shall be sufficient, and no apartment number shall be required.
(3) A person's regular signature shall be accepted just as the person's legal signature would be accepted. For example, for the purposes of this subsection (b), "Joe Public" shall be accepted just as "Joseph Q. Public" would be accepted.
(c) If a candidate does not file by the deadline specified in this section, or fails to file any duplicate petition required by § 2-5-104 by the deadline specified in this section, or the candidate's petition does not contain the signatures and residential addresses of twenty-five (25) or more registered voters eligible to vote to fill the office, the candidate's name shall not be printed on any official ballot for the election.
(d) Offices in which petitions are to be filed shall be open until four o'clock (4:00 p.m.) prevailing time on the final day of any qualifying period.
(e) The name of any candidate nominated by any political party by any method other than a primary election, for any office to be filled in a regular August election for which a March or May primary has been called under § 2-13-203 shall be certified by the party executive committee to the county election commission or county administrator of elections by the qualifying deadline for the respective primary as provided for elsewhere in this section. If no primary is held, party nominees shall be certified no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in March.
(f) (1) It is unlawful for any person to qualify as a candidate in a primary election with more than one (1) political party in which such person seeks the same office. (2) It is unlawful for any person to qualify as an independent candidate and as a primary candidate for the same office in the same year. (3) No person defeated in a primary election or party caucus shall qualify as an independent for the general election. (4) No candidate in a party primary election or party caucus may appear on the ballot in a general election as the nominee of a different political party or as an independent. (5) No candidate, whether independent or represented by a political party, may be permitted to submit and have accepted by any election commission, more than one (1) qualifying petition, or otherwise qualify and be nominated, or have such candidate's name anywhere appear on any ballot for any election or primary, wherein such candidate is attempting to be qualified for and nominated or elected to more than one (1) state office as described in either § 2-13-202(1) or (2) or in article VI of the Constitution of Tennessee or more than one (1) constitutional county office described in article VII, § 1 of the Constitution of Tennessee or any other county-wide office, voted on by voters during any primary or general election. (6) It is unlawful for a person to qualify as a candidate for any election if such person has failed to file any required report for which a civil penalty has been imposed under chapter 10 of this title.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to qualify as a candidate in a primary election with more than one (1) political party in which such person seeks the same office.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to qualify as an independent candidate and as a primary candidate for the same office in the same year.
(3) No person defeated in a primary election or party caucus shall qualify as an independent for the general election.
(4) No candidate in a party primary election or party caucus may appear on the ballot in a general election as the nominee of a different political party or as an independent.
(5) No candidate, whether independent or represented by a political party, may be permitted to submit and have accepted by any election commission, more than one (1) qualifying petition, or otherwise qualify and be nominated, or have such candidate's name anywhere appear on any ballot for any election or primary, wherein such candidate is attempting to be qualified for and nominated or elected to more than one (1) state office as described in either § 2-13-202(1) or (2) or in article VI of the Constitution of Tennessee or more than one (1) constitutional county office described in article VII, § 1 of the Constitution of Tennessee or any other county-wide office, voted on by voters during any primary or general election.
(6) It is unlawful for a person to qualify as a candidate for any election if such person has failed to file any required report for which a civil penalty has been imposed under chapter 10 of this title.
(g) (1) If a candidate in a primary election or nonpartisan general election, after the qualifying deadline but on or before sixty (60) days before the primary or general election: (A) Dies; (B) Withdraws because of military call up; (C) Withdraws because of physical or mental disability, such physical or mental disability being properly documented by competent medical authority; (D) Withdraws because such candidate is forced to change residence by the candidate's employer for a job-related reason; (E) Is declared ineligible or disqualified by a court; (F) Is declared disqualified by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission pursuant to § 8-8-102(e) ; (G) Is declared disqualified by the Tennessee highway officials certification board pursuant to § 54-7-104 ; or (H) Is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 ; leaving no candidates for nomination or office, additional candidates may qualify for the election or that nomination by filing their petitions as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the occurrence of such an event listed under this subdivision (g)(1); provided, that, if a candidate is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , the qualifying deadline shall be no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the final determination of the appeal process under § 2-5-204(b)(2)(B) . If a qualifying deadline is extended pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1), there shall not be a withdrawal period. (2) If the qualifying deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the qualifying deadline shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the previous business day. (3) Candidates may withdraw for reasons other than those listed in subdivision (g)(1); however, no additional candidates may qualify.
(1) If a candidate in a primary election or nonpartisan general election, after the qualifying deadline but on or before sixty (60) days before the primary or general election: (A) Dies; (B) Withdraws because of military call up; (C) Withdraws because of physical or mental disability, such physical or mental disability being properly documented by competent medical authority; (D) Withdraws because such candidate is forced to change residence by the candidate's employer for a job-related reason; (E) Is declared ineligible or disqualified by a court; (F) Is declared disqualified by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission pursuant to § 8-8-102(e) ; (G) Is declared disqualified by the Tennessee highway officials certification board pursuant to § 54-7-104 ; or (H) Is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 ; leaving no candidates for nomination or office, additional candidates may qualify for the election or that nomination by filing their petitions as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the occurrence of such an event listed under this subdivision (g)(1); provided, that, if a candidate is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , the qualifying deadline shall be no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the final determination of the appeal process under § 2-5-204(b)(2)(B) . If a qualifying deadline is extended pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1), there shall not be a withdrawal period.
(A) Dies;
(B) Withdraws because of military call up;
(C) Withdraws because of physical or mental disability, such physical or mental disability being properly documented by competent medical authority;
(D) Withdraws because such candidate is forced to change residence by the candidate's employer for a job-related reason;
(E) Is declared ineligible or disqualified by a court;
(F) Is declared disqualified by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission pursuant to § 8-8-102(e) ;
(G) Is declared disqualified by the Tennessee highway officials certification board pursuant to § 54-7-104 ; or
(H) Is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 ; leaving no candidates for nomination or office, additional candidates may qualify for the election or that nomination by filing their petitions as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the occurrence of such an event listed under this subdivision (g)(1); provided, that, if a candidate is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , the qualifying deadline shall be no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the final determination of the appeal process under § 2-5-204(b)(2)(B) . If a qualifying deadline is extended pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1), there shall not be a withdrawal period.
leaving no candidates for nomination or office, additional candidates may qualify for the election or that nomination by filing their petitions as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the occurrence of such an event listed under this subdivision (g)(1); provided, that, if a candidate is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , the qualifying deadline shall be no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, seven (7) calendar days after the final determination of the appeal process under § 2-5-204(b)(2)(B) . If a qualifying deadline is extended pursuant to this subdivision (g)(1), there shall not be a withdrawal period.
(2) If the qualifying deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the qualifying deadline shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the previous business day.
(3) Candidates may withdraw for reasons other than those listed in subdivision (g)(1); however, no additional candidates may qualify.
