Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-106
Acts purging registration - Notice
Status: in_force

(a) The registration of a person shall be purged: (1) At the request of the voter; (2) Ninety (90) days after a change of name for any reason, except by marriage or divorce; (3) If the voter dies; (4) Upon receiving information that a person has been convicted of an infamous crime as defined by § 40-20-112 from the state coordinator of elections, the district attorney general, United States attorney, clerk of the court that entered the conviction, or other source upon verification by the clerk of the convicting court; or (5) Upon written confirmation from the voter that the voter has changed the voter's address to an address outside the county of registration or has registered to vote in another jurisdiction. (b) It is the responsibility of the county election commission to implement an address verification program to identify any voter who has changed the voter's address of residence without notifying the election commission. The address verification program shall conform to the intent of this section and this part and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 ( 52 U.S.C. § 20501 et seq., formerly 42 U.S.C. § 1973gg et seq.). The county election commission shall complete the address verification process at least on a biennial basis, but may do so annually. The county election commission shall complete any such process no later than ninety (90) days before a federal election. (c) (1) To identify any voter who has changed the voter's address of residence without notifying the county election commission, the address verification program implemented by the county election commission under subsection (b) may use any of the following, or any combination of the following, sources: (A) The return of mail sent by the county election commission to the voter at the voter's address of registration. The mail sent to the voter may include, without limitation, a non-forwardable verification card, a non-forwardable voter registration card, or a notice mailed pursuant to § 2-3-105 or § 2-5-211 ; (B) The United States postal service's national change of address service; (C) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with the department of safety. To conduct the comparison of residential addresses, the department of safety and the coordinator of elections may retrieve the data applicable to the voter's address of residence and match the voter's registration address with data applicable to the voter's matching record with the department of safety. The coordinator of elections may obtain from the department of safety a list of all persons who have surrendered their Tennessee driver license while obtaining a driver license from another state; (D) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with another state agency, including, but not limited to, state welfare and public assistance agencies. The coordinator of elections may compare the statewide voter registration database with those of other relevant state agencies and county records for this purpose; and (E) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses to commercially available data, such as data from credit agencies. (2) If, as a result of the address verification program, the county election commission determines that a voter may have changed the voter's address of residence, the administrator of elections shall mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the voter at the address of registration with a postage prepaid, pre-addressed return form on which the voter may verify or correct the new address information. (d) Upon the mailing of a notice pursuant to subsection (c), the administrator of elections shall place the registration in inactive status and then take one (1) of the following steps as appropriate to the response of the voter or the failure of the voter to respond to the notice: (1) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates that there is in fact no change in address, the voter's registration will be returned to active status; (2) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates a new address within the county of current registration, the voter's registration will be updated to reflect the new address of residence; (3) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates a new address in another county, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's name from the voter registration rolls, and shall advise the voter how to register in the new county of residence; (4) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and the voter in fact does not have a new address or has a new address within the same precinct, the voter may appear at the voter's polling place and vote in any election held between the time the notice was sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent. When appearing to vote, the person will be required to make written affirmation on the affidavit as described in § 2-7-140 and vote according to the procedures outlined in that section; (5) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and if the voter has changed the voter's address of residence to an address within the same county but in another precinct, the voter may correct the registration and vote at the appropriate polling place for the voter's new residence in any election held between the time the notice was sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent. When appearing to vote, the person will be required to make written affirmation on the affidavit as described in § 2-7-140 and vote according to the procedures outlined in that section; (6) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and if the voter has changed the voter's address of residence to an address outside the county of registration, the voter may not vote until such voter becomes properly registered in the new county of residence except as provided in § 2-7-115 ; and (7) A voter may use a response to a confirmation notice to update the voter's registration to reflect a change in the voter's name. (e) If the voter fails to respond to the confirmation notice, does not appear to vote, and does not update the voter registration between the time the notice is sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent, the administrator of elections shall purge the voter's registration. (f) Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the administrator shall send a voter's registration card by non-forwardable mail. (g) Voter registrations that are inactive pursuant to this section shall not be included in a county's total of registered voters. The administrator shall maintain a separate total of voters on inactive status. (h) Any person who intentionally makes a false affirmation pursuant to this section violates § 2-19-107 and shall be punished as provided in § 2-19-107 . Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939, s 3, eff. 4/29/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 245, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 5/2/2017. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 407, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-206; Acts 1981, ch. 345, § 4; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 19, 21; 1994, ch. 947, § 8; 1995, ch. 76, § 2; 1996, ch. 735, §§ 1, 2; 1997 , ch. 550, § 1; 2011 , ch. 161, § 1.
(a) The registration of a person shall be purged: (1) At the request of the voter; (2) Ninety (90) days after a change of name for any reason, except by marriage or divorce; (3) If the voter dies; (4) Upon receiving information that a person has been convicted of an infamous crime as defined by § 40-20-112 from the state coordinator of elections, the district attorney general, United States attorney, clerk of the court that entered the conviction, or other source upon verification by the clerk of the convicting court; or (5) Upon written confirmation from the voter that the voter has changed the voter's address to an address outside the county of registration or has registered to vote in another jurisdiction.
(1) At the request of the voter;
(2) Ninety (90) days after a change of name for any reason, except by marriage or divorce;
(3) If the voter dies;
(4) Upon receiving information that a person has been convicted of an infamous crime as defined by § 40-20-112 from the state coordinator of elections, the district attorney general, United States attorney, clerk of the court that entered the conviction, or other source upon verification by the clerk of the convicting court; or
(5) Upon written confirmation from the voter that the voter has changed the voter's address to an address outside the county of registration or has registered to vote in another jurisdiction.
(b) It is the responsibility of the county election commission to implement an address verification program to identify any voter who has changed the voter's address of residence without notifying the election commission. The address verification program shall conform to the intent of this section and this part and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 ( 52 U.S.C. § 20501 et seq., formerly 42 U.S.C. § 1973gg et seq.). The county election commission shall complete the address verification process at least on a biennial basis, but may do so annually. The county election commission shall complete any such process no later than ninety (90) days before a federal election.
(c) (1) To identify any voter who has changed the voter's address of residence without notifying the county election commission, the address verification program implemented by the county election commission under subsection (b) may use any of the following, or any combination of the following, sources: (A) The return of mail sent by the county election commission to the voter at the voter's address of registration. The mail sent to the voter may include, without limitation, a non-forwardable verification card, a non-forwardable voter registration card, or a notice mailed pursuant to § 2-3-105 or § 2-5-211 ; (B) The United States postal service's national change of address service; (C) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with the department of safety. To conduct the comparison of residential addresses, the department of safety and the coordinator of elections may retrieve the data applicable to the voter's address of residence and match the voter's registration address with data applicable to the voter's matching record with the department of safety. The coordinator of elections may obtain from the department of safety a list of all persons who have surrendered their Tennessee driver license while obtaining a driver license from another state; (D) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with another state agency, including, but not limited to, state welfare and public assistance agencies. The coordinator of elections may compare the statewide voter registration database with those of other relevant state agencies and county records for this purpose; and (E) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses to commercially available data, such as data from credit agencies. (2) If, as a result of the address verification program, the county election commission determines that a voter may have changed the voter's address of residence, the administrator of elections shall mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the voter at the address of registration with a postage prepaid, pre-addressed return form on which the voter may verify or correct the new address information.
(1) To identify any voter who has changed the voter's address of residence without notifying the county election commission, the address verification program implemented by the county election commission under subsection (b) may use any of the following, or any combination of the following, sources: (A) The return of mail sent by the county election commission to the voter at the voter's address of registration. The mail sent to the voter may include, without limitation, a non-forwardable verification card, a non-forwardable voter registration card, or a notice mailed pursuant to § 2-3-105 or § 2-5-211 ; (B) The United States postal service's national change of address service; (C) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with the department of safety. To conduct the comparison of residential addresses, the department of safety and the coordinator of elections may retrieve the data applicable to the voter's address of residence and match the voter's registration address with data applicable to the voter's matching record with the department of safety. The coordinator of elections may obtain from the department of safety a list of all persons who have surrendered their Tennessee driver license while obtaining a driver license from another state; (D) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with another state agency, including, but not limited to, state welfare and public assistance agencies. The coordinator of elections may compare the statewide voter registration database with those of other relevant state agencies and county records for this purpose; and (E) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses to commercially available data, such as data from credit agencies.
(A) The return of mail sent by the county election commission to the voter at the voter's address of registration. The mail sent to the voter may include, without limitation, a non-forwardable verification card, a non-forwardable voter registration card, or a notice mailed pursuant to § 2-3-105 or § 2-5-211 ;
(B) The United States postal service's national change of address service;
(C) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with the department of safety. To conduct the comparison of residential addresses, the department of safety and the coordinator of elections may retrieve the data applicable to the voter's address of residence and match the voter's registration address with data applicable to the voter's matching record with the department of safety. The coordinator of elections may obtain from the department of safety a list of all persons who have surrendered their Tennessee driver license while obtaining a driver license from another state;
(D) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses with the residential addresses of record with another state agency, including, but not limited to, state welfare and public assistance agencies. The coordinator of elections may compare the statewide voter registration database with those of other relevant state agencies and county records for this purpose; and
(E) Information received from the coordinator of elections as a result of a comparison of voter registration addresses to commercially available data, such as data from credit agencies.
(2) If, as a result of the address verification program, the county election commission determines that a voter may have changed the voter's address of residence, the administrator of elections shall mail a forwardable confirmation notice to the voter at the address of registration with a postage prepaid, pre-addressed return form on which the voter may verify or correct the new address information.
(d) Upon the mailing of a notice pursuant to subsection (c), the administrator of elections shall place the registration in inactive status and then take one (1) of the following steps as appropriate to the response of the voter or the failure of the voter to respond to the notice: (1) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates that there is in fact no change in address, the voter's registration will be returned to active status; (2) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates a new address within the county of current registration, the voter's registration will be updated to reflect the new address of residence; (3) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates a new address in another county, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's name from the voter registration rolls, and shall advise the voter how to register in the new county of residence; (4) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and the voter in fact does not have a new address or has a new address within the same precinct, the voter may appear at the voter's polling place and vote in any election held between the time the notice was sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent. When appearing to vote, the person will be required to make written affirmation on the affidavit as described in § 2-7-140 and vote according to the procedures outlined in that section; (5) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and if the voter has changed the voter's address of residence to an address within the same county but in another precinct, the voter may correct the registration and vote at the appropriate polling place for the voter's new residence in any election held between the time the notice was sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent. When appearing to vote, the person will be required to make written affirmation on the affidavit as described in § 2-7-140 and vote according to the procedures outlined in that section; (6) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and if the voter has changed the voter's address of residence to an address outside the county of registration, the voter may not vote until such voter becomes properly registered in the new county of residence except as provided in § 2-7-115 ; and (7) A voter may use a response to a confirmation notice to update the voter's registration to reflect a change in the voter's name.
(1) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates that there is in fact no change in address, the voter's registration will be returned to active status;
(2) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates a new address within the county of current registration, the voter's registration will be updated to reflect the new address of residence;
(3) If the voter returns the form or otherwise notifies the election commission in writing and indicates a new address in another county, the administrator of elections shall remove the voter's name from the voter registration rolls, and shall advise the voter how to register in the new county of residence;
(4) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and the voter in fact does not have a new address or has a new address within the same precinct, the voter may appear at the voter's polling place and vote in any election held between the time the notice was sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent. When appearing to vote, the person will be required to make written affirmation on the affidavit as described in § 2-7-140 and vote according to the procedures outlined in that section;
(5) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and if the voter has changed the voter's address of residence to an address within the same county but in another precinct, the voter may correct the registration and vote at the appropriate polling place for the voter's new residence in any election held between the time the notice was sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent. When appearing to vote, the person will be required to make written affirmation on the affidavit as described in § 2-7-140 and vote according to the procedures outlined in that section;
(6) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice and if the voter has changed the voter's address of residence to an address outside the county of registration, the voter may not vote until such voter becomes properly registered in the new county of residence except as provided in § 2-7-115 ; and
(7) A voter may use a response to a confirmation notice to update the voter's registration to reflect a change in the voter's name.
(e) If the voter fails to respond to the confirmation notice, does not appear to vote, and does not update the voter registration between the time the notice is sent and the second regular November election held after the notice was sent, the administrator of elections shall purge the voter's registration.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the administrator shall send a voter's registration card by non-forwardable mail.
(g) Voter registrations that are inactive pursuant to this section shall not be included in a county's total of registered voters. The administrator shall maintain a separate total of voters on inactive status.
(h) Any person who intentionally makes a false affirmation pursuant to this section violates § 2-19-107 and shall be punished as provided in § 2-19-107 .
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939, s 3, eff. 4/29/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 245, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 5/2/2017.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 407, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-206; Acts 1981, ch. 345, § 4; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 19, 21; 1994, ch. 947, § 8; 1995, ch. 76, § 2; 1996, ch. 735, §§ 1, 2; 1997 , ch. 550, § 1; 2011 , ch. 161, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-102 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-102
Violation of title
Status: in_force

A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person knowingly does any act prohibited by this title, or if such person knowingly fails to do any act which such person is required to do by this title, or if such person knowingly does any act with the intent that another shall do an act prohibited by this title. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1902; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person knowingly does any act prohibited by this title, or if such person knowingly fails to do any act which such person is required to do by this title, or if such person knowingly does any act with the intent that another shall do an act prohibited by this title.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1902; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-141 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-141
Proof of citizenship for registering to vote
Status: in_force

