Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-118 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 9 / Section 2-9-118
Prohibited acts by voting systems vendor or vendor's agent - Prohibited solicitation or acceptance by election officials
Status: in_force

(a) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not offer or attempt to offer anything of value to a state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons. (b) An agent of a voting systems vendor shall not knowingly make or cause to be made any false statement or misrepresentation of the facts concerning any matter for which the voting systems vendor is responsible to a state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; or an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state. (c) A state election commission member; county election commission member; secretary of state; coordinator of elections; administrator of elections; employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, shall not solicit or accept anything of value in violation of subsection (a). (d) A voting systems vendor shall not make a loan of money to a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, or to any other person on such person's behalf. (e) A state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, shall not solicit or accept a loan in violation of subsection (d). (f) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not permit a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, to use the credit or a credit card of the voting systems vendor. (g) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not pay the lodging expenses of a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons. (h) A state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; coordinator of elections; administrator of elections; employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, shall not accept travel expenses, meals, or lodging paid by a voting systems vendor or agent of the voting systems vendor. (i) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not provide a gift, directly or indirectly, to a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, unless the gift is a novelty, such as a pin, button, pen, or similar small item or token routinely given to customers, suppliers, or potential customers or suppliers in the ordinary course of business. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250,s 5, eff. 10/1/2019.
(a) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not offer or attempt to offer anything of value to a state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons.
(b) An agent of a voting systems vendor shall not knowingly make or cause to be made any false statement or misrepresentation of the facts concerning any matter for which the voting systems vendor is responsible to a state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; or an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state.
(c) A state election commission member; county election commission member; secretary of state; coordinator of elections; administrator of elections; employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, shall not solicit or accept anything of value in violation of subsection (a).
(d) A voting systems vendor shall not make a loan of money to a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, or to any other person on such person's behalf.
(e) A state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, shall not solicit or accept a loan in violation of subsection (d).
(f) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not permit a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, to use the credit or a credit card of the voting systems vendor.
(g) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not pay the lodging expenses of a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons.
(h) A state election commission member; county election commission member; the secretary of state; coordinator of elections; administrator of elections; employee of the state election commission, the county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, shall not accept travel expenses, meals, or lodging paid by a voting systems vendor or agent of the voting systems vendor.
(i) An agent of a voting systems vendor or any person acting on behalf of a voting systems vendor shall not provide a gift, directly or indirectly, to a state election commission member; a county election commission member; the secretary of state; the coordinator of elections; the administrator of elections; an employee of the state election commission, county election commission, or the secretary of state; or an immediate family member of such persons, unless the gift is a novelty, such as a pin, button, pen, or similar small item or token routinely given to customers, suppliers, or potential customers or suppliers in the ordinary course of business.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250,s 5, eff. 10/1/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-131 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-131
Investment of campaign funds
Status: in_force

(a) All campaign funds must be deposited into and maintained in a financial institution insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation or the national credit union administration duly authorized to do business in Tennessee and operating under the authority of the department of financial institutions, the United States comptroller of the currency, or the federal reserve board. (b) Any interest, dividends, or income earned by an investment made pursuant to subsection (a) must be reported on the candidate's or political campaign committee's financial disclosure report. (c) Any campaign contribution received in a non-monetary form may be held in the form received until the contribution is used to pay expenditures. The funds must be deposited in accordance with subsection (a) at the time of conversion. (d) Any investment not authorized by subsection (a) is prohibited and the candidate, or in the case of a multicandidate political campaign committee, the treasurer, shall be subject to a civil penalty by the registry of election finance. The registry of election finance may impose a maximum civil penalty for a violation of this section of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the amount invested in violation of this section, whichever is greater. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 109,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
(a) All campaign funds must be deposited into and maintained in a financial institution insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation or the national credit union administration duly authorized to do business in Tennessee and operating under the authority of the department of financial institutions, the United States comptroller of the currency, or the federal reserve board.
(b) Any interest, dividends, or income earned by an investment made pursuant to subsection (a) must be reported on the candidate's or political campaign committee's financial disclosure report.
(c) Any campaign contribution received in a non-monetary form may be held in the form received until the contribution is used to pay expenditures. The funds must be deposited in accordance with subsection (a) at the time of conversion.
(d) Any investment not authorized by subsection (a) is prohibited and the candidate, or in the case of a multicandidate political campaign committee, the treasurer, shall be subject to a civil penalty by the registry of election finance. The registry of election finance may impose a maximum civil penalty for a violation of this section of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the amount invested in violation of this section, whichever is greater.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 109,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-18-110 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 18 / Section 2-18-110
Petition and answer to be verified - Oaths
Status: in_force

(a) The petition and answer shall be sworn to and stated to be true to the best of the person's knowledge, information and belief. The pleading shall make the issues but shall have no weight as evidence. (b) The chair of the committee and the chairs of subcommittees may administer oaths to witnesses. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 18; T.C.A., § 2-1810.
(a) The petition and answer shall be sworn to and stated to be true to the best of the person's knowledge, information and belief. The pleading shall make the issues but shall have no weight as evidence.
(b) The chair of the committee and the chairs of subcommittees may administer oaths to witnesses.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 18; T.C.A., § 2-1810.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-117 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 9 / Section 2-9-117
Approval of voting machines - Reexamination of machines to ensure certification
Status: in_force

The state coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall approve any voting machine before a county election commission purchases such machine. Before the 2002 election cycle and at least every eight (8) years thereafter, the state coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall reexamine all voting machines to ensure such machines still meet the minimum criteria for certification. If a particular machine is not recertified by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission, the affected county election commission shall have two (2) years to purchase and implement machines that are properly certified. Acts 2001, ch. 465, § 8.
The state coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall approve any voting machine before a county election commission purchases such machine. Before the 2002 election cycle and at least every eight (8) years thereafter, the state coordinator of elections and the state election commission shall reexamine all voting machines to ensure such machines still meet the minimum criteria for certification. If a particular machine is not recertified by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission, the affected county election commission shall have two (2) years to purchase and implement machines that are properly certified.
Acts 2001, ch. 465, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-201
Conditions for name being shown on ballot
Status: in_force

No person's name may be shown on a ballot as the nominee of a political party for the offices named in § 2-13-202 or for any office to be voted on by the voters of a county, unless the political party: (1) Is a statewide political party or a recognized minor party; and (2) Has nominated the person substantially in compliance with this chapter. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1301; Acts 2011, ch. 257, § 5.
No person's name may be shown on a ballot as the nominee of a political party for the offices named in § 2-13-202 or for any office to be voted on by the voters of a county, unless the political party:
(1) Is a statewide political party or a recognized minor party; and
(2) Has nominated the person substantially in compliance with this chapter.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1301; Acts 2011, ch. 257, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-306 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-306
Nominating petitions - Form
Status: in_force

Nominating petitions shall be in substantially the following form and the information thereon shall be verified by the county election commission: We, the undersigned registered voters of the state of Tennessee and members of the (respective) party, hereby nominate (candidate's name), (address) of ______________ County, as a candidate for delegate to the national convention of the (respective) party to be voted in the presidential preference primary election to be held on the ______________ day of March. We request that the above nominee's name be printed on the official ballot as a candidate for delegate (at large) or (from the ______________ congressional district). Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 6; T.C.A., § 2-1346; Acts 1980, ch. 483, § 5; 1986, ch. 562, § 16; 2003 , ch. 374, § 11; 2011 , ch. 182, § 5.
Nominating petitions shall be in substantially the following form and the information thereon shall be verified by the county election commission:
We, the undersigned registered voters of the state of Tennessee and members of the (respective) party, hereby nominate (candidate's name), (address) of ______________ County, as a candidate for delegate to the national convention of the (respective) party to be voted in the presidential preference primary election to be held on the ______________ day of March. We request that the above nominee's name be printed on the official ballot as a candidate for delegate (at large) or (from the ______________ congressional district).
Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 6; T.C.A., § 2-1346; Acts 1980, ch. 483, § 5; 1986, ch. 562, § 16; 2003 , ch. 374, § 11; 2011 , ch. 182, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 11 / Section 2-11-111
Members prohibited from serving as political candidate's campaign manager or treasurer
Status: in_force