(h) (1) This subsection (h) shall be known and may be cited as the "Anti-Skullduggery Act of 1991." (2) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, additional candidates may qualify for an office by qualifying as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the seventh day after the original withdrawal deadline, if an incumbent of such office is a candidate for a primary or a nonpartisan general election and if such incumbent dies or properly withdraws on the last day for qualifying or prior to twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the seventh day after the qualifying deadline. (3) If an incumbent withdraws during the period specified in subdivision (h)(2), this subsection (h) shall operate to: (A) Extend the period to qualify for the primary election of each political party holding a primary for that office; (B) Extend the period during which a political party that would have been authorized by law to nominate a candidate for the office by a means other than primary election, but did not do so prior to the withdrawal of the incumbent; and (C) Extend the period a person may qualify for a nonpartisan general election. (4) Any request to withdraw by such additional candidates shall be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the new qualifying deadline.
(1) This subsection (h) shall be known and may be cited as the "Anti-Skullduggery Act of 1991."
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, additional candidates may qualify for an office by qualifying as provided by law no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the seventh day after the original withdrawal deadline, if an incumbent of such office is a candidate for a primary or a nonpartisan general election and if such incumbent dies or properly withdraws on the last day for qualifying or prior to twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the seventh day after the qualifying deadline.
(3) If an incumbent withdraws during the period specified in subdivision (h)(2), this subsection (h) shall operate to: (A) Extend the period to qualify for the primary election of each political party holding a primary for that office; (B) Extend the period during which a political party that would have been authorized by law to nominate a candidate for the office by a means other than primary election, but did not do so prior to the withdrawal of the incumbent; and (C) Extend the period a person may qualify for a nonpartisan general election.
(A) Extend the period to qualify for the primary election of each political party holding a primary for that office;
(B) Extend the period during which a political party that would have been authorized by law to nominate a candidate for the office by a means other than primary election, but did not do so prior to the withdrawal of the incumbent; and
(C) Extend the period a person may qualify for a nonpartisan general election.
(4) Any request to withdraw by such additional candidates shall be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the fourth day after the new qualifying deadline.
(i) Notwithstanding subdivisions (f)(1), (2), and (4), if an incumbent member of the general assembly who has filed a petition for reelection is disqualified by the political party executive committee under § 2-5-204 , then the incumbent member of the general assembly may file a new petition for the same office as a candidate for another political party or as an independent candidate. Notwithstanding the filing deadlines in this section, an incumbent member of the general assembly filing a petition under this subsection (i) shall file the petition no later than ninety (90) days before: (1) The primary election, if the incumbent is filing a petition as a candidate for another political party; or (2) The general election, if the incumbent is filing a petition as an independent candidate.
(1) The primary election, if the incumbent is filing a petition as a candidate for another political party; or
(2) The general election, if the incumbent is filing a petition as an independent candidate.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 4, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 3, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 2, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 822,s 1, eff. 11/6/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 925, s 1, eff. 4/28/2022.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 713, s 1, eff. 6/22/2020.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 604, s 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 508, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 106, §§ 1, 2; 1973, ch. 160, § 1; 1974, ch. 660, § 1; 1974, ch. 731, § 1; 1975, ch. 26, § 1; 1975, ch. 83, § 1; 1977, ch. 47, § 1; 1978, ch. 940, § 1; 1979, ch. 115, § 1; 1979, ch. 136, § 1; 1979, ch. 306, § 15; T.C.A., §§ 2-505, 2-511(c); Acts 1981, ch. 382, § 1; 1981, ch. 385, § 3; 1981, ch. 478, §§ 12, 13; 1982, ch. 871, §§ 4, 5; 1982, ch. 894, § 1; 1983, ch. 266, § 1; 1985, ch. 81, § 1; 1986, ch. 562, § 20; 1988, ch. 516, § 1; 1988, ch. 933, §§ 5, 6, 13; 1989, ch. 128, §§ 1, 3; 1989, ch. 247, § 1; 1989, ch. 590, §§ 7-9; 1990, ch. 628, § 3; 1991, ch. 153, §§ 1-6; 1991, ch. 373, § 3; 1991, ch. 414, §§ 1, 2; 1994, ch. 771, §§ 1-3; 1995, ch. 87, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 6, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 208, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 756, § 8; 2001, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; 2003 , ch. 374, § 13; 2004, ch. 480, § 4; 2008 , ch. 618, § 1; 2011 , ch. 182, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 955, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-204 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-204
Withdrawal or death of candidate - New nomination
Status: in_force

(a) If a political party's candidate for any office dies or withdraws because of military call-up for the draft, or physical or mental disability, such physical or mental disability being properly documented by competent medical authority, or is forced to change residence by the candidate's employer for a job-related reason, or is declared ineligible or disqualified by a court, a new nomination may be made by the former nominee's party by any method of nomination authorized by § 2-13-203 . A political party's candidate may withdraw for reasons other than those stated in the preceding sentence, but the political party may make no further nomination for the position in question. (b) (1) If the office is to be filled by the voters of the entire state, the party's state executive committee shall determine the method of nomination. (2) If the office is to be filled by the voters of more than one (1) county, the party's chairs of its county executive committees in those counties whose voters will fill the office shall form a committee to determine the method of nomination. However, if the office to be filled is for the house of representatives of the United States congress in a district which consists of more than one (1) county, the chair of the congressional district's convention for that political party shall convene a convention in accordance with the party's rules within fourteen (14) days of the date of the vacancy to determine the method of nomination. (3) If the office is to be filled by the voters of one (1) county, the party's county executive committee shall determine the method of nomination. (4) If the office to be filled is a seat in the general assembly, then it shall be filled by the members of the party's county executive committee who reside within that district, except that in counties 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 office shall be filled by the members of the party's county executive committee who represent precincts within that district. In a county with two (2) or more districts, only members of the county executive committee who reside within a particular district shall determine the method of nomination in that district except that in counties 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, only members of the party's county executive committee who represent precincts within that district shall determine the method of nomination in that district. If no member of the county executive committee resides within a district, then the members of the county executive committees who represent precincts within the district may nominate a candidate. The chair of the county executive committee of the residence of the former nominee shall call a joint convention for the purpose of selecting a new nominee as herein provided within ten (10) days of the date the vacancy occurred. In counties where the members of the county executive committee are selected at large, the full executive committee shall determine the method of nomination. (5) In counties having a metropolitan form of government the proper county political party executive committee shall meet to choose the party's new nominee. (c) No later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the fortieth day before the election, the chair of the party's state executive committee shall file with the county election commission of each county in which the nominee is a candidate a written statement of their name of the new nominee. If any of the events allowing a new nomination occur within ten (10) days of the fortieth day, the time for making a new nomination shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time on the tenth day following the death or withdrawal. (d) If a candidate for the general assembly is elected to a local public office where the charter or law governing the local election prohibits the person from holding a state office and a local office simultaneously, then the candidate shall have the candidate's name removed from the ballot as a candidate for election to the general assembly, if the candidate files a written request with the county election commission requesting the candidate's name be removed at least fifty (50) calendar days prior to the election for the general assembly. Nomination for a new candidate may be made by the former candidate's party by any method of nomination authorized by § 2-13-203 . Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 484,s 1, eff. 5/20/2015. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 660, § 1; 1976, ch. 669, §§ 1-3; 1977, ch. 480, § 2; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; 1979, ch. 306, §§ 14, 18-20; T.C.A., § 2-511(a), (b); Acts 1981, ch. 392, § 1; 1997, ch. 558, § 3; 1999, ch. 6, §§ 4, 5; 2006, ch. 965, § 3.