(a) The coordinator of elections shall compare the statewide voter registration database with the department of safety database to ensure non-United States citizens are not registered to vote in this state. The coordinator of elections is further authorized to compare the statewide voter registration database with those of relevant federal and state agencies, including the systematic alien verification for entitlements (SAVE) program database, and county records for the same purpose. If evidence exists that a particular registered voter is not a citizen of the United States, the coordinator of elections shall notify the county election commission where the person is registered to vote that the registered voter may not be a citizen of the United States. (b) After receiving such notice, the county election commission shall send a notice to the registered voter inquiring whether the individual is eligible to be registered to vote. Any registered voter who receives the notice shall, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice, provide proof of citizenship to the county election commission. For purposes of this subsection (b), proof of citizenship includes: (1) The voter's birth certificate or a legible photocopy of the birth certificate; (2) A United States passport, or a legible photocopy of the pertinent pages of the passport, identifying the voter and showing the passport number; (3) The voter's United States naturalization documentation, a legible photocopy of the naturalization documentation, or the number of the voter's certificate of naturalization; except that any person who provides the number of the certificate of naturalization in lieu of the naturalization documentation shall not be deemed to have provided proof of citizenship until the coordinator of elections verifies the number with the United States citizenship and immigration services in the department of homeland security or its successor; or (4) Any document or method of proof of citizenship established by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ( 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101 et seq.). (c) If the registered voter does not provide proof of citizenship within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notification, the administrator of elections of the county where the person registered to vote shall purge the voter from the voter registration database. (d) In the event a person is unable to provide any documentation included in subsection (b) to show proof of citizenship, the person may appeal to the state election commission and submit additional proof of citizenship in person or in writing. The state election commission shall conduct a hearing and make a finding concerning the individual's citizenship status and shall forward a copy of its decision to the administrator of elections of the county where the person resides. The voter registration database shall be changed by the administrator of elections to accurately reflect the decision of the state election commission with respect to such voter. (e) All documentation provided to show proof of citizenship as well as the department of safety database or relevant federal and state agency and county records shall be confidential and shall not be available for inspection by the public. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900,s 1, eff. 5/3/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939, s 4, eff. 4/29/2022. Acts 2011 , ch. 235, § 1.
(a) The coordinator of elections shall compare the statewide voter registration database with the department of safety database to ensure non-United States citizens are not registered to vote in this state. The coordinator of elections is further authorized to compare the statewide voter registration database with those of relevant federal and state agencies, including the systematic alien verification for entitlements (SAVE) program database, and county records for the same purpose. If evidence exists that a particular registered voter is not a citizen of the United States, the coordinator of elections shall notify the county election commission where the person is registered to vote that the registered voter may not be a citizen of the United States.
(b) After receiving such notice, the county election commission shall send a notice to the registered voter inquiring whether the individual is eligible to be registered to vote. Any registered voter who receives the notice shall, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice, provide proof of citizenship to the county election commission. For purposes of this subsection (b), proof of citizenship includes: (1) The voter's birth certificate or a legible photocopy of the birth certificate; (2) A United States passport, or a legible photocopy of the pertinent pages of the passport, identifying the voter and showing the passport number; (3) The voter's United States naturalization documentation, a legible photocopy of the naturalization documentation, or the number of the voter's certificate of naturalization; except that any person who provides the number of the certificate of naturalization in lieu of the naturalization documentation shall not be deemed to have provided proof of citizenship until the coordinator of elections verifies the number with the United States citizenship and immigration services in the department of homeland security or its successor; or (4) Any document or method of proof of citizenship established by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ( 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101 et seq.).
(1) The voter's birth certificate or a legible photocopy of the birth certificate;
(2) A United States passport, or a legible photocopy of the pertinent pages of the passport, identifying the voter and showing the passport number;
(3) The voter's United States naturalization documentation, a legible photocopy of the naturalization documentation, or the number of the voter's certificate of naturalization; except that any person who provides the number of the certificate of naturalization in lieu of the naturalization documentation shall not be deemed to have provided proof of citizenship until the coordinator of elections verifies the number with the United States citizenship and immigration services in the department of homeland security or its successor; or
(4) Any document or method of proof of citizenship established by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ( 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101 et seq.).
(c) If the registered voter does not provide proof of citizenship within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notification, the administrator of elections of the county where the person registered to vote shall purge the voter from the voter registration database.
(d) In the event a person is unable to provide any documentation included in subsection (b) to show proof of citizenship, the person may appeal to the state election commission and submit additional proof of citizenship in person or in writing. The state election commission shall conduct a hearing and make a finding concerning the individual's citizenship status and shall forward a copy of its decision to the administrator of elections of the county where the person resides. The voter registration database shall be changed by the administrator of elections to accurately reflect the decision of the state election commission with respect to such voter.
(e) All documentation provided to show proof of citizenship as well as the department of safety database or relevant federal and state agency and county records shall be confidential and shall not be available for inspection by the public.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900,s 1, eff. 5/3/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939, s 4, eff. 4/29/2022.
Acts 2011 , ch. 235, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-143 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-143
Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act." (b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, during the period beginning sixty (60) days before the first day voting begins pursuant to § 2-6-102(a)(1) for an election until the first day after voting ends for such election: (1) This state, a local government, or any other political subdivision of this state: (A) Shall not regulate the shape or quantity of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property that is located more than one hundred feet (100') from a polling place if the signs or posters are placed on the property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property; (B) May prohibit, notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), any political or campaign poster or sign covered by this section from exceeding: (i) For commercial property, thirty-two square feet (32 sq. ft.) in size; and (ii) For residential property, sixteen square feet (16 sq. ft.) in size; and (C) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), may adopt reasonable restrictions limiting the number of political campaign signs or posters that may be placed on property; provided, that such restrictions authorize an owner or resident to place at least one (1) poster or sign on the property per candidate, issue, or subject; and (2) A homeowners' association shall not, by covenant, condition, restriction, or rule, prohibit the display of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property. A homeowners' association may adopt reasonable covenants, conditions, restrictions, or rules with respect to the placement and removal of political or campaign posters or signs placed on homeowner association common space and private property maintained by the owner or resident, including limiting the size of campaign posters or signs in those common and private property areas to four square feet (4 sq. ft.). (c) A lessor of residential property may require a lessee to obtain the written permission of the lessor prior to placing any political or campaign posters or signs on such residential property. Any such requirement must be included in the lease or rental agreement. (d) This section applies to any clause, covenant, condition, restriction, or rule contained in any agreement or contract between a homeowners' association and property owner or between a lessor and lessee executed or modified after July 1, 2017. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 93, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 294, s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act."
(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, during the period beginning sixty (60) days before the first day voting begins pursuant to § 2-6-102(a)(1) for an election until the first day after voting ends for such election: (1) This state, a local government, or any other political subdivision of this state: (A) Shall not regulate the shape or quantity of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property that is located more than one hundred feet (100') from a polling place if the signs or posters are placed on the property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property; (B) May prohibit, notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), any political or campaign poster or sign covered by this section from exceeding: (i) For commercial property, thirty-two square feet (32 sq. ft.) in size; and (ii) For residential property, sixteen square feet (16 sq. ft.) in size; and (C) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), may adopt reasonable restrictions limiting the number of political campaign signs or posters that may be placed on property; provided, that such restrictions authorize an owner or resident to place at least one (1) poster or sign on the property per candidate, issue, or subject; and (2) A homeowners' association shall not, by covenant, condition, restriction, or rule, prohibit the display of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property. A homeowners' association may adopt reasonable covenants, conditions, restrictions, or rules with respect to the placement and removal of political or campaign posters or signs placed on homeowner association common space and private property maintained by the owner or resident, including limiting the size of campaign posters or signs in those common and private property areas to four square feet (4 sq. ft.).
(1) This state, a local government, or any other political subdivision of this state: (A) Shall not regulate the shape or quantity of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property that is located more than one hundred feet (100') from a polling place if the signs or posters are placed on the property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property; (B) May prohibit, notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), any political or campaign poster or sign covered by this section from exceeding: (i) For commercial property, thirty-two square feet (32 sq. ft.) in size; and (ii) For residential property, sixteen square feet (16 sq. ft.) in size; and (C) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), may adopt reasonable restrictions limiting the number of political campaign signs or posters that may be placed on property; provided, that such restrictions authorize an owner or resident to place at least one (1) poster or sign on the property per candidate, issue, or subject; and
(A) Shall not regulate the shape or quantity of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property that is located more than one hundred feet (100') from a polling place if the signs or posters are placed on the property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property;
(B) May prohibit, notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), any political or campaign poster or sign covered by this section from exceeding: (i) For commercial property, thirty-two square feet (32 sq. ft.) in size; and (ii) For residential property, sixteen square feet (16 sq. ft.) in size; and
(i) For commercial property, thirty-two square feet (32 sq. ft.) in size; and
(ii) For residential property, sixteen square feet (16 sq. ft.) in size; and
(C) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1)(A), may adopt reasonable restrictions limiting the number of political campaign signs or posters that may be placed on property; provided, that such restrictions authorize an owner or resident to place at least one (1) poster or sign on the property per candidate, issue, or subject; and
(2) A homeowners' association shall not, by covenant, condition, restriction, or rule, prohibit the display of political or campaign posters or signs placed on private property by the owner of the property or any lawful resident of a residence on the property. A homeowners' association may adopt reasonable covenants, conditions, restrictions, or rules with respect to the placement and removal of political or campaign posters or signs placed on homeowner association common space and private property maintained by the owner or resident, including limiting the size of campaign posters or signs in those common and private property areas to four square feet (4 sq. ft.).
(c) A lessor of residential property may require a lessee to obtain the written permission of the lessor prior to placing any political or campaign posters or signs on such residential property. Any such requirement must be included in the lease or rental agreement.
(d) This section applies to any clause, covenant, condition, restriction, or rule contained in any agreement or contract between a homeowners' association and property owner or between a lessor and lessee executed or modified after July 1, 2017.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 93, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 294, s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-8-104 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 8 / Section 2-8-104
Comparing votes from tally tapes to tabulated election results
Status: in_force

The commission, or such persons as it may designate, shall, as soon as possible after the election, compare the votes from the tally tapes of all appropriate sources to the tabulated election results. All candidates, their representatives, representatives of the political parties, and representatives of the press may be present during this process and shall be given ample opportunity to examine the tabulations. The commission shall create a written report of any revisions of any vote totals in such election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-804; Acts 2012, ch. 1101, § 7.
The commission, or such persons as it may designate, shall, as soon as possible after the election, compare the votes from the tally tapes of all appropriate sources to the tabulated election results. All candidates, their representatives, representatives of the political parties, and representatives of the press may be present during this process and shall be given ample opportunity to examine the tabulations. The commission shall create a written report of any revisions of any vote totals in such election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-804; Acts 2012, ch. 1101, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-205 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-205
Presidential preference primary - Printing of names on ballot - Withdrawal of name
Status: in_force

(a) The names of candidates for president of the United States shall be printed on the ballot for the presidential preference primary only if they are: (1) The names of persons for whom the chair of a statewide political party has certified to be placed on the ballot for the office of president of the United States to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall submit the names to the state election commission no later than the first Tuesday in December immediately preceding the year in which the election will be held. If a candidate who has been certified by the secretary of state wishes to be a candidate in the presidential primary of a party other than that for which the chair of the statewide political party certified the candidate, then the candidate shall signify the candidate's political party preference to the state election commission no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in subsection (b), and the candidate's name must be certified only for the ballot of the candidate's chosen party, as the case may be. (2) The names of persons for whom nominating petitions, signed by at least two thousand five hundred (2,500) registered voters of the party whose nomination is sought and by the candidate, are filed not later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the first Tuesday in December of the year before the year in which the election will be held. The nominating petitions shall be filed with the state election commission and certified duplicates with the coordinator of elections and with the chair of the candidate's party's state executive committee. No candidate may enter the presidential primary of more than one (1) statewide political party. (b) The secretary of state shall advise each of the prospective candidates by the most expeditious means available that, unless a candidate withdraws the candidate's name by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in December of the year before the year in which the election will be held, the candidate's name will appear on the ballot of the candidate's party in the presidential preference primary. If such a person executes and files with the state election commission an affidavit stating without qualification that the candidate is not and does not intend to become a candidate for president in the forthcoming presidential election, the candidate's name shall not be on the ballot. (c) The coordinator of elections shall certify to the county election commissions on the third Thursday in December the names that this section requires to be on the ballot for each political party. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 389, s 2, eff. 5/11/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 389, s 1, eff. 5/11/2023. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 439, § 1; 1977, ch. 316, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-510; Acts 1986, ch. 562, §§ 1-4; 1987, ch. 409, §§ 1-5; 2003 , ch. 374, §§ 14-17.
(a) The names of candidates for president of the United States shall be printed on the ballot for the presidential preference primary only if they are: (1) The names of persons for whom the chair of a statewide political party has certified to be placed on the ballot for the office of president of the United States to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall submit the names to the state election commission no later than the first Tuesday in December immediately preceding the year in which the election will be held. If a candidate who has been certified by the secretary of state wishes to be a candidate in the presidential primary of a party other than that for which the chair of the statewide political party certified the candidate, then the candidate shall signify the candidate's political party preference to the state election commission no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in subsection (b), and the candidate's name must be certified only for the ballot of the candidate's chosen party, as the case may be. (2) The names of persons for whom nominating petitions, signed by at least two thousand five hundred (2,500) registered voters of the party whose nomination is sought and by the candidate, are filed not later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the first Tuesday in December of the year before the year in which the election will be held. The nominating petitions shall be filed with the state election commission and certified duplicates with the coordinator of elections and with the chair of the candidate's party's state executive committee. No candidate may enter the presidential primary of more than one (1) statewide political party.
(1) The names of persons for whom the chair of a statewide political party has certified to be placed on the ballot for the office of president of the United States to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall submit the names to the state election commission no later than the first Tuesday in December immediately preceding the year in which the election will be held. If a candidate who has been certified by the secretary of state wishes to be a candidate in the presidential primary of a party other than that for which the chair of the statewide political party certified the candidate, then the candidate shall signify the candidate's political party preference to the state election commission no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in subsection (b), and the candidate's name must be certified only for the ballot of the candidate's chosen party, as the case may be.
(2) The names of persons for whom nominating petitions, signed by at least two thousand five hundred (2,500) registered voters of the party whose nomination is sought and by the candidate, are filed not later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the first Tuesday in December of the year before the year in which the election will be held. The nominating petitions shall be filed with the state election commission and certified duplicates with the coordinator of elections and with the chair of the candidate's party's state executive committee. No candidate may enter the presidential primary of more than one (1) statewide political party.
(b) The secretary of state shall advise each of the prospective candidates by the most expeditious means available that, unless a candidate withdraws the candidate's name by twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the second Tuesday in December of the year before the year in which the election will be held, the candidate's name will appear on the ballot of the candidate's party in the presidential preference primary. If such a person executes and files with the state election commission an affidavit stating without qualification that the candidate is not and does not intend to become a candidate for president in the forthcoming presidential election, the candidate's name shall not be on the ballot.
(c) The coordinator of elections shall certify to the county election commissions on the third Thursday in December the names that this section requires to be on the ballot for each political party.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 389, s 2, eff. 5/11/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 389, s 1, eff. 5/11/2023.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 439, § 1; 1977, ch. 316, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-510; Acts 1986, ch. 562, §§ 1-4; 1987, ch. 409, §§ 1-5; 2003 , ch. 374, §§ 14-17.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-119 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-119
Monitoring of elections by U.N. representative
Status: in_force