No member of the state election commission who is appointed to the commission after January 1, 2009, shall be the campaign manager or treasurer of any candidate's political campaign in a local, state or federal election during the commissioner's term of office. A violation of this section subjects the member to immediate removal from office by a majority vote of the other members of the state election commission. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a member of the state election commission from providing uncompensated advice on a one-on-one basis to a candidate or party officer, nor shall it prohibit providing a financial contribution to a candidate or party organization. Acts 2008, ch. 1051, § 2.
No member of the state election commission who is appointed to the commission after January 1, 2009, shall be the campaign manager or treasurer of any candidate's political campaign in a local, state or federal election during the commissioner's term of office. A violation of this section subjects the member to immediate removal from office by a majority vote of the other members of the state election commission. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a member of the state election commission from providing uncompensated advice on a one-on-one basis to a candidate or party officer, nor shall it prohibit providing a financial contribution to a candidate or party organization.
Acts 2008, ch. 1051, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-302 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-302
Contribution limits
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall make contributions to any candidate with respect to any election which, in the aggregate, exceed: (1) For an office elected by statewide election, two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500); or (2) For any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000). (b) No multicandidate political campaign committee shall make contributions to any candidate with respect to any election which, in the aggregate, exceed: (1) For an office elected by statewide election, the senate, or the house of representatives, seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500); and (2) For any other state or local public office, five thousand dollars ($5,000). (c) (1) With respect to contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees for each election: (A) No candidate for an office elected by statewide election shall accept in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the candidate's total contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees; and (B) No candidate for any other state or local public office shall accept in the aggregate more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) from multicandidate political campaign committees. (2) In determining the aggregate limits established by this subsection (c), contributions made to a candidate by a committee controlled by a political party on the national, state, or local level or by a caucus of such political party established by members of either house of the general assembly are not included. (d) (1) Each contribution limit established in subsection (a), (b) or (c) shall be adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average), as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the period of January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2010. Each such adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100). The registry of election finance shall publish each such adjusted amount on its website. (2) On January 1, 2013, and every two (2) years thereafter, each contribution limit established in subsection (a), (b) or (c), as adjusted pursuant to subdivision (d)(1), shall be further adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average), as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the two-year period immediately preceding. Each such adjustment under this subdivision (d)(2) shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100). The registry of election finance shall publish each such adjusted amount on its website. (e) (1) A candidate for state or local public office, or an elected state or local public office holder, shall not accept a contribution with respect to an election in excess of the loans and obligations outstanding from such election after the close of the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs. A successful candidate for state or local public office who reports no outstanding loans or obligations may continue to accept contributions for the purpose of defraying officeholder expenses until the close of the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs. (2) Beginning with the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs, a candidate for state or local public office reporting an unexpended balance or an outstanding loan or obligation who has not affirmatively created a new campaign account for the next election shall, in addition to the reporting requirements established by §§ 2-10-105 and 2-10-107 , file a complete copy of the candidate's campaign account banking statements corresponding to the full term of the reporting period with the registry or local election commission, as applicable. Such banking statements must continue to be filed by the candidate for each required reporting period until such time as the candidate no longer possesses an unexpended balance of funds or an outstanding loan or obligation, or until such time as the candidate transfers such funds, loans, or obligations to another campaign fund for a subsequent election pursuant to § 2-10-114(a)(1) , whichever occurs earlier. A failure to file the required banking statements is a Class 2 offense as defined by § 2-10-110(a)(2) . (3) This subsection (e) does not: (A) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in the general election from paying primary election loans and obligations with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the general election; or (B) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in a run-off election from paying loans and obligations with respect to the previous election with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the run-off election. (f) (1) Contributions received by a candidate must be attributed to the appropriate election, and reported accordingly, in accordance with the following criteria: (A) In the case of a contribution designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the election so designated; and (B) In the case of a contribution not designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the next election after the contribution is made. (2) A contribution designated in writing for a particular election, but made after that election, must be made only to the extent that the contribution does not exceed the contribution limits from such election. To the extent that such contribution exceeds the contribution limits from such election, the candidate shall either return the contribution to the contributor or obtain written authorization from the contributor to redesignate the contribution to another election within sixty (60) calendar days of the receipt of the contribution. (g) (1) A contribution made by more than one (1) person, except for a contribution made by a partnership, must include the signature of each contributor on the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument or in a separate writing. If a contribution made by more than one (1) person does not indicate the amount to be attributed to each contributor, the contribution is deemed to be attributed equally to each contributor. (2) The limitations on contributions in this section apply separately to contributions made by spouses, even if only one (1) spouse has income; provided, that each spouse signs the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument or the separate contributions are designated in writing by the contributing spouses as being independent contributions. Contributions made from an account shared by spouses, regardless of the type of account, must be presumed to be made by the individual authorizing the contribution alone, absent the written designation of independent contributions. (h) The limitations of this section apply separately with respect to each election. An election in which a candidate is unopposed is a separate election for the purposes of the limitations on contributions in this section. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 10, eff. 1/1/2024. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 4, eff. 5/18/2021. Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1; 2003 , ch. 416, § 1; 2011 , ch. 389, § 4.
(a) No person shall make contributions to any candidate with respect to any election which, in the aggregate, exceed: (1) For an office elected by statewide election, two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500); or (2) For any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(1) For an office elected by statewide election, two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500); or
(2) For any other state or local public office, one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(b) No multicandidate political campaign committee shall make contributions to any candidate with respect to any election which, in the aggregate, exceed: (1) For an office elected by statewide election, the senate, or the house of representatives, seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500); and (2) For any other state or local public office, five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(1) For an office elected by statewide election, the senate, or the house of representatives, seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500); and
(2) For any other state or local public office, five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(c) (1) With respect to contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees for each election: (A) No candidate for an office elected by statewide election shall accept in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the candidate's total contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees; and (B) No candidate for any other state or local public office shall accept in the aggregate more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) from multicandidate political campaign committees. (2) In determining the aggregate limits established by this subsection (c), contributions made to a candidate by a committee controlled by a political party on the national, state, or local level or by a caucus of such political party established by members of either house of the general assembly are not included.
(1) With respect to contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees for each election: (A) No candidate for an office elected by statewide election shall accept in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the candidate's total contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees; and (B) No candidate for any other state or local public office shall accept in the aggregate more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) from multicandidate political campaign committees.
(A) No candidate for an office elected by statewide election shall accept in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the candidate's total contributions from multicandidate political campaign committees; and
(B) No candidate for any other state or local public office shall accept in the aggregate more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) from multicandidate political campaign committees.
(2) In determining the aggregate limits established by this subsection (c), contributions made to a candidate by a committee controlled by a political party on the national, state, or local level or by a caucus of such political party established by members of either house of the general assembly are not included.
(d) (1) Each contribution limit established in subsection (a), (b) or (c) shall be adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average), as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the period of January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2010. Each such adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100). The registry of election finance shall publish each such adjusted amount on its website. (2) On January 1, 2013, and every two (2) years thereafter, each contribution limit established in subsection (a), (b) or (c), as adjusted pursuant to subdivision (d)(1), shall be further adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average), as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the two-year period immediately preceding. Each such adjustment under this subdivision (d)(2) shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100). The registry of election finance shall publish each such adjusted amount on its website.
(1) Each contribution limit established in subsection (a), (b) or (c) shall be adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average), as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the period of January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2010. Each such adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100). The registry of election finance shall publish each such adjusted amount on its website.
(2) On January 1, 2013, and every two (2) years thereafter, each contribution limit established in subsection (a), (b) or (c), as adjusted pursuant to subdivision (d)(1), shall be further adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items-city average), as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the two-year period immediately preceding. Each such adjustment under this subdivision (d)(2) shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100). The registry of election finance shall publish each such adjusted amount on its website.
(e) (1) A candidate for state or local public office, or an elected state or local public office holder, shall not accept a contribution with respect to an election in excess of the loans and obligations outstanding from such election after the close of the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs. A successful candidate for state or local public office who reports no outstanding loans or obligations may continue to accept contributions for the purpose of defraying officeholder expenses until the close of the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs. (2) Beginning with the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs, a candidate for state or local public office reporting an unexpended balance or an outstanding loan or obligation who has not affirmatively created a new campaign account for the next election shall, in addition to the reporting requirements established by §§ 2-10-105 and 2-10-107 , file a complete copy of the candidate's campaign account banking statements corresponding to the full term of the reporting period with the registry or local election commission, as applicable. Such banking statements must continue to be filed by the candidate for each required reporting period until such time as the candidate no longer possesses an unexpended balance of funds or an outstanding loan or obligation, or until such time as the candidate transfers such funds, loans, or obligations to another campaign fund for a subsequent election pursuant to § 2-10-114(a)(1) , whichever occurs earlier. A failure to file the required banking statements is a Class 2 offense as defined by § 2-10-110(a)(2) . (3) This subsection (e) does not: (A) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in the general election from paying primary election loans and obligations with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the general election; or (B) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in a run-off election from paying loans and obligations with respect to the previous election with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the run-off election.
(1) A candidate for state or local public office, or an elected state or local public office holder, shall not accept a contribution with respect to an election in excess of the loans and obligations outstanding from such election after the close of the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs. A successful candidate for state or local public office who reports no outstanding loans or obligations may continue to accept contributions for the purpose of defraying officeholder expenses until the close of the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs.
(2) Beginning with the reporting period following the date of the election, not including the reporting period in which the election occurs, a candidate for state or local public office reporting an unexpended balance or an outstanding loan or obligation who has not affirmatively created a new campaign account for the next election shall, in addition to the reporting requirements established by §§ 2-10-105 and 2-10-107 , file a complete copy of the candidate's campaign account banking statements corresponding to the full term of the reporting period with the registry or local election commission, as applicable. Such banking statements must continue to be filed by the candidate for each required reporting period until such time as the candidate no longer possesses an unexpended balance of funds or an outstanding loan or obligation, or until such time as the candidate transfers such funds, loans, or obligations to another campaign fund for a subsequent election pursuant to § 2-10-114(a)(1) , whichever occurs earlier. A failure to file the required banking statements is a Class 2 offense as defined by § 2-10-110(a)(2) .
(3) This subsection (e) does not: (A) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in the general election from paying primary election loans and obligations with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the general election; or (B) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in a run-off election from paying loans and obligations with respect to the previous election with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the run-off election.
(A) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in the general election from paying primary election loans and obligations with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the general election; or
(B) Prevent a candidate who is a candidate in a run-off election from paying loans and obligations with respect to the previous election with funds that represent contributions made with respect to the run-off election.
(f) (1) Contributions received by a candidate must be attributed to the appropriate election, and reported accordingly, in accordance with the following criteria: (A) In the case of a contribution designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the election so designated; and (B) In the case of a contribution not designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the next election after the contribution is made. (2) A contribution designated in writing for a particular election, but made after that election, must be made only to the extent that the contribution does not exceed the contribution limits from such election. To the extent that such contribution exceeds the contribution limits from such election, the candidate shall either return the contribution to the contributor or obtain written authorization from the contributor to redesignate the contribution to another election within sixty (60) calendar days of the receipt of the contribution.
(1) Contributions received by a candidate must be attributed to the appropriate election, and reported accordingly, in accordance with the following criteria: (A) In the case of a contribution designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the election so designated; and (B) In the case of a contribution not designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the next election after the contribution is made.
(A) In the case of a contribution designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the election so designated; and
(B) In the case of a contribution not designated in writing by the contributor for a particular election, the next election after the contribution is made.
(2) A contribution designated in writing for a particular election, but made after that election, must be made only to the extent that the contribution does not exceed the contribution limits from such election. To the extent that such contribution exceeds the contribution limits from such election, the candidate shall either return the contribution to the contributor or obtain written authorization from the contributor to redesignate the contribution to another election within sixty (60) calendar days of the receipt of the contribution.
(g) (1) A contribution made by more than one (1) person, except for a contribution made by a partnership, must include the signature of each contributor on the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument or in a separate writing. If a contribution made by more than one (1) person does not indicate the amount to be attributed to each contributor, the contribution is deemed to be attributed equally to each contributor. (2) The limitations on contributions in this section apply separately to contributions made by spouses, even if only one (1) spouse has income; provided, that each spouse signs the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument or the separate contributions are designated in writing by the contributing spouses as being independent contributions. Contributions made from an account shared by spouses, regardless of the type of account, must be presumed to be made by the individual authorizing the contribution alone, absent the written designation of independent contributions.
(1) A contribution made by more than one (1) person, except for a contribution made by a partnership, must include the signature of each contributor on the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument or in a separate writing. If a contribution made by more than one (1) person does not indicate the amount to be attributed to each contributor, the contribution is deemed to be attributed equally to each contributor.
(2) The limitations on contributions in this section apply separately to contributions made by spouses, even if only one (1) spouse has income; provided, that each spouse signs the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument or the separate contributions are designated in writing by the contributing spouses as being independent contributions. Contributions made from an account shared by spouses, regardless of the type of account, must be presumed to be made by the individual authorizing the contribution alone, absent the written designation of independent contributions.
(h) The limitations of this section apply separately with respect to each election. An election in which a candidate is unopposed is a separate election for the purposes of the limitations on contributions in this section.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 10, eff. 1/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 4, eff. 5/18/2021.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1; 2003 , ch. 416, § 1; 2011 , ch. 389, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-303 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-303
Certification of delegates, alternates and delegates-at-large - Elections - Allocations - Apportionment of delegates according to primary votes
Status: in_force