(a) If a political party's candidate for any office dies or withdraws because of military call-up for the draft, or physical or mental disability, such physical or mental disability being properly documented by competent medical authority, or is forced to change residence by the candidate's employer for a job-related reason, or is declared ineligible or disqualified by a court, a new nomination may be made by the former nominee's party by any method of nomination authorized by § 2-13-203 . A political party's candidate may withdraw for reasons other than those stated in the preceding sentence, but the political party may make no further nomination for the position in question.
(b) (1) If the office is to be filled by the voters of the entire state, the party's state executive committee shall determine the method of nomination. (2) If the office is to be filled by the voters of more than one (1) county, the party's chairs of its county executive committees in those counties whose voters will fill the office shall form a committee to determine the method of nomination. However, if the office to be filled is for the house of representatives of the United States congress in a district which consists of more than one (1) county, the chair of the congressional district's convention for that political party shall convene a convention in accordance with the party's rules within fourteen (14) days of the date of the vacancy to determine the method of nomination. (3) If the office is to be filled by the voters of one (1) county, the party's county executive committee shall determine the method of nomination. (4) If the office to be filled is a seat in the general assembly, then it shall be filled by the members of the party's county executive committee who reside within that district, except that in counties 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 office shall be filled by the members of the party's county executive committee who represent precincts within that district. In a county with two (2) or more districts, only members of the county executive committee who reside within a particular district shall determine the method of nomination in that district except that in counties 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, only members of the party's county executive committee who represent precincts within that district shall determine the method of nomination in that district. If no member of the county executive committee resides within a district, then the members of the county executive committees who represent precincts within the district may nominate a candidate. The chair of the county executive committee of the residence of the former nominee shall call a joint convention for the purpose of selecting a new nominee as herein provided within ten (10) days of the date the vacancy occurred. In counties where the members of the county executive committee are selected at large, the full executive committee shall determine the method of nomination. (5) In counties having a metropolitan form of government the proper county political party executive committee shall meet to choose the party's new nominee.
(1) If the office is to be filled by the voters of the entire state, the party's state executive committee shall determine the method of nomination.
(2) If the office is to be filled by the voters of more than one (1) county, the party's chairs of its county executive committees in those counties whose voters will fill the office shall form a committee to determine the method of nomination. However, if the office to be filled is for the house of representatives of the United States congress in a district which consists of more than one (1) county, the chair of the congressional district's convention for that political party shall convene a convention in accordance with the party's rules within fourteen (14) days of the date of the vacancy to determine the method of nomination.
(3) If the office is to be filled by the voters of one (1) county, the party's county executive committee shall determine the method of nomination.
(4) If the office to be filled is a seat in the general assembly, then it shall be filled by the members of the party's county executive committee who reside within that district, except that in counties 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 office shall be filled by the members of the party's county executive committee who represent precincts within that district. In a county with two (2) or more districts, only members of the county executive committee who reside within a particular district shall determine the method of nomination in that district except that in counties 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, only members of the party's county executive committee who represent precincts within that district shall determine the method of nomination in that district. If no member of the county executive committee resides within a district, then the members of the county executive committees who represent precincts within the district may nominate a candidate. The chair of the county executive committee of the residence of the former nominee shall call a joint convention for the purpose of selecting a new nominee as herein provided within ten (10) days of the date the vacancy occurred. In counties where the members of the county executive committee are selected at large, the full executive committee shall determine the method of nomination.
(5) In counties having a metropolitan form of government the proper county political party executive committee shall meet to choose the party's new nominee.
(c) No later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the fortieth day before the election, the chair of the party's state executive committee shall file with the county election commission of each county in which the nominee is a candidate a written statement of their name of the new nominee. If any of the events allowing a new nomination occur within ten (10) days of the fortieth day, the time for making a new nomination shall be twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time on the tenth day following the death or withdrawal.
(d) If a candidate for the general assembly is elected to a local public office where the charter or law governing the local election prohibits the person from holding a state office and a local office simultaneously, then the candidate shall have the candidate's name removed from the ballot as a candidate for election to the general assembly, if the candidate files a written request with the county election commission requesting the candidate's name be removed at least fifty (50) calendar days prior to the election for the general assembly. Nomination for a new candidate may be made by the former candidate's party by any method of nomination authorized by § 2-13-203 .
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 484,s 1, eff. 5/20/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 660, § 1; 1976, ch. 669, §§ 1-3; 1977, ch. 480, § 2; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; 1979, ch. 306, §§ 14, 18-20; T.C.A., § 2-511(a), (b); Acts 1981, ch. 392, § 1; 1997, ch. 558, § 3; 1999, ch. 6, §§ 4, 5; 2006, ch. 965, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-129 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-129
Unused paper ballots - Disposal
Status: in_force

Immediately after the polls close and before any ballot box or voting machine is opened to count votes, the judges shall tear all unused paper ballots in half without tearing off the numbered stubs. The portion without the stubs may then be discarded, and the portion with the stubs shall be preserved. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-729.
Immediately after the polls close and before any ballot box or voting machine is opened to count votes, the judges shall tear all unused paper ballots in half without tearing off the numbered stubs. The portion without the stubs may then be discarded, and the portion with the stubs shall be preserved.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-729.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 11 / Section 2-11-201
Coordinator of elections
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state shall appoint the coordinator of elections, who shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state and for such compensation as the secretary of state determines. (b) The coordinator of elections is the chief administrative election officer of the state and shall obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the election code. (c) Subject to the concurrence of the secretary of state, the coordinator of elections may make rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the election code. Copies of such rules and regulations shall be furnished to the state and county election commissions and to the state and county primary boards. (d) Subject to the prior approval of the secretary of state, the coordinator of elections may within budgetary limits employ such personnel and enter into such contracts for equipment as may be appropriate for the efficient discharge of the duties of the office. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 267, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1111; Acts 1984, ch. 728, § 1.
(a) The secretary of state shall appoint the coordinator of elections, who shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state and for such compensation as the secretary of state determines.
(b) The coordinator of elections is the chief administrative election officer of the state and shall obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the election code.
(c) Subject to the concurrence of the secretary of state, the coordinator of elections may make rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the election code. Copies of such rules and regulations shall be furnished to the state and county election commissions and to the state and county primary boards.