Any representative of the United Nations appearing without a treaty ratified by the United States senate stating that the United Nations can monitor elections in this state, shall not monitor elections in this state. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807, s 1, eff. 4/25/2014.
Any representative of the United Nations appearing without a treaty ratified by the United States senate stating that the United Nations can monitor elections in this state, shall not monitor elections in this state.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807, s 1, eff. 4/25/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-109
Political party membership requirement for county primary boards
Status: in_force

Members of the county primary boards shall be bona fide members of the political party to whose county primary board they are appointed. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1310.
Members of the county primary boards shall be bona fide members of the political party to whose county primary board they are appointed.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1310.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-206 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-206
Forms of ballots on voting machines
Status: in_force

(a) Voting machine ballot labels and names of candidates shall be printed in black ink with office titles printed in black or red ink on clear material of such size as will fit the ballot frame and in as plain, clear type as the space will reasonably permit. (b) All voting machine ballots shall be arranged as follows: (1) In primary elections, the title of the offices shall be placed vertically on the left or right side of the ballot, and there shall be a vertical column for each political party, and the names of the candidates shall be placed opposite the title of the office for which they are to be selected, in alphabetical order according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial. Each column shall be designated by the name of the political party for that column; (2) In general elections, the title of the offices shall be placed vertically on the left or the right side of the ballot, and there shall be a vertical column for each political party. Any candidate whose name is to be placed on the ballot by virtue of party nomination shall be listed in the political column of such candidate's party, opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. One (1) vertical column for independent candidates shall be placed on the ballot and shall appear immediately after the political party columns. The independent candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order according to the initials of their surnames, beginning with the first initial. The independent candidate's name shall be listed opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. This ballot format shall apply to all voting machine ballots, except in counties using Automatic Voting Machine, Inc. type machines, C.E.S., Votomatic or comparable punch card voting systems, or Shouptronic or other comparable direct recording electronic voting systems. Any county using Automatic Voting Machine, Inc. type machines shall arrange its machine ballots in the following manner, to wit: the title of offices shall be placed in vertical columns and the names of the candidates shall be placed in horizontal columns with each political party having its own columns and the independents being placed in a single column or columns after the political party columns; with such candidates' names being listed alphabetically according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial. The ballot format for C.E.S., Inc., Votomatic, or other comparable punch card systems shall be governed by the rules set out by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission under § 2-9-110 . The ballot format for Shouptronic or other comparable direct recording electronic voting systems shall be governed by the rules set out by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission under § 2-9-110 . Such rules shall be approved by not less than four (4) members of the state election commission; (3) If the arrangement as set out in subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) will not fit on the voting machine ballot, the county election commission may arrange the ballot so that the voting machine will accommodate the entire ballot including, without limitation, the arrangement of material in vertical columns with the office appearing first and the candidates for such office listed vertically beneath the office, with political party nominees indicated by (D) or (R) and independent candidates by (I); and (4) Any county using a punch card format system which places an identifying number on the punch card ballot shall place the corresponding number by each position or name displayed on the ballot pages. (c) The county election commission of each county shall prepare a sample ballot of all candidates and mail this sample ballot to the coordinator of elections for approval. No ballot shall be printed or funds expended therefor by any county until such approval has been granted. The coordinator of elections must give approval or disapproval within ten (10) days of the receipt of the sample ballot. (d) If the coordinator of elections or the state election commission fails to correct promptly any alleged defect in any ballot, whether for voting machine, paper ballot, or otherwise, a candidate, the candidate's representative, or other party deemed to have standing may apply to the chancery court in the county wherein the allegedly defective ballot may be used, for any appropriate relief under this code or the rules of civil procedure. (e) (1) Should there be so many candidates or questions, or both, to be voted upon in any election, as to exceed the capacity of a voting machine, paper ballots shall be provided for each polling place, to hold the entire ballot. Where paper ballots are required to list the entire ballot, the names of all candidates for any one (1) particular office shall be printed on the same paper ballot. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (e)(1), in any county where a voting machine will not accommodate the entire ballot, the coordinator of elections may, with the approval of the county election commission, permit the placement of part of the ballot on paper ballots. In considering the priority in which parts of the ballot should be placed on paper ballots, the coordinator shall first permit the placement of the candidates for the court of appeals and the court of criminal appeals on paper ballots. Next, the coordinator shall permit the placement of the unopposed candidates for countywide positions on paper ballots; provided, that no candidate who is unopposed in a primary election shall be placed on paper ballots. In any county having a population of not less than one hundred forty-three thousand nine hundred (143,900) nor more than one hundred forty-four thousand (144,000), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the coordinator shall permit the placement of candidates in nonpartisan elections for county commission on paper ballots. (f) The machine shall be so adjusted that when one (1) or more voting pointers equaling the total number of persons to be elected to an office shall have been operated, all other voting pointers connected with that office shall be locked. The machines shall be so adjusted that no voter may vote in more than one (1) party's primary election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 353, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-512; Acts 1982, ch. 871, § 3; 1989, ch. 274, §§ 3, 4; 1989, ch. 573, § 1; 1989, ch. 574, § 1; 1990, ch. 628, § 4; 1990, ch. 797, § 1; 1997 , ch. 331, § 1; 2000, ch. 756, § 17.
(a) Voting machine ballot labels and names of candidates shall be printed in black ink with office titles printed in black or red ink on clear material of such size as will fit the ballot frame and in as plain, clear type as the space will reasonably permit.
(b) All voting machine ballots shall be arranged as follows: (1) In primary elections, the title of the offices shall be placed vertically on the left or right side of the ballot, and there shall be a vertical column for each political party, and the names of the candidates shall be placed opposite the title of the office for which they are to be selected, in alphabetical order according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial. Each column shall be designated by the name of the political party for that column; (2) In general elections, the title of the offices shall be placed vertically on the left or the right side of the ballot, and there shall be a vertical column for each political party. Any candidate whose name is to be placed on the ballot by virtue of party nomination shall be listed in the political column of such candidate's party, opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. One (1) vertical column for independent candidates shall be placed on the ballot and shall appear immediately after the political party columns. The independent candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order according to the initials of their surnames, beginning with the first initial. The independent candidate's name shall be listed opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. This ballot format shall apply to all voting machine ballots, except in counties using Automatic Voting Machine, Inc. type machines, C.E.S., Votomatic or comparable punch card voting systems, or Shouptronic or other comparable direct recording electronic voting systems. Any county using Automatic Voting Machine, Inc. type machines shall arrange its machine ballots in the following manner, to wit: the title of offices shall be placed in vertical columns and the names of the candidates shall be placed in horizontal columns with each political party having its own columns and the independents being placed in a single column or columns after the political party columns; with such candidates' names being listed alphabetically according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial. The ballot format for C.E.S., Inc., Votomatic, or other comparable punch card systems shall be governed by the rules set out by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission under § 2-9-110 . The ballot format for Shouptronic or other comparable direct recording electronic voting systems shall be governed by the rules set out by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission under § 2-9-110 . Such rules shall be approved by not less than four (4) members of the state election commission; (3) If the arrangement as set out in subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) will not fit on the voting machine ballot, the county election commission may arrange the ballot so that the voting machine will accommodate the entire ballot including, without limitation, the arrangement of material in vertical columns with the office appearing first and the candidates for such office listed vertically beneath the office, with political party nominees indicated by (D) or (R) and independent candidates by (I); and (4) Any county using a punch card format system which places an identifying number on the punch card ballot shall place the corresponding number by each position or name displayed on the ballot pages.
(1) In primary elections, the title of the offices shall be placed vertically on the left or right side of the ballot, and there shall be a vertical column for each political party, and the names of the candidates shall be placed opposite the title of the office for which they are to be selected, in alphabetical order according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial. Each column shall be designated by the name of the political party for that column;
(2) In general elections, the title of the offices shall be placed vertically on the left or the right side of the ballot, and there shall be a vertical column for each political party. Any candidate whose name is to be placed on the ballot by virtue of party nomination shall be listed in the political column of such candidate's party, opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. One (1) vertical column for independent candidates shall be placed on the ballot and shall appear immediately after the political party columns. The independent candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order according to the initials of their surnames, beginning with the first initial. The independent candidate's name shall be listed opposite the title of the office the candidate seeks. This ballot format shall apply to all voting machine ballots, except in counties using Automatic Voting Machine, Inc. type machines, C.E.S., Votomatic or comparable punch card voting systems, or Shouptronic or other comparable direct recording electronic voting systems. Any county using Automatic Voting Machine, Inc. type machines shall arrange its machine ballots in the following manner, to wit: the title of offices shall be placed in vertical columns and the names of the candidates shall be placed in horizontal columns with each political party having its own columns and the independents being placed in a single column or columns after the political party columns; with such candidates' names being listed alphabetically according to the initials of their surname, beginning with the first initial. The ballot format for C.E.S., Inc., Votomatic, or other comparable punch card systems shall be governed by the rules set out by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission under § 2-9-110 . The ballot format for Shouptronic or other comparable direct recording electronic voting systems shall be governed by the rules set out by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission under § 2-9-110 . Such rules shall be approved by not less than four (4) members of the state election commission;
(3) If the arrangement as set out in subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) will not fit on the voting machine ballot, the county election commission may arrange the ballot so that the voting machine will accommodate the entire ballot including, without limitation, the arrangement of material in vertical columns with the office appearing first and the candidates for such office listed vertically beneath the office, with political party nominees indicated by (D) or (R) and independent candidates by (I); and
(4) Any county using a punch card format system which places an identifying number on the punch card ballot shall place the corresponding number by each position or name displayed on the ballot pages.
(c) The county election commission of each county shall prepare a sample ballot of all candidates and mail this sample ballot to the coordinator of elections for approval. No ballot shall be printed or funds expended therefor by any county until such approval has been granted. The coordinator of elections must give approval or disapproval within ten (10) days of the receipt of the sample ballot.
(d) If the coordinator of elections or the state election commission fails to correct promptly any alleged defect in any ballot, whether for voting machine, paper ballot, or otherwise, a candidate, the candidate's representative, or other party deemed to have standing may apply to the chancery court in the county wherein the allegedly defective ballot may be used, for any appropriate relief under this code or the rules of civil procedure.
(e) (1) Should there be so many candidates or questions, or both, to be voted upon in any election, as to exceed the capacity of a voting machine, paper ballots shall be provided for each polling place, to hold the entire ballot. Where paper ballots are required to list the entire ballot, the names of all candidates for any one (1) particular office shall be printed on the same paper ballot. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (e)(1), in any county where a voting machine will not accommodate the entire ballot, the coordinator of elections may, with the approval of the county election commission, permit the placement of part of the ballot on paper ballots. In considering the priority in which parts of the ballot should be placed on paper ballots, the coordinator shall first permit the placement of the candidates for the court of appeals and the court of criminal appeals on paper ballots. Next, the coordinator shall permit the placement of the unopposed candidates for countywide positions on paper ballots; provided, that no candidate who is unopposed in a primary election shall be placed on paper ballots. In any county having a population of not less than one hundred forty-three thousand nine hundred (143,900) nor more than one hundred forty-four thousand (144,000), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the coordinator shall permit the placement of candidates in nonpartisan elections for county commission on paper ballots.
(1) Should there be so many candidates or questions, or both, to be voted upon in any election, as to exceed the capacity of a voting machine, paper ballots shall be provided for each polling place, to hold the entire ballot. Where paper ballots are required to list the entire ballot, the names of all candidates for any one (1) particular office shall be printed on the same paper ballot.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (e)(1), in any county where a voting machine will not accommodate the entire ballot, the coordinator of elections may, with the approval of the county election commission, permit the placement of part of the ballot on paper ballots. In considering the priority in which parts of the ballot should be placed on paper ballots, the coordinator shall first permit the placement of the candidates for the court of appeals and the court of criminal appeals on paper ballots. Next, the coordinator shall permit the placement of the unopposed candidates for countywide positions on paper ballots; provided, that no candidate who is unopposed in a primary election shall be placed on paper ballots. In any county having a population of not less than one hundred forty-three thousand nine hundred (143,900) nor more than one hundred forty-four thousand (144,000), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the coordinator shall permit the placement of candidates in nonpartisan elections for county commission on paper ballots.
(f) The machine shall be so adjusted that when one (1) or more voting pointers equaling the total number of persons to be elected to an office shall have been operated, all other voting pointers connected with that office shall be locked. The machines shall be so adjusted that no voter may vote in more than one (1) party's primary election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 353, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-512; Acts 1982, ch. 871, § 3; 1989, ch. 274, §§ 3, 4; 1989, ch. 573, § 1; 1989, ch. 574, § 1; 1990, ch. 628, § 4; 1990, ch. 797, § 1; 1997 , ch. 331, § 1; 2000, ch. 756, § 17.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-15-203 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 15 / Section 2-15-203
Designation of state's electors
Status: in_force

For each elector position in this state, a political party contesting the position, or an unaffiliated presidential candidate, shall submit to the secretary of state the name of one (1) qualified individual to be designated "elector nominee." A political party contesting the position, or an unaffiliated presidential candidate, may also submit to the secretary of state the names of additional qualified individuals, not to exceed the total number of elector positions, to be designated "alternate elector nominees." Except as otherwise provided in §§ 2-15-205 and 2-15-208 , this state's electors are the winning elector nominees under the laws of this state. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
For each elector position in this state, a political party contesting the position, or an unaffiliated presidential candidate, shall submit to the secretary of state the name of one (1) qualified individual to be designated "elector nominee." A political party contesting the position, or an unaffiliated presidential candidate, may also submit to the secretary of state the names of additional qualified individuals, not to exceed the total number of elector positions, to be designated "alternate elector nominees." Except as otherwise provided in §§ 2-15-205 and 2-15-208 , this state's electors are the winning elector nominees under the laws of this state.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-110 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 11 / Section 2-11-110
Ex officio, nonvoting members
Status: in_force