(a) On the date established in § 2-5-205(c) next preceding the election, the chair of each statewide political party will certify to the secretary of state and the coordinator of elections the number of delegates and alternates to the national convention allocated by the national party to be elected by the state party. (b) The chair of each statewide political party will further certify to the secretary of state and the coordinator of elections: (1) The number of delegates allocated to the state party by the national party to various congressional districts within Tennessee; and (2) The number of delegates-at-large allocated by the national party to the state party. (c) (1) Delegates-at-large and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the rules of the respective parties. (2) If the party executive committee decides to elect the at-large delegates and alternates, it shall meet to do so after the first Thursday in April and before the first Thursday in May, such election to be by open ballot of the committee members, and no secret balloting is permitted. Alternate delegates are elected proportional to the vote for delegates in the party's delegate election. (d) All state party allocations must be in accordance with the charter, rules, and bylaws of the respective national or state party. (e) (1) There shall be at least three (3) delegates allocated to each congressional district unless such allocation violates the charter, bylaws or rules of the respective national political parties. (2) Where a political party has allocated three (3) delegates from each congressional district by national party rules, at least one-third (1/3) of the at-large delegates shall be elected by popular vote on the ballot. (f) The respective party executive committees shall meet prior to the date established in § 2-5-205(c) to determine how the provisions of this section with respect to the division of delegates by district and at-large and the method of selecting at-large delegates, and the chair of each party shall certify the decisions of the executive committee to the secretary of state and the coordinator of elections. (g) In no case shall the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes in a primary have apportioned to such candidate a lesser number of delegates than the candidate with the next greatest number of votes. If one (1) candidate with a total number of votes statewide greater than other candidates receives fewer delegates from districts than the other candidates then the at-large delegates shall be so apportioned as to reflect the percentage of the vote received by the candidate with the greatest number of votes and that candidate's competitors. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 624,s 1, eff. 11/6/2024. Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 3; 1977, ch. 316, § 5; T.C.A., § 2-1343; Acts 1980, ch. 483, §§ 1-3; 1986, ch. 562, §§ 8-11; 1995, ch. 444, § 1; 2003 , ch. 374, §§ 5, 6.
(a) On the date established in § 2-5-205(c) next preceding the election, the chair of each statewide political party will certify to the secretary of state and the coordinator of elections the number of delegates and alternates to the national convention allocated by the national party to be elected by the state party.
(b) The chair of each statewide political party will further certify to the secretary of state and the coordinator of elections: (1) The number of delegates allocated to the state party by the national party to various congressional districts within Tennessee; and (2) The number of delegates-at-large allocated by the national party to the state party.
(1) The number of delegates allocated to the state party by the national party to various congressional districts within Tennessee; and
(2) The number of delegates-at-large allocated by the national party to the state party.
(c) (1) Delegates-at-large and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the rules of the respective parties. (2) If the party executive committee decides to elect the at-large delegates and alternates, it shall meet to do so after the first Thursday in April and before the first Thursday in May, such election to be by open ballot of the committee members, and no secret balloting is permitted. Alternate delegates are elected proportional to the vote for delegates in the party's delegate election.
(1) Delegates-at-large and alternates shall be elected in accordance with the rules of the respective parties.
(2) If the party executive committee decides to elect the at-large delegates and alternates, it shall meet to do so after the first Thursday in April and before the first Thursday in May, such election to be by open ballot of the committee members, and no secret balloting is permitted. Alternate delegates are elected proportional to the vote for delegates in the party's delegate election.
(d) All state party allocations must be in accordance with the charter, rules, and bylaws of the respective national or state party.
(e) (1) There shall be at least three (3) delegates allocated to each congressional district unless such allocation violates the charter, bylaws or rules of the respective national political parties. (2) Where a political party has allocated three (3) delegates from each congressional district by national party rules, at least one-third (1/3) of the at-large delegates shall be elected by popular vote on the ballot.
(1) There shall be at least three (3) delegates allocated to each congressional district unless such allocation violates the charter, bylaws or rules of the respective national political parties.
(2) Where a political party has allocated three (3) delegates from each congressional district by national party rules, at least one-third (1/3) of the at-large delegates shall be elected by popular vote on the ballot.
(f) The respective party executive committees shall meet prior to the date established in § 2-5-205(c) to determine how the provisions of this section with respect to the division of delegates by district and at-large and the method of selecting at-large delegates, and the chair of each party shall certify the decisions of the executive committee to the secretary of state and the coordinator of elections.
(g) In no case shall the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes in a primary have apportioned to such candidate a lesser number of delegates than the candidate with the next greatest number of votes. If one (1) candidate with a total number of votes statewide greater than other candidates receives fewer delegates from districts than the other candidates then the at-large delegates shall be so apportioned as to reflect the percentage of the vote received by the candidate with the greatest number of votes and that candidate's competitors.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 624,s 1, eff. 11/6/2024.
Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 3; 1977, ch. 316, § 5; T.C.A., § 2-1343; Acts 1980, ch. 483, §§ 1-3; 1986, ch. 562, §§ 8-11; 1995, ch. 444, § 1; 2003 , ch. 374, §§ 5, 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-118 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-118
Filling out of permanent registration record - Change of registration or name
Status: in_force