(d) Subject to the prior approval of the secretary of state, the coordinator of elections may within budgetary limits employ such personnel and enter into such contracts for equipment as may be appropriate for the efficient discharge of the duties of the office.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 267, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1111; Acts 1984, ch. 728, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-203 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-203
Registry of election finance - Creation - Appointments - Qualifications - Administration
Status: in_force

(a) (1) There is created as a division of the bureau of ethics and campaign finance, as provided in title 4, chapter 55, a Tennessee registry of election finance. The registry shall be composed of six (6) members appointed as provided in this section. (2) Appointments shall be made to reflect the broadest possible representation of Tennessee citizens. Of the six (6) members appointed, at least one (1) shall be a female and one (1) shall be black. However, a black female shall not satisfy the requirement of one (1) female and one (1) black. Each member shall have been a legal resident of this state for five (5) years immediately preceding selection. Members shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, registered voters in Tennessee, not announced candidates for public office, not members of a political party's state executive committee, shall not have been convicted of an election offense, and shall be persons of high ethical standards who have an active interest in promoting fair elections. Gubernatorial appointees shall be subject to confirmation by joint resolution of the general assembly. Such appointees shall have full power to serve until any vote of nonconfirmation. (b) The members of the registry of election finance shall also serve as members of the board of directors of the bureau of ethics and campaign finance. (c) Members of the registry shall be selected for staggered five-year terms as follows: (1) The governor shall appoint two (2) members. One (1) member shall be appointed from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the state executive committee of the majority party. One (1) member shall be appointed from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the state executive committee of the minority party. The governor's solicitations and the replies shall be public records. The governor shall give due consideration to such nominations. The governor may request a second list of nominees; provided, however, no nominees from the original list of nominees may appear on the second list of nominees. (2) The senate shall appoint two (2) members, with one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the senate democratic caucus and one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the senate republican caucus. The registry is required to notify in writing the appropriate caucus and speaker of the senate within a reasonable time upon the expiration of a member's term or a vacancy occurring. If either caucus fails to appoint a member within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of a vacancy from the registry or after receiving written notice of the expiration of a term from the registry, the speaker of the senate shall appoint a democrat or republican, as applicable, to fill the vacancy or make the appointment; and (3) The house of representatives shall appoint two (2) members, with one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the house of representatives democratic caucus and one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the house of representatives republican caucus. The registry is required to notify in writing the appropriate caucus and speaker of the house of representatives within a reasonable time upon the expiration of a member's term or a vacancy occurring. If either caucus fails to appoint a member within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of a vacancy from the registry or after receiving written notice of the expiration of a term from the registry, the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint a democrat or republican, as applicable, to fill the vacancy or make the appointment. (d) In the event of a vacancy, the respective appointing authority shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. (e) The registry shall elect a chair from among its appointed membership. The chair shall serve in that capacity for one (1) year and shall be eligible for reelection. The chair shall preside at all meetings and shall have all the powers and privileges of the other members. (f) The registry shall fix the place and time of its regular meetings by order duly recorded in its minutes. No action shall be taken without a quorum present. Special meetings shall be called by the chair on the chair's initiative or on the written request of four (4) members. Members shall receive seven (7) days' written notice of a special meeting, and the notice shall specify the purpose, time and place of the meeting, and no other matters may be considered, without a specific waiver by all the members. (g) The members of the registry shall receive no compensation; provided, that each member of the registry shall be eligible for reimbursement for expenses and mileage in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the commissioner of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. (h) No member of the registry or such member's immediate family, as defined in § 3-6-301 , shall, during registry membership: (1) Be allowed to hold or qualify for elective office to any state or local public office, as defined in § 2-10-102 ; (2) Be an employee of the state or any political subdivision of the state; (3) Be an officer of any political party or political committee; (4) Permit such person's name to be used or make campaign contributions in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition, except that a member's immediate family may make campaign contributions in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition; (5) Participate in any way in any election campaign; (6) Lobby or employ a lobbyist; or (7) Be employed by any elected officeholder, either in an official capacity or as an individual, or be employed by any business in which an elected officeholder has any direct input concerning employment decisions. (i) An incumbent member of the registry may seek votes for confirmation of the member's appointment to the registry; provided, that the member shall comply with subsection (h). (j) Subsection (h) is applicable for one (1) year subsequent to the removal, vacancy, or termination of the term of office of a member of the registry. (k) (1) Every member of the registry of election finance shall, before they proceed to business, take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of this state and of the United States and the laws of this state and also the following oath: "I ______________ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this registry of election finance, I will, in all matters, vote without favor, affection, partiality, or prejudice; and that I will not propose or assent to any action, measure, or resolution which shall appear to me to be contrary to law." (2) Unless otherwise provided by law, any member of the registry who violates the oath of office for that position or participates in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter commits a Class A misdemeanor. If a sworn allegation is made that a member has violated the oath of office for the member's position or has participated in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter, then upon a unanimous vote of the remaining members, the member against whom the sworn allegation is made may be suspended from the registry for such purposes and for such times as the remaining members shall unanimously determine, but no suspension shall extend beyond final disposition of the sworn allegation. The accused member shall not participate in the suspension vote. If a member of the registry is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of the oath of office for the member's position or participates in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter, then that member shall be deemed to be removed from office. (l) Each regular meeting agenda must be published on the registry's website at least five (5) business days prior to the date of the meeting. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 14, s 30 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Sec.s 2, eff. 5/27/2022 and s 15 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 78, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 3; 1998, ch. 1062, § 1; 1998, ch. 1082, § 1; 1999, ch. 119, § 1; 2002, ch. 470, § 3; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, §§ 21, 22, 24, 25; 2009 , ch. 556, §§ 7-9.
(a) (1) There is created as a division of the bureau of ethics and campaign finance, as provided in title 4, chapter 55, a Tennessee registry of election finance. The registry shall be composed of six (6) members appointed as provided in this section. (2) Appointments shall be made to reflect the broadest possible representation of Tennessee citizens. Of the six (6) members appointed, at least one (1) shall be a female and one (1) shall be black. However, a black female shall not satisfy the requirement of one (1) female and one (1) black. Each member shall have been a legal resident of this state for five (5) years immediately preceding selection. Members shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, registered voters in Tennessee, not announced candidates for public office, not members of a political party's state executive committee, shall not have been convicted of an election offense, and shall be persons of high ethical standards who have an active interest in promoting fair elections. Gubernatorial appointees shall be subject to confirmation by joint resolution of the general assembly. Such appointees shall have full power to serve until any vote of nonconfirmation.
(1) There is created as a division of the bureau of ethics and campaign finance, as provided in title 4, chapter 55, a Tennessee registry of election finance. The registry shall be composed of six (6) members appointed as provided in this section.
(2) Appointments shall be made to reflect the broadest possible representation of Tennessee citizens. Of the six (6) members appointed, at least one (1) shall be a female and one (1) shall be black. However, a black female shall not satisfy the requirement of one (1) female and one (1) black. Each member shall have been a legal resident of this state for five (5) years immediately preceding selection. Members shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, registered voters in Tennessee, not announced candidates for public office, not members of a political party's state executive committee, shall not have been convicted of an election offense, and shall be persons of high ethical standards who have an active interest in promoting fair elections. Gubernatorial appointees shall be subject to confirmation by joint resolution of the general assembly. Such appointees shall have full power to serve until any vote of nonconfirmation.