The chair of the state primary board of any statewide political party which has no members on the state election commission shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the state election commission. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 7; T.C.A., § 2-1110.
The chair of the state primary board of any statewide political party which has no members on the state election commission shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the state election commission.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 7; T.C.A., § 2-1110.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 4 / Section 2-4-111
Administration of oaths
Status: in_force

The officers of elections may administer oaths in the performance of their duties. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1215.
The officers of elections may administer oaths in the performance of their duties.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1215.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-121 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-121
Candidate bargaining for support
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any candidate for nomination or election in any state, county, city or district office, to expend, pay, promise, or loan or become pecuniarily liable in any way for money or other thing of value, either directly or indirectly, or to agree to enter into any contract with any person to vote for or support any particular policy or measure, in consideration of the vote or support, moral or financial, of such person. A violation of this section shall be punished as provided in § 2-19-123 . Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1921.
It is unlawful for any candidate for nomination or election in any state, county, city or district office, to expend, pay, promise, or loan or become pecuniarily liable in any way for money or other thing of value, either directly or indirectly, or to agree to enter into any contract with any person to vote for or support any particular policy or measure, in consideration of the vote or support, moral or financial, of such person. A violation of this section shall be punished as provided in § 2-19-123 .
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1921.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-124 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-124
Registration card
Status: in_force

(a) After determining that the registrant is entitled to register, the administrator of elections shall give or mail to each voter who is registered permanently a registration card which shall certify that the voter is registered. The voter shall sign the card in the presence of the administrator except for mail registrants or transferors. (b) The card shall be in substantially the following form on material on which any alteration of the card or of the voter's signature will be readily apparent: REGISTRATION CARD This is to certify that Mr. ______________ Mrs. ______________ Miss ______________ of ______________ voting precinct ____________________ ward ______________ City ____________________ County Tennessee, was duly registered on the ____________________ day of ______________, 20 ____________________. Residence ____________________ and is entitled to vote on and after ______________. ____________________ Administrator of Elections ____________________ Voter's Signature (c) On the reverse side of the card shall be printed the reasons for which the registration will be purged and how registration may be transferred to prevent purging. (d) Registered voters determined by the administrator of elections to be blind so as to qualify for assistance in voting as provided by § 2-7-116(b) shall be provided a permanent registration card, on the reverse side of which shall be printed the provisions for assistance available to such voters under § 2-7-116(b) . (e) Under no circumstances shall a social security number be printed on a voter registration card or used as an identifying number on a voter registration card. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 5, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-224; Acts 2001, ch. 413, § 3; 2008 , ch. 635, § 1.
(a) After determining that the registrant is entitled to register, the administrator of elections shall give or mail to each voter who is registered permanently a registration card which shall certify that the voter is registered. The voter shall sign the card in the presence of the administrator except for mail registrants or transferors.
(b) The card shall be in substantially the following form on material on which any alteration of the card or of the voter's signature will be readily apparent: REGISTRATION CARD This is to certify that Mr. ______________ Mrs. ______________ Miss ______________ of ______________ voting precinct ____________________ ward ______________ City ____________________ County Tennessee, was duly registered on the ____________________ day of ______________, 20 ____________________. Residence ____________________ and is entitled to vote on and after ______________. ____________________ Administrator of Elections ____________________ Voter's Signature
REGISTRATION CARD
This is to certify that Mr. ______________
Mrs. ______________
Miss ______________
of ______________ voting precinct ____________________ ward ______________ City ____________________ County Tennessee, was duly registered on the ____________________ day of ______________, 20 ____________________. Residence ____________________ and is entitled to vote on and after ______________.
____________________
Administrator of Elections
____________________
Voter's Signature
(c) On the reverse side of the card shall be printed the reasons for which the registration will be purged and how registration may be transferred to prevent purging.
(d) Registered voters determined by the administrator of elections to be blind so as to qualify for assistance in voting as provided by § 2-7-116(b) shall be provided a permanent registration card, on the reverse side of which shall be printed the provisions for assistance available to such voters under § 2-7-116(b) .
(e) Under no circumstances shall a social security number be printed on a voter registration card or used as an identifying number on a voter registration card.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 5, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-224; Acts 2001, ch. 413, § 3; 2008 , ch. 635, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-102 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-102
Qualifications of commissioners
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), persons appointed to the county election commission shall be registered voters who have been residents of the state for five (5) years and residents of the county for which they are appointed for two (2) years. (2) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred seventy-six thousand (276,000) nor more than two hundred seventy-seven thousand (277,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the persons appointed to the county election commission shall be registered voters who have been residents of the county for which they are appointed for two (2) years. (b) (1) A county election commissioner who qualifies as a candidate for any public office while serving as a commissioner is automatically disqualified to continue in office as a commissioner, and a vacancy exists on the commission. (2) If an immediate family member of a county election commissioner is on the ballot for public office in the county in which the commissioner serves, the commissioner must: (A) Abstain from voting on any issues that directly affect the commissioner's immediate family member; and (B) Be recused from the official duties of the commission at least thirty (30) days before the election and the state election commission shall appoint a temporary replacement for the election. The recused county election commissioner is reinstated to the office after the election in question is certified. (3) As used in this subsection (b), "immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, sibling, or child. (c) A person employed as an assistant public defender or an assistant district attorney may serve as a county election commissioner if such assistant public defender or assistant district attorney does not work in the district in which such assistant public defender or assistant district attorney lives. (d) Subsection (c) shall not apply in any county having a population of not less than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand four hundred (897,400) nor more than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand five hundred (897,500), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 292, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 558, § 1; 1979, ch. 232, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-1202; Acts 2003 , ch. 374, §§ 19, 20.
(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), persons appointed to the county election commission shall be registered voters who have been residents of the state for five (5) years and residents of the county for which they are appointed for two (2) years. (2) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred seventy-six thousand (276,000) nor more than two hundred seventy-seven thousand (277,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the persons appointed to the county election commission shall be registered voters who have been residents of the county for which they are appointed for two (2) years.
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), persons appointed to the county election commission shall be registered voters who have been residents of the state for five (5) years and residents of the county for which they are appointed for two (2) years.
(2) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred seventy-six thousand (276,000) nor more than two hundred seventy-seven thousand (277,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the persons appointed to the county election commission shall be registered voters who have been residents of the county for which they are appointed for two (2) years.
(b) (1) A county election commissioner who qualifies as a candidate for any public office while serving as a commissioner is automatically disqualified to continue in office as a commissioner, and a vacancy exists on the commission. (2) If an immediate family member of a county election commissioner is on the ballot for public office in the county in which the commissioner serves, the commissioner must: (A) Abstain from voting on any issues that directly affect the commissioner's immediate family member; and (B) Be recused from the official duties of the commission at least thirty (30) days before the election and the state election commission shall appoint a temporary replacement for the election. The recused county election commissioner is reinstated to the office after the election in question is certified. (3) As used in this subsection (b), "immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, sibling, or child.
(1) A county election commissioner who qualifies as a candidate for any public office while serving as a commissioner is automatically disqualified to continue in office as a commissioner, and a vacancy exists on the commission.
(2) If an immediate family member of a county election commissioner is on the ballot for public office in the county in which the commissioner serves, the commissioner must: (A) Abstain from voting on any issues that directly affect the commissioner's immediate family member; and (B) Be recused from the official duties of the commission at least thirty (30) days before the election and the state election commission shall appoint a temporary replacement for the election. The recused county election commissioner is reinstated to the office after the election in question is certified.
(A) Abstain from voting on any issues that directly affect the commissioner's immediate family member; and
(B) Be recused from the official duties of the commission at least thirty (30) days before the election and the state election commission shall appoint a temporary replacement for the election. The recused county election commissioner is reinstated to the office after the election in question is certified.
(3) As used in this subsection (b), "immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, sibling, or child.
(c) A person employed as an assistant public defender or an assistant district attorney may serve as a county election commissioner if such assistant public defender or assistant district attorney does not work in the district in which such assistant public defender or assistant district attorney lives.
(d) Subsection (c) shall not apply in any county having a population of not less than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand four hundred (897,400) nor more than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand five hundred (897,500), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 292, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1976, ch. 558, § 1; 1979, ch. 232, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-1202; Acts 2003 , ch. 374, §§ 19, 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-107 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-107
Recognition as a minor party
Status: in_force

(a) (1) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a primary election, a petition as required in § 2-1-104 must be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline as established in § 2-5-101(a) in the office of the coordinator of elections. Notwithstanding the minimum number of signatures required in § 2-1-104(a)(23) , if an organization intends to establish a recognized minor party solely within one (1) county, in all other respects, the petition shall conform to the requirements established therein, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within such county equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such county for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. The petition shall be accompanied by the name and address of the person or the names and addresses of the members of the group or association filing the petition to form the recognized minor political party. (2) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a general election, a petition as required in § 2-1-104 must be filed in the office of the coordinator of elections no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, ninety (90) days prior to the date on which the general election is to be held. Notwithstanding the minimum number of signatures required in § 2-1-104(a)(23) , if an organization intends to establish a recognized minor party solely within one (1) county, in all other respects, the petition shall conform to the requirements established therein, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within such county equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such county for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. The petition shall be accompanied by the name and address of the person or the names and addresses of the members of the group or association filing the petition to form the recognized minor political party. (b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such petition, the coordinator of elections shall determine the sufficiency of the petition, and if the petition is found sufficient, the minor party shall be recognized with all rights and obligations declared in this section. (c) Upon filing the required petition, candidates seeking to represent the minor party in a primary election must file nominating petitions as any other candidate for the desired office no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline as established in § 2-5-101(a) . If the coordinator of elections determines the petition meets the statutory requirements to be declared a recognized minor party, the candidates seeking to represent such minor party shall be placed on the appropriate primary ballot for such minor party. If the coordinator of elections determines the petition fails to meet the statutory requirements to be declared a recognized minor party, the candidates seeking to represent such minor party shall be placed on the appropriate general election ballot as independent candidates. (d) The name used by the minor party shall not be or include the name of any statewide political party then in existence or any word forming any part of the name of any statewide political party then in existence, and shall not include the word "independent" or "nonpartisan." The coordinator of elections shall redact any portion of a minor party name that violates this section. (e) (1) A recognized minor party must satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 no later than June 1 after the May primary elections are held pursuant to § 2-13-203(d) in order for its candidates to appear on the regular August general election ballot. If a recognized minor party fails to satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 by the required deadline, its candidates shall appear on the regular August general election ballot as independent candidates. (2) A recognized minor party must satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 no later than September 1 after the primary elections are held pursuant to § 2-13-202 in order for its candidates to appear on the regular November general election ballot. If a recognized minor party fails to satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 by the required deadline, its candidates shall appear on the regular November general election ballot as independent candidates. (f) If a petition filed pursuant to this section is determined to be sufficient by the coordinator of elections pursuant to subsection (b), such party shall be recognized as a minor party for all remaining primary and general elections in the current election year. However, if the recognized minor party is established solely within one (1) county, at least one (1) candidate for the recognized minor party must have received a number of votes equal to at least five percent (5%) of the total number of votes cast for candidates for the office of county mayor in the most recent election for such office. To maintain recognition beyond the current election year, a minor party must meet the requirements of a statewide political party as defined in § 2-1-104 . A recognized minor party who fails to meet such requirements shall cease to be a recognized minor party. Such party may regain recognition only by following the procedures for formation of a recognized minor party. The coordinator of elections shall advise each county election commission of a recognized minor party's failure to receive a sufficient number of votes and shall order that said party cease to be recognized. (g) A recognized minor party shall be exempt from the requirements of §§ 2-13-103 , 2-13-106 and 2-13-108 . Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 734, Secs.s 1, s 2, s 3 eff. 4/22/2014. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 12; T.C.A., § 2-1308; Acts 2011 , ch. 257, § 4; 2012 , ch. 955, §§ 1-4.
(a) (1) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a primary election, a petition as required in § 2-1-104 must be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline as established in § 2-5-101(a) in the office of the coordinator of elections. Notwithstanding the minimum number of signatures required in § 2-1-104(a)(23) , if an organization intends to establish a recognized minor party solely within one (1) county, in all other respects, the petition shall conform to the requirements established therein, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within such county equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such county for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. The petition shall be accompanied by the name and address of the person or the names and addresses of the members of the group or association filing the petition to form the recognized minor political party. (2) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a general election, a petition as required in § 2-1-104 must be filed in the office of the coordinator of elections no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, ninety (90) days prior to the date on which the general election is to be held. Notwithstanding the minimum number of signatures required in § 2-1-104(a)(23) , if an organization intends to establish a recognized minor party solely within one (1) county, in all other respects, the petition shall conform to the requirements established therein, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within such county equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such county for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. The petition shall be accompanied by the name and address of the person or the names and addresses of the members of the group or association filing the petition to form the recognized minor political party.
(1) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a primary election, a petition as required in § 2-1-104 must be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline as established in § 2-5-101(a) in the office of the coordinator of elections. Notwithstanding the minimum number of signatures required in § 2-1-104(a)(23) , if an organization intends to establish a recognized minor party solely within one (1) county, in all other respects, the petition shall conform to the requirements established therein, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within such county equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such county for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. The petition shall be accompanied by the name and address of the person or the names and addresses of the members of the group or association filing the petition to form the recognized minor political party.
(2) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a general election, a petition as required in § 2-1-104 must be filed in the office of the coordinator of elections no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, ninety (90) days prior to the date on which the general election is to be held. Notwithstanding the minimum number of signatures required in § 2-1-104(a)(23) , if an organization intends to establish a recognized minor party solely within one (1) county, in all other respects, the petition shall conform to the requirements established therein, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within such county equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such county for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. The petition shall be accompanied by the name and address of the person or the names and addresses of the members of the group or association filing the petition to form the recognized minor political party.
(b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such petition, the coordinator of elections shall determine the sufficiency of the petition, and if the petition is found sufficient, the minor party shall be recognized with all rights and obligations declared in this section.
(c) Upon filing the required petition, candidates seeking to represent the minor party in a primary election must file nominating petitions as any other candidate for the desired office no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline as established in § 2-5-101(a) . If the coordinator of elections determines the petition meets the statutory requirements to be declared a recognized minor party, the candidates seeking to represent such minor party shall be placed on the appropriate primary ballot for such minor party. If the coordinator of elections determines the petition fails to meet the statutory requirements to be declared a recognized minor party, the candidates seeking to represent such minor party shall be placed on the appropriate general election ballot as independent candidates.
(d) The name used by the minor party shall not be or include the name of any statewide political party then in existence or any word forming any part of the name of any statewide political party then in existence, and shall not include the word "independent" or "nonpartisan." The coordinator of elections shall redact any portion of a minor party name that violates this section.
(e) (1) A recognized minor party must satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 no later than June 1 after the May primary elections are held pursuant to § 2-13-203(d) in order for its candidates to appear on the regular August general election ballot. If a recognized minor party fails to satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 by the required deadline, its candidates shall appear on the regular August general election ballot as independent candidates. (2) A recognized minor party must satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 no later than September 1 after the primary elections are held pursuant to § 2-13-202 in order for its candidates to appear on the regular November general election ballot. If a recognized minor party fails to satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 by the required deadline, its candidates shall appear on the regular November general election ballot as independent candidates.
(1) A recognized minor party must satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 no later than June 1 after the May primary elections are held pursuant to § 2-13-203(d) in order for its candidates to appear on the regular August general election ballot. If a recognized minor party fails to satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 by the required deadline, its candidates shall appear on the regular August general election ballot as independent candidates.
(2) A recognized minor party must satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 no later than September 1 after the primary elections are held pursuant to § 2-13-202 in order for its candidates to appear on the regular November general election ballot. If a recognized minor party fails to satisfy the requirements of § 2-1-114 by the required deadline, its candidates shall appear on the regular November general election ballot as independent candidates.
(f) If a petition filed pursuant to this section is determined to be sufficient by the coordinator of elections pursuant to subsection (b), such party shall be recognized as a minor party for all remaining primary and general elections in the current election year. However, if the recognized minor party is established solely within one (1) county, at least one (1) candidate for the recognized minor party must have received a number of votes equal to at least five percent (5%) of the total number of votes cast for candidates for the office of county mayor in the most recent election for such office. To maintain recognition beyond the current election year, a minor party must meet the requirements of a statewide political party as defined in § 2-1-104 . A recognized minor party who fails to meet such requirements shall cease to be a recognized minor party. Such party may regain recognition only by following the procedures for formation of a recognized minor party. The coordinator of elections shall advise each county election commission of a recognized minor party's failure to receive a sufficient number of votes and shall order that said party cease to be recognized.
(g) A recognized minor party shall be exempt from the requirements of §§ 2-13-103 , 2-13-106 and 2-13-108 .
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 734, Secs.s 1, s 2, s 3 eff. 4/22/2014.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 12; T.C.A., § 2-1308; Acts 2011 , ch. 257, § 4; 2012 , ch. 955, §§ 1-4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-210 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-210
Instruction cards
Status: in_force