(a) If a person registers to vote in the election commission office, the commission employee who assists the person in registering shall fill out the permanent registration record except for the person's signature or mark. (b) When any person changes one's registration from postcard to in-person, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d): (1) When a person changes one's name for any reason on the registration form, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant; and (2) If a person changes one's name because of a change in marital status, the person may use either the old name or the new name. If the person wishes to have one's new name reflected on the registration form, the person shall so request the administrator of elections or a designated employee. (d) 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, when a person changes one's name on one's registration form, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 308, § 6; T.C.A., § 2-218; Acts 1981, ch. 460, § 1; 1990, ch. 628, § 1; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 20, 21; 1994, ch. 919, § 17.
(a) If a person registers to vote in the election commission office, the commission employee who assists the person in registering shall fill out the permanent registration record except for the person's signature or mark.
(b) When any person changes one's registration from postcard to in-person, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d): (1) When a person changes one's name for any reason on the registration form, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant; and (2) If a person changes one's name because of a change in marital status, the person may use either the old name or the new name. If the person wishes to have one's new name reflected on the registration form, the person shall so request the administrator of elections or a designated employee.
(1) When a person changes one's name for any reason on the registration form, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant; and
(2) If a person changes one's name because of a change in marital status, the person may use either the old name or the new name. If the person wishes to have one's new name reflected on the registration form, the person shall so request the administrator of elections or a designated employee.
(d) 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, when a person changes one's name on one's registration form, the record from the old form may be transferred onto the new form, and the new form may indicate the date of transfer upon request of the registrant.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 308, § 6; T.C.A., § 2-218; Acts 1981, ch. 460, § 1; 1990, ch. 628, § 1; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 20, 21; 1994, ch. 919, § 17.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-103 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-103
Duties of county election commissions
Status: in_force

(a) It is the duty of each county election commission to: (1) Accept and file any information filed pursuant to the requirements of this part and information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this part; (2) Make statements and other information filed with it available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at reasonable expense; (3) Preserve such statements and other information for a period of five (5) years from date of receipt; and (4) Notify all candidates for local public office in a local election of the requirements for filing any statement required by this part seven (7) days before any deadline provided for herein. (b) It is the duty of the state election commission to furnish the name and address of any candidate for statewide public office and the language of any measure submitted to the people of the entire state to the secretary of state and the registry of election finance. Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 4; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 2, 7; 1989, ch. 585, § 10.
(a) It is the duty of each county election commission to: (1) Accept and file any information filed pursuant to the requirements of this part and information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this part; (2) Make statements and other information filed with it available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at reasonable expense; (3) Preserve such statements and other information for a period of five (5) years from date of receipt; and (4) Notify all candidates for local public office in a local election of the requirements for filing any statement required by this part seven (7) days before any deadline provided for herein.
(1) Accept and file any information filed pursuant to the requirements of this part and information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this part;
(2) Make statements and other information filed with it available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at reasonable expense;
(3) Preserve such statements and other information for a period of five (5) years from date of receipt; and
(4) Notify all candidates for local public office in a local election of the requirements for filing any statement required by this part seven (7) days before any deadline provided for herein.
(b) It is the duty of the state election commission to furnish the name and address of any candidate for statewide public office and the language of any measure submitted to the people of the entire state to the secretary of state and the registry of election finance.
Acts 1980, ch. 861, § 4; 1984, ch. 683, §§ 2, 7; 1989, ch. 585, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-204 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-204
Eligibility to fill vacancy
Status: in_force

Only a qualified voter of the district represented shall be eligible to succeed to the vacant seat. Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2004.
Only a qualified voter of the district represented shall be eligible to succeed to the vacant seat.
Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2004.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-120 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-120
Authority of county election commission
Status: in_force

The county election commission has the authority to forward information regarding violation of disclosure laws by candidates for local public office to the district attorney general for investigation without the necessity of a sworn complaint from a registered voter as provided by § 2-10-108 . Acts 2000, ch. 756, § 19.
The county election commission has the authority to forward information regarding violation of disclosure laws by candidates for local public office to the district attorney general for investigation without the necessity of a sworn complaint from a registered voter as provided by § 2-10-108 .
Acts 2000, ch. 756, § 19.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-102 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 4 / Section 2-4-102
Appointment of election officials and inspectors
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Not more than ninety (90) days nor less than ten (10) days before each election, the county election commission shall appoint the following minimum number of election officials to hold elections at each polling place: one (1) officer of elections, and three (3) judges. Two (2) of the judges appointed hereunder shall concurrently serve as precinct registrars, in accordance with § 2-12-202 . In precincts where voting machines are used, any judge not appointed to serve as a precinct registrar shall concurrently serve as a machine operator for that polling place. Additional precinct registrars and machine operators may be appointed in accordance with § 2-4-105 as necessary to adequately staff the polling place. One (1) machine operator may be appointed to operate no more than two (2) voting machines. (2) Except for the officer of elections, the county election commission may provide that an appointment applies to a specific term that begins or expires at designated times during the election day. (b) (1) The county election commission may appoint for election day as many inspectors as it may deem necessary. (2) If a statewide political party has no member on the county election commission and there is not at least one (1) election official appointed from its nominees under § 2-4-106 for each polling place for which it nominates officials, the county election commission shall, on request of the party's county primary board, appoint from that party's nominees under § 2-4-106 one (1) inspector for every thirty thousand (30,000) people in the county according to the 1970 federal census or any later federal census but not less than two (2) inspectors or more than ten (10). (3) Inspectors represent the commission in its investigation of the conduct of elections. Inspectors shall report any irregularities to the county election commission and the county election commission shall promptly rule on the objections. (4) No inspector may serve on election day who has not received the instruction provided under § 2-4-108 . Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 5, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 15, s 1, eff. 3/24/2017. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 231, s 4, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 274, § 1; 1979, ch. 306, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-402; Acts 1991, ch. 131, §1; 1997 , ch. 558, § 26; 1999, ch. 197, §3; 2011 , ch. 412, §§ 2, 3.
(a) (1) Not more than ninety (90) days nor less than ten (10) days before each election, the county election commission shall appoint the following minimum number of election officials to hold elections at each polling place: one (1) officer of elections, and three (3) judges. Two (2) of the judges appointed hereunder shall concurrently serve as precinct registrars, in accordance with § 2-12-202 . In precincts where voting machines are used, any judge not appointed to serve as a precinct registrar shall concurrently serve as a machine operator for that polling place. Additional precinct registrars and machine operators may be appointed in accordance with § 2-4-105 as necessary to adequately staff the polling place. One (1) machine operator may be appointed to operate no more than two (2) voting machines. (2) Except for the officer of elections, the county election commission may provide that an appointment applies to a specific term that begins or expires at designated times during the election day.
(1) Not more than ninety (90) days nor less than ten (10) days before each election, the county election commission shall appoint the following minimum number of election officials to hold elections at each polling place: one (1) officer of elections, and three (3) judges. Two (2) of the judges appointed hereunder shall concurrently serve as precinct registrars, in accordance with § 2-12-202 . In precincts where voting machines are used, any judge not appointed to serve as a precinct registrar shall concurrently serve as a machine operator for that polling place. Additional precinct registrars and machine operators may be appointed in accordance with § 2-4-105 as necessary to adequately staff the polling place. One (1) machine operator may be appointed to operate no more than two (2) voting machines.
(2) Except for the officer of elections, the county election commission may provide that an appointment applies to a specific term that begins or expires at designated times during the election day.
(b) (1) The county election commission may appoint for election day as many inspectors as it may deem necessary. (2) If a statewide political party has no member on the county election commission and there is not at least one (1) election official appointed from its nominees under § 2-4-106 for each polling place for which it nominates officials, the county election commission shall, on request of the party's county primary board, appoint from that party's nominees under § 2-4-106 one (1) inspector for every thirty thousand (30,000) people in the county according to the 1970 federal census or any later federal census but not less than two (2) inspectors or more than ten (10). (3) Inspectors represent the commission in its investigation of the conduct of elections. Inspectors shall report any irregularities to the county election commission and the county election commission shall promptly rule on the objections. (4) No inspector may serve on election day who has not received the instruction provided under § 2-4-108 .
(1) The county election commission may appoint for election day as many inspectors as it may deem necessary.
(2) If a statewide political party has no member on the county election commission and there is not at least one (1) election official appointed from its nominees under § 2-4-106 for each polling place for which it nominates officials, the county election commission shall, on request of the party's county primary board, appoint from that party's nominees under § 2-4-106 one (1) inspector for every thirty thousand (30,000) people in the county according to the 1970 federal census or any later federal census but not less than two (2) inspectors or more than ten (10).
(3) Inspectors represent the commission in its investigation of the conduct of elections. Inspectors shall report any irregularities to the county election commission and the county election commission shall promptly rule on the objections.
(4) No inspector may serve on election day who has not received the instruction provided under § 2-4-108 .
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 655, s 5, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 15, s 1, eff. 3/24/2017.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 231, s 4, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 274, § 1; 1979, ch. 306, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-402; Acts 1991, ch. 131, §1; 1997 , ch. 558, § 26; 1999, ch. 197, §3; 2011 , ch. 412, §§ 2, 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-132 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-132
Purging of permanent registration records
Status: in_force