(b) The members of the registry of election finance shall also serve as members of the board of directors of the bureau of ethics and campaign finance.
(c) Members of the registry shall be selected for staggered five-year terms as follows: (1) The governor shall appoint two (2) members. One (1) member shall be appointed from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the state executive committee of the majority party. One (1) member shall be appointed from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the state executive committee of the minority party. The governor's solicitations and the replies shall be public records. The governor shall give due consideration to such nominations. The governor may request a second list of nominees; provided, however, no nominees from the original list of nominees may appear on the second list of nominees. (2) The senate shall appoint two (2) members, with one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the senate democratic caucus and one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the senate republican caucus. The registry is required to notify in writing the appropriate caucus and speaker of the senate within a reasonable time upon the expiration of a member's term or a vacancy occurring. If either caucus fails to appoint a member within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of a vacancy from the registry or after receiving written notice of the expiration of a term from the registry, the speaker of the senate shall appoint a democrat or republican, as applicable, to fill the vacancy or make the appointment; and (3) The house of representatives shall appoint two (2) members, with one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the house of representatives democratic caucus and one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the house of representatives republican caucus. The registry is required to notify in writing the appropriate caucus and speaker of the house of representatives within a reasonable time upon the expiration of a member's term or a vacancy occurring. If either caucus fails to appoint a member within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of a vacancy from the registry or after receiving written notice of the expiration of a term from the registry, the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint a democrat or republican, as applicable, to fill the vacancy or make the appointment.
(1) The governor shall appoint two (2) members. One (1) member shall be appointed from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the state executive committee of the majority party. One (1) member shall be appointed from a list of three (3) nominees submitted by the state executive committee of the minority party. The governor's solicitations and the replies shall be public records. The governor shall give due consideration to such nominations. The governor may request a second list of nominees; provided, however, no nominees from the original list of nominees may appear on the second list of nominees.
(2) The senate shall appoint two (2) members, with one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the senate democratic caucus and one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the senate republican caucus. The registry is required to notify in writing the appropriate caucus and speaker of the senate within a reasonable time upon the expiration of a member's term or a vacancy occurring. If either caucus fails to appoint a member within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of a vacancy from the registry or after receiving written notice of the expiration of a term from the registry, the speaker of the senate shall appoint a democrat or republican, as applicable, to fill the vacancy or make the appointment; and
(3) The house of representatives shall appoint two (2) members, with one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the house of representatives democratic caucus and one (1) member to be chosen by the members of the house of representatives republican caucus. The registry is required to notify in writing the appropriate caucus and speaker of the house of representatives within a reasonable time upon the expiration of a member's term or a vacancy occurring. If either caucus fails to appoint a member within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of a vacancy from the registry or after receiving written notice of the expiration of a term from the registry, the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint a democrat or republican, as applicable, to fill the vacancy or make the appointment.
(d) In the event of a vacancy, the respective appointing authority shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.
(e) The registry shall elect a chair from among its appointed membership. The chair shall serve in that capacity for one (1) year and shall be eligible for reelection. The chair shall preside at all meetings and shall have all the powers and privileges of the other members.
(f) The registry shall fix the place and time of its regular meetings by order duly recorded in its minutes. No action shall be taken without a quorum present. Special meetings shall be called by the chair on the chair's initiative or on the written request of four (4) members. Members shall receive seven (7) days' written notice of a special meeting, and the notice shall specify the purpose, time and place of the meeting, and no other matters may be considered, without a specific waiver by all the members.
(g) The members of the registry shall receive no compensation; provided, that each member of the registry shall be eligible for reimbursement for expenses and mileage in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the commissioner of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
(h) No member of the registry or such member's immediate family, as defined in § 3-6-301 , shall, during registry membership: (1) Be allowed to hold or qualify for elective office to any state or local public office, as defined in § 2-10-102 ; (2) Be an employee of the state or any political subdivision of the state; (3) Be an officer of any political party or political committee; (4) Permit such person's name to be used or make campaign contributions in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition, except that a member's immediate family may make campaign contributions in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition; (5) Participate in any way in any election campaign; (6) Lobby or employ a lobbyist; or (7) Be employed by any elected officeholder, either in an official capacity or as an individual, or be employed by any business in which an elected officeholder has any direct input concerning employment decisions.
(1) Be allowed to hold or qualify for elective office to any state or local public office, as defined in § 2-10-102 ;
(2) Be an employee of the state or any political subdivision of the state;
(3) Be an officer of any political party or political committee;
(4) Permit such person's name to be used or make campaign contributions in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition, except that a member's immediate family may make campaign contributions in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition;
(5) Participate in any way in any election campaign;
(6) Lobby or employ a lobbyist; or
(7) Be employed by any elected officeholder, either in an official capacity or as an individual, or be employed by any business in which an elected officeholder has any direct input concerning employment decisions.
(i) An incumbent member of the registry may seek votes for confirmation of the member's appointment to the registry; provided, that the member shall comply with subsection (h).
(j) Subsection (h) is applicable for one (1) year subsequent to the removal, vacancy, or termination of the term of office of a member of the registry.
(k) (1) Every member of the registry of election finance shall, before they proceed to business, take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of this state and of the United States and the laws of this state and also the following oath: "I ______________ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this registry of election finance, I will, in all matters, vote without favor, affection, partiality, or prejudice; and that I will not propose or assent to any action, measure, or resolution which shall appear to me to be contrary to law." (2) Unless otherwise provided by law, any member of the registry who violates the oath of office for that position or participates in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter commits a Class A misdemeanor. If a sworn allegation is made that a member has violated the oath of office for the member's position or has participated in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter, then upon a unanimous vote of the remaining members, the member against whom the sworn allegation is made may be suspended from the registry for such purposes and for such times as the remaining members shall unanimously determine, but no suspension shall extend beyond final disposition of the sworn allegation. The accused member shall not participate in the suspension vote. If a member of the registry is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of the oath of office for the member's position or participates in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter, then that member shall be deemed to be removed from office.
(1) Every member of the registry of election finance shall, before they proceed to business, take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of this state and of the United States and the laws of this state and also the following oath: "I ______________ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this registry of election finance, I will, in all matters, vote without favor, affection, partiality, or prejudice; and that I will not propose or assent to any action, measure, or resolution which shall appear to me to be contrary to law."
"I ______________ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this registry of election finance, I will, in all matters, vote without favor, affection, partiality, or prejudice; and that I will not propose or assent to any action, measure, or resolution which shall appear to me to be contrary to law."