The coordinator of elections shall provide the county election commission with instruction cards for each polling place in large, clear type. The instruction cards shall contain full instructions for the guidance of voters in obtaining ballots or admission to voting machines, in casting their votes, in obtaining assistance, and in obtaining new ballots in place of those accidentally spoiled or in moving from an inoperative machine to a functioning one. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-516.
The coordinator of elections shall provide the county election commission with instruction cards for each polling place in large, clear type. The instruction cards shall contain full instructions for the guidance of voters in obtaining ballots or admission to voting machines, in casting their votes, in obtaining assistance, and in obtaining new ballots in place of those accidentally spoiled or in moving from an inoperative machine to a functioning one.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-516.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-114 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-114
Voting by paper ballots
Status: in_force

(a) When the voter is to vote by paper ballot, the voter shall then present the ballot application to the judge who is in charge of paper ballots. The judge shall write the ballot number of each ballot the voter is entitled to on the ballot application, give the ballot or ballots to the voter, and give the ballot application to the judge who is assigned to deposit ballots in the ballot box. The judge shall, upon demand of any voter at the time the voter receives the ballot, tell the voter the order of the offices on the ballot. (b) (1) The voter shall then go to a place where the voter may mark the ballot in complete secrecy and privacy and shall prepare the ballot by making in the appropriate place a cross (X) or other mark opposite the name of the candidate of the voter's choice for each office to be filled, or by filling in the name of the candidate of the voter's choice in the blank space provided, and by making a cross (X) or other mark opposite the answer the voter desires to give on each question. Before leaving the place of secrecy and privacy, the voter shall fold the ballot so that the votes cannot be seen but so that the information printed on the back of the ballot and the numbered stub are plainly visible. (2) Any voter who fills in or writes in the name of a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot shall not be required to make a cross (X) or other mark next to such person's name in order for the vote to be counted. (c) (1) The voter shall state the voter's name and present the folded ballot to the judge assigned to receive and deposit the ballots. The judge shall compare the ballot number on the stub with the ballot number on the voter's ballot application. If the ballot numbers are the same, the judge shall tear off the stub, attach the ballot stub to the voter's application for ballot and direct the voter to deposit the ballot in the ballot box, unless the voter is successfully challenged. The judge shall file all ballot applications and ballot stubs in the order in which they are received. Notwithstanding any other law, the procedure described herein shall govern the voting process in counties using the optical scan voting system. (2) In counties using an electronic ballot marking system or ballot-on-demand technology approved by the coordinator of elections, a ballot stub number is not required to be preprinted on the paper ballot. The election official shall file all ballot applications in the order in which they are received. When a ballot stub number is not preprinted on the paper ballot, the election commission must reconcile the number of applications issued in the polling place with the number of ballots recorded by the optical scanner used to tabulate the ballots in the polling place. Whenever the total number of applications issued differs from the total number of ballots scanned in a tabulator used in the polling place, the election commission shall complete a written report explaining the difference. (3) If the voter is voting a provisional ballot pursuant to § 2-7-112(a)(3) and (e) , the voter shall state the voter's name and present the folded ballot to the judge assigned to receive and deposit the provisional ballots. The judge shall compare the provisional ballot number on the stub with the provisional ballot number on the voter's ballot application. If the provisional ballot numbers are the same, the judge shall tear off the stub and attach the ballot stub to the voter's application for ballot. The judge shall file all ballot applications and ballot stubs in the order in which they are received. Unless the voter is successfully challenged, the judge shall direct the voter to deposit the provisional ballot into the provisional ballot envelope that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The judge shall ensure that the provisional ballot affidavit has been completed and signed by the voter and direct the voter to deposit the provisional ballot, in its envelope, in an absentee ballot box that satisfies the requirements for absentee ballot boxes and that has been locked pursuant to § 2-6-311 . Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 2, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 749, s 1, eff. 5/2/2018. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-714; Acts 1981, ch. 478, §17; 1997 , ch. 558, §16; 2003 , ch. 352, § 4.
(a) When the voter is to vote by paper ballot, the voter shall then present the ballot application to the judge who is in charge of paper ballots. The judge shall write the ballot number of each ballot the voter is entitled to on the ballot application, give the ballot or ballots to the voter, and give the ballot application to the judge who is assigned to deposit ballots in the ballot box. The judge shall, upon demand of any voter at the time the voter receives the ballot, tell the voter the order of the offices on the ballot.
(b) (1) The voter shall then go to a place where the voter may mark the ballot in complete secrecy and privacy and shall prepare the ballot by making in the appropriate place a cross (X) or other mark opposite the name of the candidate of the voter's choice for each office to be filled, or by filling in the name of the candidate of the voter's choice in the blank space provided, and by making a cross (X) or other mark opposite the answer the voter desires to give on each question. Before leaving the place of secrecy and privacy, the voter shall fold the ballot so that the votes cannot be seen but so that the information printed on the back of the ballot and the numbered stub are plainly visible. (2) Any voter who fills in or writes in the name of a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot shall not be required to make a cross (X) or other mark next to such person's name in order for the vote to be counted.
(1) The voter shall then go to a place where the voter may mark the ballot in complete secrecy and privacy and shall prepare the ballot by making in the appropriate place a cross (X) or other mark opposite the name of the candidate of the voter's choice for each office to be filled, or by filling in the name of the candidate of the voter's choice in the blank space provided, and by making a cross (X) or other mark opposite the answer the voter desires to give on each question. Before leaving the place of secrecy and privacy, the voter shall fold the ballot so that the votes cannot be seen but so that the information printed on the back of the ballot and the numbered stub are plainly visible.
(2) Any voter who fills in or writes in the name of a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot shall not be required to make a cross (X) or other mark next to such person's name in order for the vote to be counted.
(c) (1) The voter shall state the voter's name and present the folded ballot to the judge assigned to receive and deposit the ballots. The judge shall compare the ballot number on the stub with the ballot number on the voter's ballot application. If the ballot numbers are the same, the judge shall tear off the stub, attach the ballot stub to the voter's application for ballot and direct the voter to deposit the ballot in the ballot box, unless the voter is successfully challenged. The judge shall file all ballot applications and ballot stubs in the order in which they are received. Notwithstanding any other law, the procedure described herein shall govern the voting process in counties using the optical scan voting system. (2) In counties using an electronic ballot marking system or ballot-on-demand technology approved by the coordinator of elections, a ballot stub number is not required to be preprinted on the paper ballot. The election official shall file all ballot applications in the order in which they are received. When a ballot stub number is not preprinted on the paper ballot, the election commission must reconcile the number of applications issued in the polling place with the number of ballots recorded by the optical scanner used to tabulate the ballots in the polling place. Whenever the total number of applications issued differs from the total number of ballots scanned in a tabulator used in the polling place, the election commission shall complete a written report explaining the difference. (3) If the voter is voting a provisional ballot pursuant to § 2-7-112(a)(3) and (e) , the voter shall state the voter's name and present the folded ballot to the judge assigned to receive and deposit the provisional ballots. The judge shall compare the provisional ballot number on the stub with the provisional ballot number on the voter's ballot application. If the provisional ballot numbers are the same, the judge shall tear off the stub and attach the ballot stub to the voter's application for ballot. The judge shall file all ballot applications and ballot stubs in the order in which they are received. Unless the voter is successfully challenged, the judge shall direct the voter to deposit the provisional ballot into the provisional ballot envelope that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The judge shall ensure that the provisional ballot affidavit has been completed and signed by the voter and direct the voter to deposit the provisional ballot, in its envelope, in an absentee ballot box that satisfies the requirements for absentee ballot boxes and that has been locked pursuant to § 2-6-311 .
(1) The voter shall state the voter's name and present the folded ballot to the judge assigned to receive and deposit the ballots. The judge shall compare the ballot number on the stub with the ballot number on the voter's ballot application. If the ballot numbers are the same, the judge shall tear off the stub, attach the ballot stub to the voter's application for ballot and direct the voter to deposit the ballot in the ballot box, unless the voter is successfully challenged. The judge shall file all ballot applications and ballot stubs in the order in which they are received. Notwithstanding any other law, the procedure described herein shall govern the voting process in counties using the optical scan voting system.
(2) In counties using an electronic ballot marking system or ballot-on-demand technology approved by the coordinator of elections, a ballot stub number is not required to be preprinted on the paper ballot. The election official shall file all ballot applications in the order in which they are received. When a ballot stub number is not preprinted on the paper ballot, the election commission must reconcile the number of applications issued in the polling place with the number of ballots recorded by the optical scanner used to tabulate the ballots in the polling place. Whenever the total number of applications issued differs from the total number of ballots scanned in a tabulator used in the polling place, the election commission shall complete a written report explaining the difference.
(3) If the voter is voting a provisional ballot pursuant to § 2-7-112(a)(3) and (e) , the voter shall state the voter's name and present the folded ballot to the judge assigned to receive and deposit the provisional ballots. The judge shall compare the provisional ballot number on the stub with the provisional ballot number on the voter's ballot application. If the provisional ballot numbers are the same, the judge shall tear off the stub and attach the ballot stub to the voter's application for ballot. The judge shall file all ballot applications and ballot stubs in the order in which they are received. Unless the voter is successfully challenged, the judge shall direct the voter to deposit the provisional ballot into the provisional ballot envelope that contains the provisional ballot affidavit. The judge shall ensure that the provisional ballot affidavit has been completed and signed by the voter and direct the voter to deposit the provisional ballot, in its envelope, in an absentee ballot box that satisfies the requirements for absentee ballot boxes and that has been locked pursuant to § 2-6-311 .
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 2, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 749, s 1, eff. 5/2/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-714; Acts 1981, ch. 478, §17; 1997 , ch. 558, §16; 2003 , ch. 352, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-119 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-119
Out of state training and events for administrator of elections - Reporting
Status: in_force

(a) If an administrator of elections attends a training, seminar, conference, or other educational event related to elections and such event is outside of this state, the administrator of elections must file a form prescribed by the coordinator of elections reporting, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The name of the event and the entity hosting or producing the event; (2) The location and date of the event; (3) The identity of the person or entity that paid for the attendance of the administrator of elections; (4) Number of days attended; and (5) The total amount of county, state, or federal funds used to attend the event, if any. (b) The administrator of elections shall file the form with the state election commission no later than fifteen (15) days after the date of the out-of-state training, seminar, conference, or other educational event related to elections. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 830,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
(a) If an administrator of elections attends a training, seminar, conference, or other educational event related to elections and such event is outside of this state, the administrator of elections must file a form prescribed by the coordinator of elections reporting, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The name of the event and the entity hosting or producing the event; (2) The location and date of the event; (3) The identity of the person or entity that paid for the attendance of the administrator of elections; (4) Number of days attended; and (5) The total amount of county, state, or federal funds used to attend the event, if any.
(1) The name of the event and the entity hosting or producing the event;
(2) The location and date of the event;
(3) The identity of the person or entity that paid for the attendance of the administrator of elections;
(4) Number of days attended; and
(5) The total amount of county, state, or federal funds used to attend the event, if any.
(b) The administrator of elections shall file the form with the state election commission no later than fifteen (15) days after the date of the out-of-state training, seminar, conference, or other educational event related to elections.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 830,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-113 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-113
Names of election officials failing to serve submitted to grand jury
Status: in_force