The commission shall, not less than ninety (90) days before the regular August election, purge the permanent registration records of those persons whose registrations are required to be purged by § 2-2-106 . Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-232; Acts 1983, ch. 450, § 2; 1984, ch. 878, § 1; 1990, ch. 628, § 2; 2003, ch. 307, § 5.
The commission shall, not less than ninety (90) days before the regular August election, purge the permanent registration records of those persons whose registrations are required to be purged by § 2-2-106 .
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-232; Acts 1983, ch. 450, § 2; 1984, ch. 878, § 1; 1990, ch. 628, § 2; 2003, ch. 307, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-207 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-207
Political activity interfering with state business
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person employed by the state to engage actively in a political campaign on behalf of any party, committee, organization, agency or political candidate, or to attend political meetings or rallies or to otherwise use such person's official position or employment to interfere with or affect the result of any regular or special primary election conducted within the state, or to perform political duties or functions of any kind not directly a part of such person's employment, during those hours of the day when such person is required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state. (b) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any official or employee of the state from voting for the party or candidate of such person's choice or to deprive such person of the right to express such person's personal opinion concerning any political subject, party or candidate. (2) Elected officials, state employees on leave or during those hours not required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state, and persons duly qualified as candidates for public office are expressly excluded from this section. (3) No rule or regulation which has been promulgated or shall be promulgated by any department, division, agency, or bureau of state government shall be more restrictive of the political activity of state employees on leave or during those hours not required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state than those restrictions already set forth in this section. (c) (1) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to teachers. (2) It is unlawful for any teacher employed by an LEA during those hours of the day when the LEA requires the teacher to be performing school duties to: (A) Engage actively in a political campaign on behalf of any party, committee, organization, or agency; (B) Engage in a campaign for a candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people; (C) Attend political meetings or rallies; (D) Use the teacher's employment to interfere with or affect the result of any regular or special primary election conducted within the state; or (E) Perform political campaign duties or functions. (3) Nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed to deprive a teacher from voting for the party or candidate of the teacher's choice or to deprive the teacher of the right to express the teacher's personal opinion concerning any political subject, party, or candidate. (4) A teacher on leave or during those hours in which the teacher is not required to be performing school duties is not subject to the restrictions in subdivision (c)(2). No policy or rule of an LEA shall be more restrictive of the political activity of a teacher on leave or during those hours in which the teacher is not required to be performing school duties than those restrictions set forth in this subsection (c). Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 7, eff. 7/1/2015. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 6, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1942; Acts 1982, ch. 822, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful for any person employed by the state to engage actively in a political campaign on behalf of any party, committee, organization, agency or political candidate, or to attend political meetings or rallies or to otherwise use such person's official position or employment to interfere with or affect the result of any regular or special primary election conducted within the state, or to perform political duties or functions of any kind not directly a part of such person's employment, during those hours of the day when such person is required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state.
(b) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any official or employee of the state from voting for the party or candidate of such person's choice or to deprive such person of the right to express such person's personal opinion concerning any political subject, party or candidate. (2) Elected officials, state employees on leave or during those hours not required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state, and persons duly qualified as candidates for public office are expressly excluded from this section. (3) No rule or regulation which has been promulgated or shall be promulgated by any department, division, agency, or bureau of state government shall be more restrictive of the political activity of state employees on leave or during those hours not required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state than those restrictions already set forth in this section.
(1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any official or employee of the state from voting for the party or candidate of such person's choice or to deprive such person of the right to express such person's personal opinion concerning any political subject, party or candidate.
(2) Elected officials, state employees on leave or during those hours not required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state, and persons duly qualified as candidates for public office are expressly excluded from this section.
(3) No rule or regulation which has been promulgated or shall be promulgated by any department, division, agency, or bureau of state government shall be more restrictive of the political activity of state employees on leave or during those hours not required by law or administrative regulation to be conducting the business of the state than those restrictions already set forth in this section.
(c) (1) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to teachers. (2) It is unlawful for any teacher employed by an LEA during those hours of the day when the LEA requires the teacher to be performing school duties to: (A) Engage actively in a political campaign on behalf of any party, committee, organization, or agency; (B) Engage in a campaign for a candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people; (C) Attend political meetings or rallies; (D) Use the teacher's employment to interfere with or affect the result of any regular or special primary election conducted within the state; or (E) Perform political campaign duties or functions. (3) Nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed to deprive a teacher from voting for the party or candidate of the teacher's choice or to deprive the teacher of the right to express the teacher's personal opinion concerning any political subject, party, or candidate. (4) A teacher on leave or during those hours in which the teacher is not required to be performing school duties is not subject to the restrictions in subdivision (c)(2). No policy or rule of an LEA shall be more restrictive of the political activity of a teacher on leave or during those hours in which the teacher is not required to be performing school duties than those restrictions set forth in this subsection (c).
(1) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to teachers.
(2) It is unlawful for any teacher employed by an LEA during those hours of the day when the LEA requires the teacher to be performing school duties to: (A) Engage actively in a political campaign on behalf of any party, committee, organization, or agency; (B) Engage in a campaign for a candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people; (C) Attend political meetings or rallies; (D) Use the teacher's employment to interfere with or affect the result of any regular or special primary election conducted within the state; or (E) Perform political campaign duties or functions.
(A) Engage actively in a political campaign on behalf of any party, committee, organization, or agency;
(B) Engage in a campaign for a candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people;
(C) Attend political meetings or rallies;
(D) Use the teacher's employment to interfere with or affect the result of any regular or special primary election conducted within the state; or
(E) Perform political campaign duties or functions.
(3) Nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed to deprive a teacher from voting for the party or candidate of the teacher's choice or to deprive the teacher of the right to express the teacher's personal opinion concerning any political subject, party, or candidate.
(4) A teacher on leave or during those hours in which the teacher is not required to be performing school duties is not subject to the restrictions in subdivision (c)(2). No policy or rule of an LEA shall be more restrictive of the political activity of a teacher on leave or during those hours in which the teacher is not required to be performing school duties than those restrictions set forth in this subsection (c).
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 7, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 6, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1942; Acts 1982, ch. 822, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-201 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-201
When election required
Status: in_force