(2) Unless otherwise provided by law, any member of the registry who violates the oath of office for that position or participates in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter commits a Class A misdemeanor. If a sworn allegation is made that a member has violated the oath of office for the member's position or has participated in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter, then upon a unanimous vote of the remaining members, the member against whom the sworn allegation is made may be suspended from the registry for such purposes and for such times as the remaining members shall unanimously determine, but no suspension shall extend beyond final disposition of the sworn allegation. The accused member shall not participate in the suspension vote. If a member of the registry is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of the oath of office for the member's position or participates in any of the activities prohibited by this chapter, then that member shall be deemed to be removed from office.
(l) Each regular meeting agenda must be published on the registry's website at least five (5) business days prior to the date of the meeting.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Secs.s 14, s 30 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, Sec.s 2, eff. 5/27/2022 and s 15 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 78, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 3; 1998, ch. 1062, § 1; 1998, ch. 1082, § 1; 1999, ch. 119, § 1; 2002, ch. 470, § 3; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, §§ 21, 22, 24, 25; 2009 , ch. 556, §§ 7-9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-137 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-137
Alternative electronic or microfilm registration system
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a county election commission may adopt a supplemental system for maintaining registration records utilizing electronic, electromechanical or microfilm equipment. If the election commission exercises its option to scan or microfilm the original permanent record, the filmed or scanned record shall be the legal document of registration. If the election commission microfilms or scans the registration document, the original hard copy shall be retained, but may be retained at any location designated by the election commission. (b) Beginning January 1, 2015, the coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall certify each voter registration system for purchase and use in the state. Subject to the concurrence of the state election commission, the coordinator of elections may make rules and policies as are necessary to carry out this subsection (b). In determining whether a voter registration system may be certified, the coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall consider, at a minimum, the following: (1) The compatibility of the voter registration system with any statewide system being operated by the secretary of state's office; (2) The history of ethical conduct in the sales of the voter registration system by the manufacturer or seller; (3) The ability of the manufacturer or seller of the voter registration system to provide adequate professional assistance and service to the counties of the state; and (4) The cyber security practices in place to protect the integrity of the voter registration process. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 4, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 880, s 1, eff. 5/1/2014. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 464, § 1; 1977, ch. 231, § 1; 1977, ch. 410, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-237; Acts 1984, ch. 935, §§ 3, 6; 1994, ch. 919, §§ 29-31; 1997 , ch. 558, § 30; 2008 , ch. 928, §§ 4, 5.
(a) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, a county election commission may adopt a supplemental system for maintaining registration records utilizing electronic, electromechanical or microfilm equipment. If the election commission exercises its option to scan or microfilm the original permanent record, the filmed or scanned record shall be the legal document of registration. If the election commission microfilms or scans the registration document, the original hard copy shall be retained, but may be retained at any location designated by the election commission.
(b) Beginning January 1, 2015, the coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall certify each voter registration system for purchase and use in the state. Subject to the concurrence of the state election commission, the coordinator of elections may make rules and policies as are necessary to carry out this subsection (b). In determining whether a voter registration system may be certified, the coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall consider, at a minimum, the following: (1) The compatibility of the voter registration system with any statewide system being operated by the secretary of state's office; (2) The history of ethical conduct in the sales of the voter registration system by the manufacturer or seller; (3) The ability of the manufacturer or seller of the voter registration system to provide adequate professional assistance and service to the counties of the state; and (4) The cyber security practices in place to protect the integrity of the voter registration process.
(1) The compatibility of the voter registration system with any statewide system being operated by the secretary of state's office;
(2) The history of ethical conduct in the sales of the voter registration system by the manufacturer or seller;
(3) The ability of the manufacturer or seller of the voter registration system to provide adequate professional assistance and service to the counties of the state; and
(4) The cyber security practices in place to protect the integrity of the voter registration process.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 4, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 880, s 1, eff. 5/1/2014.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 464, § 1; 1977, ch. 231, § 1; 1977, ch. 410, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-237; Acts 1984, ch. 935, §§ 3, 6; 1994, ch. 919, §§ 29-31; 1997 , ch. 558, § 30; 2008 , ch. 928, §§ 4, 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-201
Hours of election
Status: in_force

(a) Polling places shall be open for voting for a minimum of ten (10) continuous hours but no more than thirteen (13) hours. All polling places in counties in the eastern time zone shall close at eight o'clock p.m. (8:00 p.m.) prevailing time and polling places in counties in the central time zone shall close at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) prevailing time. (b) (1) 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 polling places in the county. (2) (A) All polling places shall open at eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time in counties having a population according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census of: not less than nor more than 63,700 63,800 28,200 28,300 24,200 24,300 23,475 23,500 (B) In any county having a population of not less than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all polling places shall open by eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time, but nothing shall prevent an earlier opening time in the discretion of the county election commission. (c) In the case of municipal elections in a municipality having a population of not more than five thousand (5,000), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, where there is no opposition for any of the offices involved, the polling places shall open at the hour of ten o'clock a.m. (10:00 a.m.) and close at the hour of six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.). Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-307; Acts 1980, ch. 649, §§ 4, 5; 1981, ch. 385, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 665, § 1; 1999, ch. 197, § 2.
(a) Polling places shall be open for voting for a minimum of ten (10) continuous hours but no more than thirteen (13) hours. All polling places in counties in the eastern time zone shall close at eight o'clock p.m. (8:00 p.m.) prevailing time and polling places in counties in the central time zone shall close at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) prevailing time.
(b) (1) 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 polling places in the county. (2) (A) All polling places shall open at eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time in counties having a population according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census of: not less than nor more than 63,700 63,800 28,200 28,300 24,200 24,300 23,475 23,500 (B) In any county having a population of not less than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all polling places shall open by eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time, but nothing shall prevent an earlier opening time in the discretion of the county election commission.
(1) 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 polling places in the county.
(2) (A) All polling places shall open at eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time in counties having a population according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census of: not less than nor more than 63,700 63,800 28,200 28,300 24,200 24,300 23,475 23,500 (B) In any county having a population of not less than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all polling places shall open by eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time, but nothing shall prevent an earlier opening time in the discretion of the county election commission.
(A) All polling places shall open at eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time in counties having a population according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census of: not less than nor more than 63,700 63,800 28,200 28,300 24,200 24,300 23,475 23,500
not less than nor more than 63,700 63,800 28,200 28,300 24,200 24,300 23,475 23,500
not less than
nor more than
63,700
63,800
28,200
28,300
24,200
24,300
23,475
23,500
(B) In any county having a population of not less than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all polling places shall open by eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time, but nothing shall prevent an earlier opening time in the discretion of the county election commission.
(c) In the case of municipal elections in a municipality having a population of not more than five thousand (5,000), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, where there is no opposition for any of the offices involved, the polling places shall open at the hour of ten o'clock a.m. (10:00 a.m.) and close at the hour of six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.).