The chair of the county election commission shall furnish the first grand jury sitting in the county after an election the names of all appointed election officials who failed to serve in the election and who did not notify the commission in advance that they could not. If an affidavit has been filed by an official with the commission setting forth why the official did not serve, the chair shall furnish it to the grand jury together with the chair's recommendation. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 9; T.C.A., § 2-1218.
The chair of the county election commission shall furnish the first grand jury sitting in the county after an election the names of all appointed election officials who failed to serve in the election and who did not notify the commission in advance that they could not. If an affidavit has been filed by an official with the commission setting forth why the official did not serve, the chair shall furnish it to the grand jury together with the chair's recommendation.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 9; T.C.A., § 2-1218.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-206 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-206
Registry of election finance - Duties
Status: in_force

(a) The duties of the registry include the following: (1) Develop prescribed forms for statements that are required to be filed under the laws pursuant to § 2-10-205 , with the objective of making the disclosure statements as simple and understandable as possible for both the person filing the disclosure statement and the average citizen of the state of Tennessee; (2) Develop a filing, coding and cross-indexing system; (3) Make each report filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the same; (4) Review all filed statements to ensure compliance with the respective disclosure laws. Statements filed with the registry for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement; (5) Prepare and publish a manual for all candidates and committees, describing the requirements of the law, including uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting and requirements as to reporting dates and the length of time that candidates and committees are required to keep any records pursuant to this part; (6) Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly concerning the administration and enforcement of the disclosure law by July 1 of each year that includes recommendations by the registry or a statement that the registry makes no recommendations; (7) Investigate any alleged violation upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion. If the registry investigates the records of any selected candidate, it may also investigate the records of all other candidates running for the same office in the same district or other appropriate geographic area; (8) Preserve all reports or statements for five (5) years from the date of filing, absent any pending investigation by the registry of election finance or any other law enforcement agency, or absent any administrative or court proceeding; (9) Notify all candidates for state public office in a state election of the requirements for filing any required disclosure statement fourteen (14) days before any fixed deadline provided for such filing; and (10) Conduct audits. (b) The registry shall notify each member of the general assembly by sending notice to the member's home address and the member's legislative office address in Nashville. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 9, eff. 1/1/2024. Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 6; 1991, ch. 519, § 15; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 11.
(a) The duties of the registry include the following: (1) Develop prescribed forms for statements that are required to be filed under the laws pursuant to § 2-10-205 , with the objective of making the disclosure statements as simple and understandable as possible for both the person filing the disclosure statement and the average citizen of the state of Tennessee; (2) Develop a filing, coding and cross-indexing system; (3) Make each report filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the same; (4) Review all filed statements to ensure compliance with the respective disclosure laws. Statements filed with the registry for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement; (5) Prepare and publish a manual for all candidates and committees, describing the requirements of the law, including uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting and requirements as to reporting dates and the length of time that candidates and committees are required to keep any records pursuant to this part; (6) Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly concerning the administration and enforcement of the disclosure law by July 1 of each year that includes recommendations by the registry or a statement that the registry makes no recommendations; (7) Investigate any alleged violation upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion. If the registry investigates the records of any selected candidate, it may also investigate the records of all other candidates running for the same office in the same district or other appropriate geographic area; (8) Preserve all reports or statements for five (5) years from the date of filing, absent any pending investigation by the registry of election finance or any other law enforcement agency, or absent any administrative or court proceeding; (9) Notify all candidates for state public office in a state election of the requirements for filing any required disclosure statement fourteen (14) days before any fixed deadline provided for such filing; and (10) Conduct audits.
(1) Develop prescribed forms for statements that are required to be filed under the laws pursuant to § 2-10-205 , with the objective of making the disclosure statements as simple and understandable as possible for both the person filing the disclosure statement and the average citizen of the state of Tennessee;
(2) Develop a filing, coding and cross-indexing system;
(3) Make each report filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the same;
(4) Review all filed statements to ensure compliance with the respective disclosure laws. Statements filed with the registry for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement;
(5) Prepare and publish a manual for all candidates and committees, describing the requirements of the law, including uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting and requirements as to reporting dates and the length of time that candidates and committees are required to keep any records pursuant to this part;
(6) Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly concerning the administration and enforcement of the disclosure law by July 1 of each year that includes recommendations by the registry or a statement that the registry makes no recommendations;
(7) Investigate any alleged violation upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion. If the registry investigates the records of any selected candidate, it may also investigate the records of all other candidates running for the same office in the same district or other appropriate geographic area;
(8) Preserve all reports or statements for five (5) years from the date of filing, absent any pending investigation by the registry of election finance or any other law enforcement agency, or absent any administrative or court proceeding;
(9) Notify all candidates for state public office in a state election of the requirements for filing any required disclosure statement fourteen (14) days before any fixed deadline provided for such filing; and
(10) Conduct audits.
(b) The registry shall notify each member of the general assembly by sending notice to the member's home address and the member's legislative office address in Nashville.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 9, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 6; 1991, ch. 519, § 15; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-112 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-112
Members of county commission in office throughout each election day
Status: in_force

In any county having a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the members of the county election commission shall be in the commission office throughout each election day unless they are out for good cause. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1217; Acts 1993, ch. 518, §§ 2, 21.
In any county having a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the members of the county election commission shall be in the commission office throughout each election day unless they are out for good cause.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1217; Acts 1993, ch. 518, §§ 2, 21.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-304 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-304
Loans
Status: in_force

(a) The limitations contained in this part do not apply to any loan of money by a financial institution as defined in § 45-10-102 that: (1) Is made in accordance with applicable law and in the ordinary course of business; (2) Is made on a basis reasonably designed to assure repayment, evidenced by a written instrument, and subject to a payment due date or amortization schedule; and (3) Bears the usual and customary interest rate of the lending institution. (b) An endorsement or guaranty of a loan made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be considered a contribution in the amount of the endorsement or guaranty and shall be subject to the limitations contained in this part. Where the written instrument does not specify the portion of the loan for which the endorser or guarantor is liable, each endorser or guarantor shall be considered to have made a contribution in that proportion of the unpaid balance that each endorser or guarantor bears to the total number of endorsers or guarantors. Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
(a) The limitations contained in this part do not apply to any loan of money by a financial institution as defined in § 45-10-102 that: (1) Is made in accordance with applicable law and in the ordinary course of business; (2) Is made on a basis reasonably designed to assure repayment, evidenced by a written instrument, and subject to a payment due date or amortization schedule; and (3) Bears the usual and customary interest rate of the lending institution.
(1) Is made in accordance with applicable law and in the ordinary course of business;
(2) Is made on a basis reasonably designed to assure repayment, evidenced by a written instrument, and subject to a payment due date or amortization schedule; and
(3) Bears the usual and customary interest rate of the lending institution.
(b) An endorsement or guaranty of a loan made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be considered a contribution in the amount of the endorsement or guaranty and shall be subject to the limitations contained in this part. Where the written instrument does not specify the portion of the loan for which the endorser or guarantor is liable, each endorser or guarantor shall be considered to have made a contribution in that proportion of the unpaid balance that each endorser or guarantor bears to the total number of endorsers or guarantors.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-202 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-202
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the general assembly to provide adequate financial disclosure by public officials, candidates for public office, and lobbyists. Furthermore, it is the intent of the general assembly to establish a registry of election finance to ensure enforcement of these statutes. Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 2.
It is the intent of the general assembly to provide adequate financial disclosure by public officials, candidates for public office, and lobbyists. Furthermore, it is the intent of the general assembly to establish a registry of election finance to ensure enforcement of these statutes.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-405 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-405
Financial disclosure statement
Status: in_force

(a) The governor-elect shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the gubernatorial inauguration fund. (b) A statement filed under this section 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); or (2) A statement setting forth: (A) Under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and complete address of each person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation contributing a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation. The statement shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution; and (ii) The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of five hundred dollars ($500) or less; and (B) Under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and address of each person to whom a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose thereof; and (ii) The statement shall list the total amount of expenditures of five hundred dollars ($500) or less each, by category, without showing the exact amount of or vouching for each such expenditure. (c) The financial disclosure statement for contributions made up until thirty (30) days before any inauguration event shall be filed no later than ten (10) days before the governor's inauguration. The financial disclosure statement for all other contributions shall be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the governor's inauguration. Acts 2001, ch. 458, § 1.
(a) The governor-elect shall file with the registry of election finance a statement of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the gubernatorial inauguration fund.
(b) A statement filed under this section 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); or (2) A statement setting forth: (A) Under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and complete address of each person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation contributing a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation. The statement shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution; and (ii) The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of five hundred dollars ($500) or less; and (B) Under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and address of each person to whom a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose thereof; and (ii) The statement shall list the total amount of expenditures of five hundred dollars ($500) or less each, by category, without showing the exact amount of or vouching for each such expenditure.
(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); or
(2) A statement setting forth: (A) Under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and complete address of each person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation contributing a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation. The statement shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution; and (ii) The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of five hundred dollars ($500) or less; and (B) Under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and address of each person to whom a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose thereof; and (ii) The statement shall list the total amount of expenditures of five hundred dollars ($500) or less each, by category, without showing the exact amount of or vouching for each such expenditure.
(A) Under contributions, a list of all the contributions received, as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and complete address of each person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation contributing a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation. The statement shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution; and (ii) The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of five hundred dollars ($500) or less; and
(i) The statement shall list the full name and complete address of each person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation contributing a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) during the period for which the statement is submitted, and the amount contributed by that person, multicandidate political campaign committee, or corporation. The statement shall include the date of the receipt of each contribution; and
(ii) The statement shall list as a single item the total amount of contributions of five hundred dollars ($500) or less; and
(B) Under expenditures, a list of all expenditures made as follows: (i) The statement shall list the full name and address of each person to whom a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose thereof; and (ii) The statement shall list the total amount of expenditures of five hundred dollars ($500) or less each, by category, without showing the exact amount of or vouching for each such expenditure.
(i) The statement shall list the full name and address of each person to whom a total amount of more than five hundred dollars ($500) was paid during the period for which the statement is submitted, the total amount paid to that person, and the purpose thereof; and
(ii) The statement shall list the total amount of expenditures of five hundred dollars ($500) or less each, by category, without showing the exact amount of or vouching for each such expenditure.
(c) The financial disclosure statement for contributions made up until thirty (30) days before any inauguration event shall be filed no later than ten (10) days before the governor's inauguration. The financial disclosure statement for all other contributions shall be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the governor's inauguration.
Acts 2001, ch. 458, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-111
Oath of administrators of election laws
Status: in_force

Each person charged with the administration of any part of the election laws of this state shall, before entering upon the performance of such duties, take the following oath: "I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Tennessee, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of my office." Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-111.
Each person charged with the administration of any part of the election laws of this state shall, before entering upon the performance of such duties, take the following oath:
"I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Tennessee, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of my office."
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-111.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-129 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-129
Betting on election - Penalty
Status: in_force

A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person makes any bet or wager of money or other valuable thing upon any election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1929; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person makes any bet or wager of money or other valuable thing upon any election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1929; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-112 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-112
Satellite voting location - Option not to have early voting
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the request of a municipality, for elections at a time other than the regular August or regular November election, the county election commission shall establish a satellite voting location for early voting within the corporate limits of such municipality. The municipality shall be responsible for the costs of such voting location. (b) Upon the request of a municipality that has established a satellite voting location under subsection (a), the county election commission may choose not to have early voting at the county election commission office. Acts 2000, ch. 593, § 1; 2006, ch. 642, § 4.
(a) Upon the request of a municipality, for elections at a time other than the regular August or regular November election, the county election commission shall establish a satellite voting location for early voting within the corporate limits of such municipality. The municipality shall be responsible for the costs of such voting location.
(b) Upon the request of a municipality that has established a satellite voting location under subsection (a), the county election commission may choose not to have early voting at the county election commission office.
Acts 2000, ch. 593, § 1; 2006, ch. 642, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-111
Posting of sample ballots and instructions - Arrangement of polling place - Restrictions
Status: in_force