(a) If twelve (12) months or more remain prior to the next general election for members of the general assembly and the seat of a member of either house becomes vacant, a successor shall be elected pursuant to § 2-14-202(a)-(c) by the qualified voters of the district in which the vacancy occurred. The successor shall serve the remainder of the original term. (b) If a vacancy occurs with more than two (2) years remaining in a term in the state senate, but less than twelve (12) months prior to the next general election for members of the general assembly, then a successor shall be elected pursuant to § 2-14-202(d) by the qualified voters of the district in which the vacancy occurred. The successor shall serve the remainder of the original term. Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2001; Acts 2000, ch. 756, § 20.
(a) If twelve (12) months or more remain prior to the next general election for members of the general assembly and the seat of a member of either house becomes vacant, a successor shall be elected pursuant to § 2-14-202(a)-(c) by the qualified voters of the district in which the vacancy occurred. The successor shall serve the remainder of the original term.
(b) If a vacancy occurs with more than two (2) years remaining in a term in the state senate, but less than twelve (12) months prior to the next general election for members of the general assembly, then a successor shall be elected pursuant to § 2-14-202(d) by the qualified voters of the district in which the vacancy occurred. The successor shall serve the remainder of the original term.
Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2001; Acts 2000, ch. 756, § 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-113 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-113
Meetings of boards and commissions
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Boards and commissions established under this title shall meet on the call of their chair, or if there is no chair, of the oldest member of the body in age. (2) All meetings shall be open and subject to title 8, chapter 44. (3) With respect to meetings regularly scheduled by county election commissions or county primary boards, the public notice requirement of this section may be met by permanently posting in the commission office a conspicuous meeting notice. All notices shall state the time, place and purpose for which the meeting is called. (4) Official minutes of all meetings shall be kept in permanent form and shall include the vote of each member on all issues passed upon. Minutes shall be available to the public for examination at reasonable times. (b) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for any board or commission established under this title. Action shall be taken by vote of the majority of the members of the board or commission present. Any action taken at a meeting which does not meet the requirements of this section is voidable at the request of any person who is adversely affected by the action. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-113; Acts 1980, ch. 609, § 2.
(a) (1) Boards and commissions established under this title shall meet on the call of their chair, or if there is no chair, of the oldest member of the body in age. (2) All meetings shall be open and subject to title 8, chapter 44. (3) With respect to meetings regularly scheduled by county election commissions or county primary boards, the public notice requirement of this section may be met by permanently posting in the commission office a conspicuous meeting notice. All notices shall state the time, place and purpose for which the meeting is called. (4) Official minutes of all meetings shall be kept in permanent form and shall include the vote of each member on all issues passed upon. Minutes shall be available to the public for examination at reasonable times.
(1) Boards and commissions established under this title shall meet on the call of their chair, or if there is no chair, of the oldest member of the body in age.
(2) All meetings shall be open and subject to title 8, chapter 44.
(3) With respect to meetings regularly scheduled by county election commissions or county primary boards, the public notice requirement of this section may be met by permanently posting in the commission office a conspicuous meeting notice. All notices shall state the time, place and purpose for which the meeting is called.
(4) Official minutes of all meetings shall be kept in permanent form and shall include the vote of each member on all issues passed upon. Minutes shall be available to the public for examination at reasonable times.
(b) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for any board or commission established under this title. Action shall be taken by vote of the majority of the members of the board or commission present. Any action taken at a meeting which does not meet the requirements of this section is voidable at the request of any person who is adversely affected by the action.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-113; Acts 1980, ch. 609, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-127 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-127
Reports by members of the general assembly, members-elect of the general assembly, governor, members of the governor's staff, secretary of state, treasurer, or comptroller of the treasury regarding siblings, spouses or children who are lobbyists
Status: in_force

(a) Any person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) , whose sibling, spouse or child is required to register as a lobbyist under § 3-6-302 , shall report in writing, on a form developed by the Tennessee ethics commission: (1) The name of the person making the disclosure and such person's business address; (2) The name and business address of the sibling, spouse or child; (3) The position of the sibling, spouse or child; and (4) The name and address of each person for whom the sibling, spouse or child registers for the purpose of lobbying. (b) The report shall be filed with the commission annually no later than February 1. (c) Each person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) shall file a supplementary report with the Tennessee ethics commission that includes a complete description of any information that has changed from the information supplied in the last registration form or last report. Such supplementary reports shall be filed within ten (10) days of any such change. (d) (1) A person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) shall declare before taking a legislative or administrative action on any matter: "It may be considered that I have a degree of personal interest in the subject matter of this bill or action, but I declare that my argument and my ultimate vote answer only to my conscience and to my obligation to my constituents and the citizens of the state of Tennessee," if: (A) The person is employed by a business entity that employs a lobbyist, and such lobbyist is employed by the business entity to lobby such legislative or administrative action; or (B) The matter is lobbied by a sibling, spouse or child of the person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) . (2) The person may alternatively state that the person is declaring a potential conflict of interest, in accordance with this section, or indicate the conflict via the voting board in the chamber of the house of representatives or the senate. (e) The report shall be made under oath and shall contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury. (f) All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours. (g) Failure to file a report required by this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, §§ 28, 30, 31.
(a) Any person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) , whose sibling, spouse or child is required to register as a lobbyist under § 3-6-302 , shall report in writing, on a form developed by the Tennessee ethics commission: (1) The name of the person making the disclosure and such person's business address; (2) The name and business address of the sibling, spouse or child; (3) The position of the sibling, spouse or child; and (4) The name and address of each person for whom the sibling, spouse or child registers for the purpose of lobbying.
(1) The name of the person making the disclosure and such person's business address;
(2) The name and business address of the sibling, spouse or child;
(3) The position of the sibling, spouse or child; and
(4) The name and address of each person for whom the sibling, spouse or child registers for the purpose of lobbying.
(b) The report shall be filed with the commission annually no later than February 1.
(c) Each person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) shall file a supplementary report with the Tennessee ethics commission that includes a complete description of any information that has changed from the information supplied in the last registration form or last report. Such supplementary reports shall be filed within ten (10) days of any such change.
(d) (1) A person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) shall declare before taking a legislative or administrative action on any matter: "It may be considered that I have a degree of personal interest in the subject matter of this bill or action, but I declare that my argument and my ultimate vote answer only to my conscience and to my obligation to my constituents and the citizens of the state of Tennessee," if: (A) The person is employed by a business entity that employs a lobbyist, and such lobbyist is employed by the business entity to lobby such legislative or administrative action; or (B) The matter is lobbied by a sibling, spouse or child of the person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) . (2) The person may alternatively state that the person is declaring a potential conflict of interest, in accordance with this section, or indicate the conflict via the voting board in the chamber of the house of representatives or the senate.
(1) A person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) shall declare before taking a legislative or administrative action on any matter: "It may be considered that I have a degree of personal interest in the subject matter of this bill or action, but I declare that my argument and my ultimate vote answer only to my conscience and to my obligation to my constituents and the citizens of the state of Tennessee," if: (A) The person is employed by a business entity that employs a lobbyist, and such lobbyist is employed by the business entity to lobby such legislative or administrative action; or (B) The matter is lobbied by a sibling, spouse or child of the person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) .
(A) The person is employed by a business entity that employs a lobbyist, and such lobbyist is employed by the business entity to lobby such legislative or administrative action; or
(B) The matter is lobbied by a sibling, spouse or child of the person subject to the prohibition in § 2-10-123(a) .
(2) The person may alternatively state that the person is declaring a potential conflict of interest, in accordance with this section, or indicate the conflict via the voting board in the chamber of the house of representatives or the senate.
(e) The report shall be made under oath and shall contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury.
(f) All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours.
(g) Failure to file a report required by this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, §§ 28, 30, 31.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-109
Poll books, voter signature lists and ballot applications as evidence
Status: in_force

(a) Poll books, voter signature lists and ballot applications, or copies of them, certified by the officer having custody of them, are official records and shall be received as evidence in any case arising out of the election. They may be impeached by other evidence. (b) If the poll books, voter signature lists and ballot applications or copies of them are not certified, they may nonetheless be proved by other credible evidence and received as evidence in an election contest. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1709; Acts 1990, ch. 727, § 5.
(a) Poll books, voter signature lists and ballot applications, or copies of them, certified by the officer having custody of them, are official records and shall be received as evidence in any case arising out of the election. They may be impeached by other evidence.
(b) If the poll books, voter signature lists and ballot applications or copies of them are not certified, they may nonetheless be proved by other credible evidence and received as evidence in an election contest.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1709; Acts 1990, ch. 727, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-106
Procurement or inducement to violate Section 2-19-104 or Section 2-19-105
Status: in_force