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-307; Acts 1980, ch. 649, §§ 4, 5; 1981, ch. 385, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 665, § 1; 1999, ch. 197, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-124 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-124
Challenges - Grounds and procedure
Status: in_force

(a) A person offering to vote may be challenged only on the grounds that the person: (1) Is not a registered voter in Tennessee and did not vote a provisional ballot; (2) Is not a resident of the precinct where the person seeks to vote; (3) Is not the registered voter under whose name the person has applied to vote; (4) Has already voted in the election; or (5) Has become ineligible to vote in the election being conducted at the polling place since the person registered. (b) The judges may ask any question which is material to deciding the challenge and may put under oath and ask questions of such persons as they deem necessary to their decision. The judges shall ask the administrator of elections to check the original permanent registration records if the voter claims to be registered but has no duplicate permanent registration record. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-724; Acts 1997 , ch. 550, §10; 2003 , ch. 352, § 5.
(a) A person offering to vote may be challenged only on the grounds that the person: (1) Is not a registered voter in Tennessee and did not vote a provisional ballot; (2) Is not a resident of the precinct where the person seeks to vote; (3) Is not the registered voter under whose name the person has applied to vote; (4) Has already voted in the election; or (5) Has become ineligible to vote in the election being conducted at the polling place since the person registered.
(1) Is not a registered voter in Tennessee and did not vote a provisional ballot;
(2) Is not a resident of the precinct where the person seeks to vote;
(3) Is not the registered voter under whose name the person has applied to vote;
(4) Has already voted in the election; or
(5) Has become ineligible to vote in the election being conducted at the polling place since the person registered.
(b) The judges may ask any question which is material to deciding the challenge and may put under oath and ask questions of such persons as they deem necessary to their decision. The judges shall ask the administrator of elections to check the original permanent registration records if the voter claims to be registered but has no duplicate permanent registration record.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-724; Acts 1997 , ch. 550, §10; 2003 , ch. 352, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-107 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-107
Content of statements - Closing out accounts - Reporting of in-kind contributions
Status: in_force

(a) A statement filed under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 shall consist of either: (1) A statement that neither the contributions received nor the expenditures made during the period for which the statement is submitted exceeded one thousand dollars ($1,000). Any statement filed pursuant to § 2-10-106 shall indicate whether an unexpended balance of contributions, continuing debts and obligations or an expenditure deficit exists; or (2) (A) (i) A statement setting forth, under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, including the full name, complete address, occupation, and employer of each person who contributed a total amount of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (a)(2)(A). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating that such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate. "Date of the receipt", as used in this subdivision (a)(2)(A)(iii), means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer. The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or less; and (B) A statement setting forth, under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made, including the full name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose of the payment which shall clearly identify that it is an allowable expenditure under § 2-10-114 . The words "reimbursement", "credit card purchase", "other" and "campaign expense" shall not be considered acceptable descriptions for "purpose". Any purchase made with a credit card shall also be disclosed as a payment to the vendor providing the item or service. Credit card payments to separate vendors shall be disclosed as separate expenditures. The statement must list the expenditures by category and amount. (b) When any candidate or political campaign committee desires to close out a campaign account, it may file a statement to such effect at any time; provided, that the statement shall on its face show no unexpended balance, continuing debts or obligations or deficit. (c) (1) When filing a statement under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 , a contribution, as defined in § 2-10-102 , for which no monetary consideration is paid or promised, referred to as an in-kind contribution in this part, shall be listed separately in the disclosure statement and excluded from the lists of contributions and expenditures. The in-kind contribution list shall include: (A) In-kind contributions of a value of one hundred dollars ($100) or less may be listed as a single item; and (B) (i) In-kind contributions of a value of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and for each such contribution, the category of the contribution, the name, address, occupation and employer of each person who contributed it; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (c)(1)(B). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each in-kind contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is an in-kind contribution to a candidate. (2) Within ninety (90) days of February 15, 2006, by rule promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, the registry of election finance shall enumerate a nonexclusive listing of examples of the various categories of contributions that constitute "in-kind contributions" requiring disclosure. Upon promulgating such rule, the registry shall provide a copy of such rule to each member of the general assembly and each qualified candidate for state office. Any changes or revisions to the rules shall be promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) . (d) An in-kind contribution is deemed to be made and shall be reportable in the period when such contribution is made or performed and not when the cost is billed or paid. The actual cost of the in-kind contribution, if known, shall be reported in the period such contribution is made or performed. If the actual cost of the in-kind contribution is not known, an estimate of the cost shall be reported in the period such contribution is made or performed, and the report shall indicate that the amount reported is estimated. If the actual cost, as indicated on the bill, is different from the amount reported, such amount shall be amended or adjusted on a later report covering the period in which payment is made. (e) A statement filed under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 shall also list any unexpended balance, any deficit and any continuing financial obligations of the candidate, campaign or committee. (f) Payments to a person as reimbursement for expenditures made by the person on behalf of the candidate or committee shall be disclosed as payments to the vendor who provided the item or service to the candidate or committee, not the person who is reimbursed. (g) Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, a candidate's statement may only have up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) of unitemized contributions. Once the two-thousand-dollar amount has been reached for a statement period, any contribution received thereafter must be itemized as provided in subdivision (a)(2)(A) regardless of amount. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 8, eff. 1/16/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 7, eff. 1/16/2023. Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 8; 1984, ch. 683, § 6; 1986, ch. 780, § 2; 1989, ch. 585, §§ 15, 33; 1990, ch. 943, § 3; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 5, 6; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 14, 15; 1997 , ch. 410, §§ 3, 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 4; 2009 , ch. 556, §§ 2-4.
(a) A statement filed under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 shall consist of either: (1) A statement that neither the contributions received nor the expenditures made during the period for which the statement is submitted exceeded one thousand dollars ($1,000). Any statement filed pursuant to § 2-10-106 shall indicate whether an unexpended balance of contributions, continuing debts and obligations or an expenditure deficit exists; or (2) (A) (i) A statement setting forth, under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, including the full name, complete address, occupation, and employer of each person who contributed a total amount of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (a)(2)(A). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating that such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate. "Date of the receipt", as used in this subdivision (a)(2)(A)(iii), means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer. The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or less; and (B) A statement setting forth, under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made, including the full name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose of the payment which shall clearly identify that it is an allowable expenditure under § 2-10-114 . The words "reimbursement", "credit card purchase", "other" and "campaign expense" shall not be considered acceptable descriptions for "purpose". Any purchase made with a credit card shall also be disclosed as a payment to the vendor providing the item or service. Credit card payments to separate vendors shall be disclosed as separate expenditures. The statement must list the expenditures by category and amount.
(1) A statement that neither the contributions received nor the expenditures made during the period for which the statement is submitted exceeded one thousand dollars ($1,000). Any statement filed pursuant to § 2-10-106 shall indicate whether an unexpended balance of contributions, continuing debts and obligations or an expenditure deficit exists; or
(2) (A) (i) A statement setting forth, under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, including the full name, complete address, occupation, and employer of each person who contributed a total amount of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (a)(2)(A). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating that such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate. "Date of the receipt", as used in this subdivision (a)(2)(A)(iii), means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer. The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or less; and (B) A statement setting forth, under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made, including the full name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose of the payment which shall clearly identify that it is an allowable expenditure under § 2-10-114 . The words "reimbursement", "credit card purchase", "other" and "campaign expense" shall not be considered acceptable descriptions for "purpose". Any purchase made with a credit card shall also be disclosed as a payment to the vendor providing the item or service. Credit card payments to separate vendors shall be disclosed as separate expenditures. The statement must list the expenditures by category and amount.