(a) The officer of elections shall have the sample ballots, voting instructions, and other materials, which are to be posted, placed in conspicuous positions inside the polling place for the use of voters. The county election commission shall designate entrances to the building in which the election is to be held that are for the use of voters. The officer shall measure off one hundred feet (100') from the designated entrances and place boundary signs at that distance. (b) (1) Within the appropriate boundary as established in subsection (a), and the building in which the polling place is located, the display of campaign posters, signs or other campaign materials, distribution of campaign materials, and solicitation of votes for or against any person, political party, or position on a question are prohibited. No campaign posters, signs or other campaign literature may be displayed on or in any building in which a polling place is located. (2) Except in a county with a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, a solicitation or collection for any cause is prohibited. This does not include the normal activities that may occur at such polling place such as a church, school, grocery, etc. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any person from wearing a button, cap, hat, pin, shirt, or other article of clothing outside the established boundary but on the property where the polling place is located. (c) The officer of elections shall have each official wear a badge with that official's name and official title. (d) With the exception of counties having a metropolitan form of government, any county having a population over six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, and counties having a population of between two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) and two hundred sixty thousand (260,000) by the 1970 census, any county may, by private act, extend the one hundred foot (100') boundary provided in this section. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 90, s 1, eff. 3/28/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-711; Acts 1980, ch. 543, §§1, 2; 1987, ch. 362, §§ 1, 2, 4; 1993, ch. 465, §§1, 2; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 11, 21; 1994, ch. 582, §1; 2003 , ch. 307, § 6.
(a) The officer of elections shall have the sample ballots, voting instructions, and other materials, which are to be posted, placed in conspicuous positions inside the polling place for the use of voters. The county election commission shall designate entrances to the building in which the election is to be held that are for the use of voters. The officer shall measure off one hundred feet (100') from the designated entrances and place boundary signs at that distance.
(b) (1) Within the appropriate boundary as established in subsection (a), and the building in which the polling place is located, the display of campaign posters, signs or other campaign materials, distribution of campaign materials, and solicitation of votes for or against any person, political party, or position on a question are prohibited. No campaign posters, signs or other campaign literature may be displayed on or in any building in which a polling place is located. (2) Except in a county with a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, a solicitation or collection for any cause is prohibited. This does not include the normal activities that may occur at such polling place such as a church, school, grocery, etc. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any person from wearing a button, cap, hat, pin, shirt, or other article of clothing outside the established boundary but on the property where the polling place is located.
(1) Within the appropriate boundary as established in subsection (a), and the building in which the polling place is located, the display of campaign posters, signs or other campaign materials, distribution of campaign materials, and solicitation of votes for or against any person, political party, or position on a question are prohibited. No campaign posters, signs or other campaign literature may be displayed on or in any building in which a polling place is located.
(2) Except in a county with a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, a solicitation or collection for any cause is prohibited. This does not include the normal activities that may occur at such polling place such as a church, school, grocery, etc.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any person from wearing a button, cap, hat, pin, shirt, or other article of clothing outside the established boundary but on the property where the polling place is located.
(c) The officer of elections shall have each official wear a badge with that official's name and official title.
(d) With the exception of counties having a metropolitan form of government, any county having a population over six hundred thousand (600,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, and counties having a population of between two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) and two hundred sixty thousand (260,000) by the 1970 census, any county may, by private act, extend the one hundred foot (100') boundary provided in this section.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 90, s 1, eff. 3/28/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-711; Acts 1980, ch. 543, §§1, 2; 1987, ch. 362, §§ 1, 2, 4; 1993, ch. 465, §§1, 2; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 11, 21; 1994, ch. 582, §1; 2003 , ch. 307, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-311 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-311
Order of names on ballot
Status: in_force

The names of the candidates for president and delegate-candidate shall appear on the ballot as follows: (1) The names of the presidential candidates shall be listed vertically within the first three (3) columns for each respective party's primary election. The presidential candidates' names shall appear alphabetically according to the first initial of their surnames. Within the same columns for the presidential preference of each party, there shall be an "Uncommitted" designation immediately following the last listed presidential candidate's name within each party's primary; (2) Immediately following the names of the presidential candidates for each respective party's primary election as set forth in subdivision (1), the names of candidates for state, county, and municipal offices shall appear in the order outlined in § 2-5-208 ; (3) (A) Following the names of the candidates for state, county, and municipal offices shall be the names of delegate-candidates and the name of the presidential candidate to whom the delegate-candidate is committed in accordance with §§ 2-13-307 , 2-13-308(2) , and 2-13-309(a) . The names of the delegate-candidates shall appear vertically in alphabetical order according to their surnames. The "Uncommitted" designation shall appear with an alphabetical vertical listing of those uncommitted delegate-candidates pledged to the last listed presidential candidate; (B) It is expressly understood and provided that the appearance of presidential candidates' names as provided in this subdivision (3) is only for the purpose of identifying individual delegate-candidates committed to particular presidential candidates. The ballot shall clearly indicate that each voter is to vote individually for delegate-candidates; (4) In each congressional district, the ballot shall list only those delegate-candidates seeking election as a delegate from such congressional district and any at-large delegates who are to be placed on the ballot. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 11; T.C.A., § 2-1351.
The names of the candidates for president and delegate-candidate shall appear on the ballot as follows:
(1) The names of the presidential candidates shall be listed vertically within the first three (3) columns for each respective party's primary election. The presidential candidates' names shall appear alphabetically according to the first initial of their surnames. Within the same columns for the presidential preference of each party, there shall be an "Uncommitted" designation immediately following the last listed presidential candidate's name within each party's primary;
(2) Immediately following the names of the presidential candidates for each respective party's primary election as set forth in subdivision (1), the names of candidates for state, county, and municipal offices shall appear in the order outlined in § 2-5-208 ;
(3) (A) Following the names of the candidates for state, county, and municipal offices shall be the names of delegate-candidates and the name of the presidential candidate to whom the delegate-candidate is committed in accordance with §§ 2-13-307 , 2-13-308(2) , and 2-13-309(a) . The names of the delegate-candidates shall appear vertically in alphabetical order according to their surnames. The "Uncommitted" designation shall appear with an alphabetical vertical listing of those uncommitted delegate-candidates pledged to the last listed presidential candidate; (B) It is expressly understood and provided that the appearance of presidential candidates' names as provided in this subdivision (3) is only for the purpose of identifying individual delegate-candidates committed to particular presidential candidates. The ballot shall clearly indicate that each voter is to vote individually for delegate-candidates;
(A) Following the names of the candidates for state, county, and municipal offices shall be the names of delegate-candidates and the name of the presidential candidate to whom the delegate-candidate is committed in accordance with §§ 2-13-307 , 2-13-308(2) , and 2-13-309(a) . The names of the delegate-candidates shall appear vertically in alphabetical order according to their surnames. The "Uncommitted" designation shall appear with an alphabetical vertical listing of those uncommitted delegate-candidates pledged to the last listed presidential candidate;
(B) It is expressly understood and provided that the appearance of presidential candidates' names as provided in this subdivision (3) is only for the purpose of identifying individual delegate-candidates committed to particular presidential candidates. The ballot shall clearly indicate that each voter is to vote individually for delegate-candidates;
(4) In each congressional district, the ballot shall list only those delegate-candidates seeking election as a delegate from such congressional district and any at-large delegates who are to be placed on the ballot.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 11; T.C.A., § 2-1351.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-110 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-110
Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) The registry of election finance may impose a civil penalty for a violation of this part as provided in this section. (1) "Class 1 offense" means the late filing of any report or statement required by this part. A Class 1 offense shall be punishable by a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day up to a maximum of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750). (A) For local public offices, the county administrator of elections shall send by email, or first-class mail if email is unavailable, at the email address or mailing address provided by a candidate or committee, respectively, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the administrator's discovery that a due report has not been filed. The administrator shall forward a copy of such notice to the registry of election finance. For state public offices, the registry of election finance shall have personally served upon, or send by return receipt requested mail, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the registry or its appropriate staff discovering that a due report has not been filed. A civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day begins to accrue five (5) days after personal service, the date of electronic delivery, or the date of the postmark if delivered by mail, as applicable, and continues to accrue until the report is filed or for thirty (30) days, whichever occurs first; provided, that no civil penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period or reduce any penalty established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions. (B) For any Class 1 offense, the registry of election finance, through its appropriate staff, shall send an assessment letter to a candidate or committee in a form sufficient to advise the candidate or committee of the factual basis of the violation, the maximum penalty and the date a response to the letter must be filed. If a disclosure report is returned to a candidate or committee for correction, a copy of the original shall be retained on file until the corrected report is returned to the registry of election finance. If the original filing was in compliance with the intent of the law and minor errors are corrected within the date set for a response, no penalty shall be assessed. (C) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 1 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (2) "Class 2 offense" means failing to file a report required by this part within thirty-five (35) days after service of process or receipt of notice by registered or certified mail, or in the case of local public offices, by email, of an assessment or any other violation of the requirements of this part. A Class 2 offense is punishable by a maximum civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or fifteen percent (15%) of the amount in controversy, if fifteen percent (15%) of the amount in controversy is greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (A) For state and local public offices, the registry of election finance may impose a civil penalty for any Class 2 offense; provided, that no penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions. (B) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 2 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. In a contested case proceeding, the candidate or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the candidate or committee's conduct, or submitted reports, complied with this part. (C) "Amount in controversy" means, as appropriate to the case, the greater of the total expenditures or total contributions, either of which or both of which are shown on a late report subsequently filed, or the amount of an expenditure or contribution that was not reported or was incorrectly reported. (b) Penalties imposed under this part shall be deposited into the state general fund. (c) (1) The registry of election finance shall maintain a register of all civil penalties imposed under this part and remaining unpaid. (2) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and any lawfully assessed cost attendant to the penalty are not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, or by the qualifying deadline for election, whichever is earlier, the candidate owing such civil penalty shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such penalty and costs are paid. (3) If a civil penalty authorized by this section is imposed, it shall be considered as a personal judgment against the candidate. (d) A candidate for state or local public office who fails to file any statement or report required by this part shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such statement or report is filed with either the registry or the appropriate county election commission, or both. (e) It is the intent of the general assembly that the sanctions provided in this section shall be the civil penalties enacted into law by Acts 1989, ch. 585. (f) (1) (A) For any civil penalty levied by the registry against a multicandidate political campaign committee under this section or § 2-10-308 , any person who directly controlled expenditures is personally liable for the penalty. (B) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), for any civil penalty authorized by this section or § 2-10-308 and levied against a multicandidate political campaign committee that named or certified one (1) or more candidates as a treasurer or officer at the time an offense occurred, or was constructively controlled or directed by one (1) or more candidates in the commission of an offense, the candidate, or candidates, and any person who directly controlled expenditures for the committee are personally liable for the penalty. (C) Any civil penalty for a Class 2 offense must not be paid using funds from a multicandidate political campaign committee. (2) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and any lawfully assessed cost attendant to the penalty are not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the multicandidate political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall be prohibited from receiving contributions; making expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or making expenditures to other multicandidate political campaign committees; and the treasurer and officers of such delinquent multicandidate political campaign committee shall be prohibited from creating another multicandidate political campaign committee or serving as a treasurer or an officer for another multicandidate political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full. (3) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed under this part against a multicandidate political campaign committee is not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the treasurer and the officers of the multicandidate political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to § 2-10-105(e)(2) at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid. (g) The registry shall not accept a settlement in which the aggregate amount of assessed civil penalties exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) unless the settlement proposal is considered at either a regular meeting or, notwithstanding § 2-10-203(f) , a special meeting called by the chair in which at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice is given to each member of the registry and each party seeking a settlement proposal. If a special meeting is called pursuant to this subsection (g), an agenda for the meeting must be placed on the registry's website at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. The agenda must include the style of any matter to be considered, and the special meeting must be limited to consideration of only the matters listed on the agenda. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 723,s 3, eff. 4/16/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 723,s 2, eff. 4/16/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 723,s 1, eff. 4/16/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 6, eff. 4/4/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 11, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 1, eff. 5/27/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 1, eff. 5/18/2021. Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 11; 1989, ch. 585, § 19; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 943, § 2; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 7-9; 1996, ch. 1005, § 3; 1997 , ch. 464, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 6; 2007 , ch. 151, §§ 1, 2.
(a) The registry of election finance may impose a civil penalty for a violation of this part as provided in this section. (1) "Class 1 offense" means the late filing of any report or statement required by this part. A Class 1 offense shall be punishable by a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day up to a maximum of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750). (A) For local public offices, the county administrator of elections shall send by email, or first-class mail if email is unavailable, at the email address or mailing address provided by a candidate or committee, respectively, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the administrator's discovery that a due report has not been filed. The administrator shall forward a copy of such notice to the registry of election finance. For state public offices, the registry of election finance shall have personally served upon, or send by return receipt requested mail, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the registry or its appropriate staff discovering that a due report has not been filed. A civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day begins to accrue five (5) days after personal service, the date of electronic delivery, or the date of the postmark if delivered by mail, as applicable, and continues to accrue until the report is filed or for thirty (30) days, whichever occurs first; provided, that no civil penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period or reduce any penalty established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions. (B) For any Class 1 offense, the registry of election finance, through its appropriate staff, shall send an assessment letter to a candidate or committee in a form sufficient to advise the candidate or committee of the factual basis of the violation, the maximum penalty and the date a response to the letter must be filed. If a disclosure report is returned to a candidate or committee for correction, a copy of the original shall be retained on file until the corrected report is returned to the registry of election finance. If the original filing was in compliance with the intent of the law and minor errors are corrected within the date set for a response, no penalty shall be assessed. (C) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 1 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (2) "Class 2 offense" means failing to file a report required by this part within thirty-five (35) days after service of process or receipt of notice by registered or certified mail, or in the case of local public offices, by email, of an assessment or any other violation of the requirements of this part. A Class 2 offense is punishable by a maximum civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or fifteen percent (15%) of the amount in controversy, if fifteen percent (15%) of the amount in controversy is greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (A) For state and local public offices, the registry of election finance may impose a civil penalty for any Class 2 offense; provided, that no penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions. (B) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 2 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. In a contested case proceeding, the candidate or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the candidate or committee's conduct, or submitted reports, complied with this part. (C) "Amount in controversy" means, as appropriate to the case, the greater of the total expenditures or total contributions, either of which or both of which are shown on a late report subsequently filed, or the amount of an expenditure or contribution that was not reported or was incorrectly reported.
(1) "Class 1 offense" means the late filing of any report or statement required by this part. A Class 1 offense shall be punishable by a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day up to a maximum of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750). (A) For local public offices, the county administrator of elections shall send by email, or first-class mail if email is unavailable, at the email address or mailing address provided by a candidate or committee, respectively, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the administrator's discovery that a due report has not been filed. The administrator shall forward a copy of such notice to the registry of election finance. For state public offices, the registry of election finance shall have personally served upon, or send by return receipt requested mail, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the registry or its appropriate staff discovering that a due report has not been filed. A civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day begins to accrue five (5) days after personal service, the date of electronic delivery, or the date of the postmark if delivered by mail, as applicable, and continues to accrue until the report is filed or for thirty (30) days, whichever occurs first; provided, that no civil penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period or reduce any penalty established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions. (B) For any Class 1 offense, the registry of election finance, through its appropriate staff, shall send an assessment letter to a candidate or committee in a form sufficient to advise the candidate or committee of the factual basis of the violation, the maximum penalty and the date a response to the letter must be filed. If a disclosure report is returned to a candidate or committee for correction, a copy of the original shall be retained on file until the corrected report is returned to the registry of election finance. If the original filing was in compliance with the intent of the law and minor errors are corrected within the date set for a response, no penalty shall be assessed. (C) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 1 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(A) For local public offices, the county administrator of elections shall send by email, or first-class mail if email is unavailable, at the email address or mailing address provided by a candidate or committee, respectively, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the administrator's discovery that a due report has not been filed. The administrator shall forward a copy of such notice to the registry of election finance. For state public offices, the registry of election finance shall have personally served upon, or send by return receipt requested mail, an assessment letter to any candidate or committee upon the registry or its appropriate staff discovering that a due report has not been filed. A civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day begins to accrue five (5) days after personal service, the date of electronic delivery, or the date of the postmark if delivered by mail, as applicable, and continues to accrue until the report is filed or for thirty (30) days, whichever occurs first; provided, that no civil penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period or reduce any penalty established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions.
(B) For any Class 1 offense, the registry of election finance, through its appropriate staff, shall send an assessment letter to a candidate or committee in a form sufficient to advise the candidate or committee of the factual basis of the violation, the maximum penalty and the date a response to the letter must be filed. If a disclosure report is returned to a candidate or committee for correction, a copy of the original shall be retained on file until the corrected report is returned to the registry of election finance. If the original filing was in compliance with the intent of the law and minor errors are corrected within the date set for a response, no penalty shall be assessed.
(C) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 1 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(2) "Class 2 offense" means failing to file a report required by this part within thirty-five (35) days after service of process or receipt of notice by registered or certified mail, or in the case of local public offices, by email, of an assessment or any other violation of the requirements of this part. A Class 2 offense is punishable by a maximum civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or fifteen percent (15%) of the amount in controversy, if fifteen percent (15%) of the amount in controversy is greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (A) For state and local public offices, the registry of election finance may impose a civil penalty for any Class 2 offense; provided, that no penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions. (B) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 2 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. In a contested case proceeding, the candidate or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the candidate or committee's conduct, or submitted reports, complied with this part. (C) "Amount in controversy" means, as appropriate to the case, the greater of the total expenditures or total contributions, either of which or both of which are shown on a late report subsequently filed, or the amount of an expenditure or contribution that was not reported or was incorrectly reported.
(A) For state and local public offices, the registry of election finance may impose a civil penalty for any Class 2 offense; provided, that no penalty shall be imposed by the registry of election finance if a candidate fails to list a contribution on a filed report but corrects the omission to the registry's satisfaction within ten (10) business days from the date on which the candidate is served process by, or receives notice from, the registry. This ten-day period shall not serve to stay the running of any time period established by this section. A candidate shall only be allowed to correct up to two (2) omissions in one (1) calendar year and the total of the omissions shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). Any omission corrected by the candidate prior to the registry's discovery of the omission shall not count against the limitation on correction of omissions.
(B) To request a waiver, reduction, or to in any way contest a Class 2 penalty imposed by the registry of election finance, a candidate for a state or local public office shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. In a contested case proceeding, the candidate or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the candidate or committee's conduct, or submitted reports, complied with this part.
(C) "Amount in controversy" means, as appropriate to the case, the greater of the total expenditures or total contributions, either of which or both of which are shown on a late report subsequently filed, or the amount of an expenditure or contribution that was not reported or was incorrectly reported.
(b) Penalties imposed under this part shall be deposited into the state general fund.
(c) (1) The registry of election finance shall maintain a register of all civil penalties imposed under this part and remaining unpaid. (2) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and any lawfully assessed cost attendant to the penalty are not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, or by the qualifying deadline for election, whichever is earlier, the candidate owing such civil penalty shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such penalty and costs are paid. (3) If a civil penalty authorized by this section is imposed, it shall be considered as a personal judgment against the candidate.
(1) The registry of election finance shall maintain a register of all civil penalties imposed under this part and remaining unpaid.
(2) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and any lawfully assessed cost attendant to the penalty are not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, or by the qualifying deadline for election, whichever is earlier, the candidate owing such civil penalty shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such penalty and costs are paid.
(3) If a civil penalty authorized by this section is imposed, it shall be considered as a personal judgment against the candidate.
(d) A candidate for state or local public office who fails to file any statement or report required by this part shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such statement or report is filed with either the registry or the appropriate county election commission, or both.
(e) It is the intent of the general assembly that the sanctions provided in this section shall be the civil penalties enacted into law by Acts 1989, ch. 585.
(f) (1) (A) For any civil penalty levied by the registry against a multicandidate political campaign committee under this section or § 2-10-308 , any person who directly controlled expenditures is personally liable for the penalty. (B) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), for any civil penalty authorized by this section or § 2-10-308 and levied against a multicandidate political campaign committee that named or certified one (1) or more candidates as a treasurer or officer at the time an offense occurred, or was constructively controlled or directed by one (1) or more candidates in the commission of an offense, the candidate, or candidates, and any person who directly controlled expenditures for the committee are personally liable for the penalty. (C) Any civil penalty for a Class 2 offense must not be paid using funds from a multicandidate political campaign committee. (2) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and any lawfully assessed cost attendant to the penalty are not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the multicandidate political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall be prohibited from receiving contributions; making expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or making expenditures to other multicandidate political campaign committees; and the treasurer and officers of such delinquent multicandidate political campaign committee shall be prohibited from creating another multicandidate political campaign committee or serving as a treasurer or an officer for another multicandidate political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full. (3) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed under this part against a multicandidate political campaign committee is not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the treasurer and the officers of the multicandidate political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to § 2-10-105(e)(2) at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid.
(1) (A) For any civil penalty levied by the registry against a multicandidate political campaign committee under this section or § 2-10-308 , any person who directly controlled expenditures is personally liable for the penalty. (B) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), for any civil penalty authorized by this section or § 2-10-308 and levied against a multicandidate political campaign committee that named or certified one (1) or more candidates as a treasurer or officer at the time an offense occurred, or was constructively controlled or directed by one (1) or more candidates in the commission of an offense, the candidate, or candidates, and any person who directly controlled expenditures for the committee are personally liable for the penalty. (C) Any civil penalty for a Class 2 offense must not be paid using funds from a multicandidate political campaign committee.
(A) For any civil penalty levied by the registry against a multicandidate political campaign committee under this section or § 2-10-308 , any person who directly controlled expenditures is personally liable for the penalty.
(B) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), for any civil penalty authorized by this section or § 2-10-308 and levied against a multicandidate political campaign committee that named or certified one (1) or more candidates as a treasurer or officer at the time an offense occurred, or was constructively controlled or directed by one (1) or more candidates in the commission of an offense, the candidate, or candidates, and any person who directly controlled expenditures for the committee are personally liable for the penalty.
(C) Any civil penalty for a Class 2 offense must not be paid using funds from a multicandidate political campaign committee.
(2) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and any lawfully assessed cost attendant to the penalty are not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the multicandidate political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall be prohibited from receiving contributions; making expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or making expenditures to other multicandidate political campaign committees; and the treasurer and officers of such delinquent multicandidate political campaign committee shall be prohibited from creating another multicandidate political campaign committee or serving as a treasurer or an officer for another multicandidate political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full.
(3) If a civil penalty lawfully assessed under this part against a multicandidate political campaign committee is not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the treasurer and the officers of the multicandidate political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to § 2-10-105(e)(2) at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid.
(g) The registry shall not accept a settlement in which the aggregate amount of assessed civil penalties exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) unless the settlement proposal is considered at either a regular meeting or, notwithstanding § 2-10-203(f) , a special meeting called by the chair in which at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice is given to each member of the registry and each party seeking a settlement proposal. If a special meeting is called pursuant to this subsection (g), an agenda for the meeting must be placed on the registry's website at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. The agenda must include the style of any matter to be considered, and the special meeting must be limited to consideration of only the matters listed on the agenda.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 723,s 3, eff. 4/16/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 723,s 2, eff. 4/16/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 723,s 1, eff. 4/16/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 6, eff. 4/4/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 11, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 1, eff. 5/27/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 1, eff. 5/18/2021.
Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 11; 1989, ch. 585, § 19; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 943, § 2; 1991, ch. 519, §§ 7-9; 1996, ch. 1005, § 3; 1997 , ch. 464, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 6; 2007 , ch. 151, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-108 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-108
Attesting officials
Status: in_force