A person who procures or induces another to violate either § 2-19-104 or § 2-19-105 commits a Class D felony. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1906; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 10.
A person who procures or induces another to violate either § 2-19-104 or § 2-19-105 commits a Class D felony.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1906; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-140 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-140
Duplicate voter registrations
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The state coordinator of elections is encouraged to make every reasonable effort to enter into agreements with other states for the purpose of comparing data to identify duplicate voter registrations. If agreements are entered into with other states, upon finding any duplicate voter registrations, the state coordinator of elections shall make every effort to determine in which state the voter is rightfully entitled to vote. (2) The state coordinator of elections shall promulgate rules and regulations for any agreements entered into that make provisions for security, maintenance of the integrity of Tennessee's voter information and a method to determine, verify and resolve duplicate voter registrations between the states. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (b) The state coordinator of elections shall file a report with the state and local government committee of the senate and the state government committee of the house of representatives by January 15, 2009, and by January 15 in each year thereafter, regarding the status of any agreements entered into with other states, the progress or difficulties of reaching agreements with other states, and any other information the state coordinator of elections deems necessary to include in the report to keep the members of the general assembly apprised on this essential issue regarding the integrity of Tennessee's statewide voter registration database. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236,s 65, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 2008, ch. 895, § 1.
(a) (1) The state coordinator of elections is encouraged to make every reasonable effort to enter into agreements with other states for the purpose of comparing data to identify duplicate voter registrations. If agreements are entered into with other states, upon finding any duplicate voter registrations, the state coordinator of elections shall make every effort to determine in which state the voter is rightfully entitled to vote. (2) The state coordinator of elections shall promulgate rules and regulations for any agreements entered into that make provisions for security, maintenance of the integrity of Tennessee's voter information and a method to determine, verify and resolve duplicate voter registrations between the states. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) The state coordinator of elections is encouraged to make every reasonable effort to enter into agreements with other states for the purpose of comparing data to identify duplicate voter registrations. If agreements are entered into with other states, upon finding any duplicate voter registrations, the state coordinator of elections shall make every effort to determine in which state the voter is rightfully entitled to vote.
(2) The state coordinator of elections shall promulgate rules and regulations for any agreements entered into that make provisions for security, maintenance of the integrity of Tennessee's voter information and a method to determine, verify and resolve duplicate voter registrations between the states. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(b) The state coordinator of elections shall file a report with the state and local government committee of the senate and the state government committee of the house of representatives by January 15, 2009, and by January 15 in each year thereafter, regarding the status of any agreements entered into with other states, the progress or difficulties of reaching agreements with other states, and any other information the state coordinator of elections deems necessary to include in the report to keep the members of the general assembly apprised on this essential issue regarding the integrity of Tennessee's statewide voter registration database.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236,s 65, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 2008, ch. 895, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-105 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 1 / Section 2-1-105
Voting eligibility
Status: in_force

Only qualified voters who are registered under this title may vote at elections in Tennessee. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-105.
Only qualified voters who are registered under this title may vote at elections in Tennessee.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-105.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-135 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-135
Lists of election officials prepared by officer of elections
Status: in_force

(a) The officer of elections shall prepare and certify to the county election commission a list of all election officials who served at the polling place and their official positions. The list shall be signed by each official. (b) The officer of elections shall certify to the county election commission the names of those persons appointed as officials for the polling place before the election who failed to appear and discharge the duties of office. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-735.
(a) The officer of elections shall prepare and certify to the county election commission a list of all election officials who served at the polling place and their official positions. The list shall be signed by each official.
(b) The officer of elections shall certify to the county election commission the names of those persons appointed as officials for the polling place before the election who failed to appear and discharge the duties of office.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-735.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-301 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-301
Purpose of part - Pilot projects - Convenient voting centers
Status: in_force

(a) The purpose of this part is to create a pilot project to determine whether convenient voting centers could successfully be established for local and state elections to make it convenient for voters to vote at centralized voting areas on election day in the county in which the voter is registered, regardless of the voter's precinct. (b) A county shall indicate its willingness to participate in such a pilot project by adopting a resolution by a super majority vote of its county election commission. A super majority of at least four (4) of the five (5) county election commissioners must approve their willingness to participate in the pilot program. The super majority vote shall also be required to establish the number and locations of convenient centers in each county. Unless four (4) out of five (5) county election commissioners vote in favor of participating in the pilot program and the number and location of the convenient voting centers, the voting precincts as described in §§ 2-3-102 and 2-3-103 must be utilized. (c) Upon affirmative vote by the super majority vote of the county election commission, the commission shall submit to the coordinator of elections a project plan for the convenient voting centers. The coordinator of elections shall approve the project plan prior to the county election commission implementing the plan. The coordinator of elections shall not approve convenient voting centers for any county election commission that has not used at least one (1) early satellite voting location throughout an early voting period in the most recent regular November election. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 1, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017. Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1; 2011 , ch. 455, §§ 1, 2.
(a) The purpose of this part is to create a pilot project to determine whether convenient voting centers could successfully be established for local and state elections to make it convenient for voters to vote at centralized voting areas on election day in the county in which the voter is registered, regardless of the voter's precinct.
(b) A county shall indicate its willingness to participate in such a pilot project by adopting a resolution by a super majority vote of its county election commission. A super majority of at least four (4) of the five (5) county election commissioners must approve their willingness to participate in the pilot program. The super majority vote shall also be required to establish the number and locations of convenient centers in each county. Unless four (4) out of five (5) county election commissioners vote in favor of participating in the pilot program and the number and location of the convenient voting centers, the voting precincts as described in §§ 2-3-102 and 2-3-103 must be utilized.
(c) Upon affirmative vote by the super majority vote of the county election commission, the commission shall submit to the coordinator of elections a project plan for the convenient voting centers. The coordinator of elections shall approve the project plan prior to the county election commission implementing the plan. The coordinator of elections shall not approve convenient voting centers for any county election commission that has not used at least one (1) early satellite voting location throughout an early voting period in the most recent regular November election.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 419, s 1, eff. 1/1/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1087, § 1; 2011 , ch. 455, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-132 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-132
Designation as a political campaign committee for reporting purposes - Report of expenditures by tax exempt organization
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a corporation that uses corporate funds, moneys or credits for communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate which funds, moneys or credits are not used with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request of, or suggestion of, a candidate or any agent or authorized committee of the candidate shall be considered a political campaign committee for purposes of reporting such expenditures. The corporation shall be required to file reports required by § 2-10-105(c)(1) and an appointment of treasurer form. (b) (1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ) is required to report expenditures in accordance with § 2-10-105(c)(1) and (h) during the remainder of an election year and certify the name and address of any person who directly controls such expenditures along with any such person's evidence of identification as defined in § 2-10-105(e)(3)(C) to the registry of election finance if: (A) The organization expends an aggregate total of at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) in organizational funds, moneys, or credits for communications that expressly contain the name or visually depict the likeness of a state candidate in a primary or general election; and (B) Such expenditures or communications occur within sixty (60) calendar days immediately preceding a primary or general election in which the named or visually depicted candidate appears on the ballot. (2) This subsection (b) does not require an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ) to report any form of contributions. (3) As used in this subsection (b), "communications" does not include: (A) Any communication by any membership organization solely to its members, employees, or to any person who has expressly consented to receiving communications from the organization; (B) Any communication made prior to the period described in subdivision (b)(1)(B) but that remains accessible during the period; provided, that such communication is not actively promoted or distributed by the organization within the period to the public at large excluding any person described in subdivision (b)(3)(A); or (C) Any communication made to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch during any session of the general assembly. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 13, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 2010 , ch. 1095, § 4.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a corporation that uses corporate funds, moneys or credits for communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate which funds, moneys or credits are not used with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request of, or suggestion of, a candidate or any agent or authorized committee of the candidate shall be considered a political campaign committee for purposes of reporting such expenditures. The corporation shall be required to file reports required by § 2-10-105(c)(1) and an appointment of treasurer form.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ) is required to report expenditures in accordance with § 2-10-105(c)(1) and (h) during the remainder of an election year and certify the name and address of any person who directly controls such expenditures along with any such person's evidence of identification as defined in § 2-10-105(e)(3)(C) to the registry of election finance if: (A) The organization expends an aggregate total of at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) in organizational funds, moneys, or credits for communications that expressly contain the name or visually depict the likeness of a state candidate in a primary or general election; and (B) Such expenditures or communications occur within sixty (60) calendar days immediately preceding a primary or general election in which the named or visually depicted candidate appears on the ballot. (2) This subsection (b) does not require an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ) to report any form of contributions. (3) As used in this subsection (b), "communications" does not include: (A) Any communication by any membership organization solely to its members, employees, or to any person who has expressly consented to receiving communications from the organization; (B) Any communication made prior to the period described in subdivision (b)(1)(B) but that remains accessible during the period; provided, that such communication is not actively promoted or distributed by the organization within the period to the public at large excluding any person described in subdivision (b)(3)(A); or (C) Any communication made to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch during any session of the general assembly.
(1) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ) is required to report expenditures in accordance with § 2-10-105(c)(1) and (h) during the remainder of an election year and certify the name and address of any person who directly controls such expenditures along with any such person's evidence of identification as defined in § 2-10-105(e)(3)(C) to the registry of election finance if: (A) The organization expends an aggregate total of at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) in organizational funds, moneys, or credits for communications that expressly contain the name or visually depict the likeness of a state candidate in a primary or general election; and (B) Such expenditures or communications occur within sixty (60) calendar days immediately preceding a primary or general election in which the named or visually depicted candidate appears on the ballot.
(A) The organization expends an aggregate total of at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) in organizational funds, moneys, or credits for communications that expressly contain the name or visually depict the likeness of a state candidate in a primary or general election; and
(B) Such expenditures or communications occur within sixty (60) calendar days immediately preceding a primary or general election in which the named or visually depicted candidate appears on the ballot.
(2) This subsection (b) does not require an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) ) to report any form of contributions.
(3) As used in this subsection (b), "communications" does not include: (A) Any communication by any membership organization solely to its members, employees, or to any person who has expressly consented to receiving communications from the organization; (B) Any communication made prior to the period described in subdivision (b)(1)(B) but that remains accessible during the period; provided, that such communication is not actively promoted or distributed by the organization within the period to the public at large excluding any person described in subdivision (b)(3)(A); or (C) Any communication made to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch during any session of the general assembly.
(A) Any communication by any membership organization solely to its members, employees, or to any person who has expressly consented to receiving communications from the organization;
(B) Any communication made prior to the period described in subdivision (b)(1)(B) but that remains accessible during the period; provided, that such communication is not actively promoted or distributed by the organization within the period to the public at large excluding any person described in subdivision (b)(3)(A); or
(C) Any communication made to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch during any session of the general assembly.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 13, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1095, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-211 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-211
Disqualification for office - Administrator as candidate for public office - Immediate family members as candidates for public office
Status: in_force