(A) (i) A statement setting forth, under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, including the full name, complete address, occupation, and employer of each person who contributed a total amount of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (a)(2)(A). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating that such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate. "Date of the receipt", as used in this subdivision (a)(2)(A)(iii), means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer. The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or less; and
(i) A statement setting forth, under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, including the full name, complete address, occupation, and employer of each person who contributed a total amount of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person;
(ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (a)(2)(A). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating that such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ;
(iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is a contribution to a candidate. "Date of the receipt", as used in this subdivision (a)(2)(A)(iii), means the date when the contribution was received by the candidate, candidate's committee, or treasurer. The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of one hundred dollars ($100) or less; and
(B) A statement setting forth, under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made, including the full name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose of the payment which shall clearly identify that it is an allowable expenditure under § 2-10-114 . The words "reimbursement", "credit card purchase", "other" and "campaign expense" shall not be considered acceptable descriptions for "purpose". Any purchase made with a credit card shall also be disclosed as a payment to the vendor providing the item or service. Credit card payments to separate vendors shall be disclosed as separate expenditures. The statement must list the expenditures by category and amount.
(b) When any candidate or political campaign committee desires to close out a campaign account, it may file a statement to such effect at any time; provided, that the statement shall on its face show no unexpended balance, continuing debts or obligations or deficit.
(c) (1) When filing a statement under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 , a contribution, as defined in § 2-10-102 , for which no monetary consideration is paid or promised, referred to as an in-kind contribution in this part, shall be listed separately in the disclosure statement and excluded from the lists of contributions and expenditures. The in-kind contribution list shall include: (A) In-kind contributions of a value of one hundred dollars ($100) or less may be listed as a single item; and (B) (i) In-kind contributions of a value of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and for each such contribution, the category of the contribution, the name, address, occupation and employer of each person who contributed it; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (c)(1)(B). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each in-kind contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is an in-kind contribution to a candidate. (2) Within ninety (90) days of February 15, 2006, by rule promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, the registry of election finance shall enumerate a nonexclusive listing of examples of the various categories of contributions that constitute "in-kind contributions" requiring disclosure. Upon promulgating such rule, the registry shall provide a copy of such rule to each member of the general assembly and each qualified candidate for state office. Any changes or revisions to the rules shall be promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) .
(1) When filing a statement under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 , a contribution, as defined in § 2-10-102 , for which no monetary consideration is paid or promised, referred to as an in-kind contribution in this part, shall be listed separately in the disclosure statement and excluded from the lists of contributions and expenditures. The in-kind contribution list shall include: (A) In-kind contributions of a value of one hundred dollars ($100) or less may be listed as a single item; and (B) (i) In-kind contributions of a value of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and for each such contribution, the category of the contribution, the name, address, occupation and employer of each person who contributed it; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (c)(1)(B). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each in-kind contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is an in-kind contribution to a candidate.
(A) In-kind contributions of a value of one hundred dollars ($100) or less may be listed as a single item; and
(B) (i) In-kind contributions of a value of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and for each such contribution, the category of the contribution, the name, address, occupation and employer of each person who contributed it; (ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (c)(1)(B). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ; (iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each in-kind contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is an in-kind contribution to a candidate.
(i) In-kind contributions of a value of more than one hundred dollars ($100) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and for each such contribution, the category of the contribution, the name, address, occupation and employer of each person who contributed it;
(ii) When a candidate or the treasurer of a political campaign committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit the complete address, occupation, and employer required for contributors, the statement shall be considered in compliance with this subdivision (c)(1)(B). "Best efforts" includes notifying the contributor by first class mail that further information concerning such contributor is required under state law, or by including on a written solicitation for contributions a clear request for the contributor's name, address, occupation and employer and by accurately stating such information is required under state law for all persons contributing more than one hundred dollars ($100). Further definitions and guidelines, if any, for what is also considered "best efforts" shall be set by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) ;
(iii) The statement of each candidate shall include the date of the receipt of each in-kind contribution and the statement of a political campaign committee shall include the date of each expenditure that is an in-kind contribution to a candidate.
(2) Within ninety (90) days of February 15, 2006, by rule promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, the registry of election finance shall enumerate a nonexclusive listing of examples of the various categories of contributions that constitute "in-kind contributions" requiring disclosure. Upon promulgating such rule, the registry shall provide a copy of such rule to each member of the general assembly and each qualified candidate for state office. Any changes or revisions to the rules shall be promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1) .
(d) An in-kind contribution is deemed to be made and shall be reportable in the period when such contribution is made or performed and not when the cost is billed or paid. The actual cost of the in-kind contribution, if known, shall be reported in the period such contribution is made or performed. If the actual cost of the in-kind contribution is not known, an estimate of the cost shall be reported in the period such contribution is made or performed, and the report shall indicate that the amount reported is estimated. If the actual cost, as indicated on the bill, is different from the amount reported, such amount shall be amended or adjusted on a later report covering the period in which payment is made.
(e) A statement filed under § 2-10-105 or § 2-10-106 shall also list any unexpended balance, any deficit and any continuing financial obligations of the candidate, campaign or committee.
(f) Payments to a person as reimbursement for expenditures made by the person on behalf of the candidate or committee shall be disclosed as payments to the vendor who provided the item or service to the candidate or committee, not the person who is reimbursed.
(g) Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, a candidate's statement may only have up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) of unitemized contributions. Once the two-thousand-dollar amount has been reached for a statement period, any contribution received thereafter must be itemized as provided in subdivision (a)(2)(A) regardless of amount.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 8, eff. 1/16/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 7, eff. 1/16/2023.
Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 8; 1984, ch. 683, § 6; 1986, ch. 780, § 2; 1989, ch. 585, §§ 15, 33; 1990, ch. 943, § 3; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 5, 6; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 14, 15; 1997 , ch. 410, §§ 3, 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 4; 2009 , ch. 556, §§ 2-4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-15-204 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 15 / Section 2-15-204
Pledge
Status: in_force

(a) Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of a political party shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for President and Vice President for the nominees for those offices of the party that nominated me." (b) Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice-presidential running mate." (c) The executed pledges must accompany the submission of the corresponding names to the secretary of state. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
(a) Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of a political party shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for President and Vice President for the nominees for those offices of the party that nominated me."
"If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for President and Vice President for the nominees for those offices of the party that nominated me."
(b) Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice-presidential running mate."
"If selected for the position of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice-presidential running mate."
(c) The executed pledges must accompany the submission of the corresponding names to the secretary of state.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.