In each county, the county election commissioners of the minority party may appoint one (1) early voting deputy who shall receive as compensation for each day spent in such service the same pay as an election official in the county for which such person is appointed. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 305, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 306, § 12; T.C.A., § 2-608; Acts 1982, ch. 566, § 1; 1988, ch. 651, § 1; 1988, ch. 933, § 8; 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12; 1995, ch. 88, § 2.
In each county, the county election commissioners of the minority party may appoint one (1) early voting deputy who shall receive as compensation for each day spent in such service the same pay as an election official in the county for which such person is appointed.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 305, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 306, § 12; T.C.A., § 2-608; Acts 1982, ch. 566, § 1; 1988, ch. 651, § 1; 1988, ch. 933, § 8; 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12; 1995, ch. 88, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-108 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-108
Lost, stolen or destroyed ballots - Replacement - Wrong voting machines delivered - Written report of circumstances
Status: in_force

(a) If the ballots for a polling place are lost, stolen, destroyed, not delivered to the polling place or the supply of paper ballots is insufficient for any reason, the officer of elections shall notify the county election commission immediately after learning of this fact. The commission shall provide replacements for the missing or destroyed ballots by delivering the ballots reserved under § 2-5-209 and by having such additional ballots prepared as may be necessary. (b) If paper ballots or voting machines or both are delivered to the wrong polling place, the officer of elections shall notify the county election commission upon discovery of the error. The commission shall immediately have the proper ballots or voting machines delivered. Pending the arrival of the correct voting machines, the officer of elections shall proceed under § 2-7-119 as if the machines were out of order. (c) At the close of the polls, the officer of elections shall make a written report of the circumstances causing the officer's action under this section to the county election commission which may make additions to the report and shall then transmit it to the grand jury of the county. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-708.
(a) If the ballots for a polling place are lost, stolen, destroyed, not delivered to the polling place or the supply of paper ballots is insufficient for any reason, the officer of elections shall notify the county election commission immediately after learning of this fact. The commission shall provide replacements for the missing or destroyed ballots by delivering the ballots reserved under § 2-5-209 and by having such additional ballots prepared as may be necessary.
(b) If paper ballots or voting machines or both are delivered to the wrong polling place, the officer of elections shall notify the county election commission upon discovery of the error. The commission shall immediately have the proper ballots or voting machines delivered. Pending the arrival of the correct voting machines, the officer of elections shall proceed under § 2-7-119 as if the machines were out of order.
(c) At the close of the polls, the officer of elections shall make a written report of the circumstances causing the officer's action under this section to the county election commission which may make additions to the report and shall then transmit it to the grand jury of the county.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-708.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-118 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-118
Unlawful acts related to voting machines, electronic poll books, voting devices, voting systems, vote tabulating devices, ballot tally software program source codes, official voter registration database, keys, or election websites
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits an offense who, before, during, or after an election: (1) Intentionally tampers, interferes, or attempts to interfere with the correct operation of, or damages in order to prevent the use of, a voting machine, electronic poll book, voting device, voting system, vote tabulating device, or ballot tally software program source codes; (2) Intentionally tampers with, interferes with, attempts to interfere with, obtains unauthorized access to, or attempts to obtain unauthorized access to the official voter registration database, including, but not limited to, attempts to obtain plans, security codes, passwords, combinations, or computer programs used to protect electronic information and government property or information that would identify those areas of structural or operational vulnerability that would permit unlawful disruption to, or interference with the official voter registration database; (3) Knowingly and without authorization makes or has in the person's possession a key to a voting machine, voting system, tabulator, or ballot box that will be used in an election in this state; (4) Intentionally substitutes or attempts to substitute forged or counterfeit election results; or (5) Intentionally and without authorization, directly or indirectly, alters, damages, destroys, or attempts to alter, damage, or destroy or causes disruption to the proper operation of any election website maintained, hosted, or administered by a state or county governmental entity or a third party on behalf of or under contract with a state or county governmental entity. (b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class D felony. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 635, s 2, eff. 4/1/2020. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1918; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1994, ch. 859, § 11.
(a) A person commits an offense who, before, during, or after an election: (1) Intentionally tampers, interferes, or attempts to interfere with the correct operation of, or damages in order to prevent the use of, a voting machine, electronic poll book, voting device, voting system, vote tabulating device, or ballot tally software program source codes; (2) Intentionally tampers with, interferes with, attempts to interfere with, obtains unauthorized access to, or attempts to obtain unauthorized access to the official voter registration database, including, but not limited to, attempts to obtain plans, security codes, passwords, combinations, or computer programs used to protect electronic information and government property or information that would identify those areas of structural or operational vulnerability that would permit unlawful disruption to, or interference with the official voter registration database; (3) Knowingly and without authorization makes or has in the person's possession a key to a voting machine, voting system, tabulator, or ballot box that will be used in an election in this state; (4) Intentionally substitutes or attempts to substitute forged or counterfeit election results; or (5) Intentionally and without authorization, directly or indirectly, alters, damages, destroys, or attempts to alter, damage, or destroy or causes disruption to the proper operation of any election website maintained, hosted, or administered by a state or county governmental entity or a third party on behalf of or under contract with a state or county governmental entity.
(1) Intentionally tampers, interferes, or attempts to interfere with the correct operation of, or damages in order to prevent the use of, a voting machine, electronic poll book, voting device, voting system, vote tabulating device, or ballot tally software program source codes;
(2) Intentionally tampers with, interferes with, attempts to interfere with, obtains unauthorized access to, or attempts to obtain unauthorized access to the official voter registration database, including, but not limited to, attempts to obtain plans, security codes, passwords, combinations, or computer programs used to protect electronic information and government property or information that would identify those areas of structural or operational vulnerability that would permit unlawful disruption to, or interference with the official voter registration database;
(3) Knowingly and without authorization makes or has in the person's possession a key to a voting machine, voting system, tabulator, or ballot box that will be used in an election in this state;
(4) Intentionally substitutes or attempts to substitute forged or counterfeit election results; or
(5) Intentionally and without authorization, directly or indirectly, alters, damages, destroys, or attempts to alter, damage, or destroy or causes disruption to the proper operation of any election website maintained, hosted, or administered by a state or county governmental entity or a third party on behalf of or under contract with a state or county governmental entity.
(b) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class D felony.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 635, s 2, eff. 4/1/2020.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1918; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1994, ch. 859, § 11.