(a) An administrator of elections who qualifies as a candidate for public office while serving as administrator is automatically disqualified to continue in office as administrator. (b) If an immediate family member of an administrator of elections is on the ballot for public office in the county in which the administrator serves, the administrator is recused from the official duties of the administrator at least thirty (30) days before the election, and the county election commission shall appoint a temporary replacement for the election. The recused administrator is reinstated to the office after the election in question is certified. (c) As used in this section, "immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, sibling, or child. (d) This section applies to administrators of elections appointed on and after March 15, 2024. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579,s 1, eff. 3/15/2024.
(a) An administrator of elections who qualifies as a candidate for public office while serving as administrator is automatically disqualified to continue in office as administrator.
(b) If an immediate family member of an administrator of elections is on the ballot for public office in the county in which the administrator serves, the administrator is recused from the official duties of the administrator at least thirty (30) days before the election, and the county election commission shall appoint a temporary replacement for the election. The recused administrator is reinstated to the office after the election in question is certified.
(c) As used in this section, "immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, sibling, or child.
(d) This section applies to administrators of elections appointed on and after March 15, 2024.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 579,s 1, eff. 3/15/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-701 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-701
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Low vision" means a partial or total loss of sight that is not correctible with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses; and (2) "Print disability" means a disability that interferes with the person's ability to effectively read, write, or use printed materials, and includes blindness, low vision, and physical disabilities, such as paralysis, that interfere with such abilities. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 689,s 2, eff. 8/2/2024.
As used in this part:
(1) "Low vision" means a partial or total loss of sight that is not correctible with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses; and
(2) "Print disability" means a disability that interferes with the person's ability to effectively read, write, or use printed materials, and includes blindness, low vision, and physical disabilities, such as paralysis, that interfere with such abilities.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 689,s 2, eff. 8/2/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-117 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-117
Development of internet based electronic filing process
Status: in_force

(a) Each county election commission is authorized to develop, with the advice, assistance and approval of the registry of election finance, an internet based electronic filing process for use by candidates for local public office and all political campaign committees for a local election in such county or in the municipalities located in such county that are required to file statements and reports with such county election commission. (b) Such system shall provide each candidate and political campaign committee with secure access to the electronic filing system and provide safeguards against efforts to tamper or change the data in any way. (c) Once the electronic filing system is completed and tested, the county election commission shall provide public notice that the system is operational and available for filers to commence use. (d) If a county election commission decides to develop such an internet based electronic filing process, any and all costs for such development and internet posting shall be an expenditure of such county election commission. (e) If a county election commission develops and implements an internet based electronic filing process pursuant to this section, then the county election commission shall notify the division of elections in the secretary of state's office at least ninety (90) days prior to its use. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 177, s 1, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 2004, ch. 898, § 1.
(a) Each county election commission is authorized to develop, with the advice, assistance and approval of the registry of election finance, an internet based electronic filing process for use by candidates for local public office and all political campaign committees for a local election in such county or in the municipalities located in such county that are required to file statements and reports with such county election commission.
(b) Such system shall provide each candidate and political campaign committee with secure access to the electronic filing system and provide safeguards against efforts to tamper or change the data in any way.
(c) Once the electronic filing system is completed and tested, the county election commission shall provide public notice that the system is operational and available for filers to commence use.
(d) If a county election commission decides to develop such an internet based electronic filing process, any and all costs for such development and internet posting shall be an expenditure of such county election commission.
(e) If a county election commission develops and implements an internet based electronic filing process pursuant to this section, then the county election commission shall notify the division of elections in the secretary of state's office at least ninety (90) days prior to its use.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 177, s 1, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 2004, ch. 898, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-6-303 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 6 / Section 2-6-303
Delivery of poll books and other records to board - Process of ballots
Status: in_force

(a) (1) No later than four (4) hours prior to the closing of polls for all regularly scheduled November elections and no later than two (2) hours prior to the closing of polls for all other elections, or at such earlier time after the polls open as the county election commission may direct, on election day, the county election commission shall deliver the locked and sealed absentee ballot boxes and their keys to the counting board in the commission office. (2) The county election commission shall also deliver to the counting board the poll books prepared by precinct by the administrator of elections as the absentee ballots were received, the binder of rejected absentee ballots by precinct, the absentee voting binder of duplicate permanent registration records by precinct, and any other supplies necessary or useful in the performance of the counting board's duties. However, in those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, the administrator shall be relieved of the duty to deliver the absentee voting binder of duplicate permanent registration records by precincts. In counties in which computerized duplicate permanent registration records are used, the county election commission shall deliver to the counting board a printed list, arranged by precinct, of those voters who voted or requested an absentee ballot. (b) Any absentee ballot received by mail by the county election commission before the closing of the polls shall be processed as were absentee ballots received before election day. For ballots received after the ballot boxes are turned over to the counting board, the administrator shall not record the voters' names on the poll books or note that they voted on their duplicate permanent registration records but shall deliver the ballots to the counting board immediately after determining whether the ballots are entitled to be cast. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 827,s 2, eff. 4/21/2016. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-617; Acts 1981, ch. 385, § 5; 1988, ch. 993, § 7; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 13, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-117; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
(a) (1) No later than four (4) hours prior to the closing of polls for all regularly scheduled November elections and no later than two (2) hours prior to the closing of polls for all other elections, or at such earlier time after the polls open as the county election commission may direct, on election day, the county election commission shall deliver the locked and sealed absentee ballot boxes and their keys to the counting board in the commission office. (2) The county election commission shall also deliver to the counting board the poll books prepared by precinct by the administrator of elections as the absentee ballots were received, the binder of rejected absentee ballots by precinct, the absentee voting binder of duplicate permanent registration records by precinct, and any other supplies necessary or useful in the performance of the counting board's duties. However, in those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, the administrator shall be relieved of the duty to deliver the absentee voting binder of duplicate permanent registration records by precincts. In counties in which computerized duplicate permanent registration records are used, the county election commission shall deliver to the counting board a printed list, arranged by precinct, of those voters who voted or requested an absentee ballot.
(1) No later than four (4) hours prior to the closing of polls for all regularly scheduled November elections and no later than two (2) hours prior to the closing of polls for all other elections, or at such earlier time after the polls open as the county election commission may direct, on election day, the county election commission shall deliver the locked and sealed absentee ballot boxes and their keys to the counting board in the commission office.
(2) The county election commission shall also deliver to the counting board the poll books prepared by precinct by the administrator of elections as the absentee ballots were received, the binder of rejected absentee ballots by precinct, the absentee voting binder of duplicate permanent registration records by precinct, and any other supplies necessary or useful in the performance of the counting board's duties. However, in those counties in which computerized duplicate registration records are used, the administrator shall be relieved of the duty to deliver the absentee voting binder of duplicate permanent registration records by precincts. In counties in which computerized duplicate permanent registration records are used, the county election commission shall deliver to the counting board a printed list, arranged by precinct, of those voters who voted or requested an absentee ballot.
(b) Any absentee ballot received by mail by the county election commission before the closing of the polls shall be processed as were absentee ballots received before election day. For ballots received after the ballot boxes are turned over to the counting board, the administrator shall not record the voters' names on the poll books or note that they voted on their duplicate permanent registration records but shall deliver the ballots to the counting board immediately after determining whether the ballots are entitled to be cast.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 827,s 2, eff. 4/21/2016.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-617; Acts 1981, ch. 385, § 5; 1988, ch. 993, § 7; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 13, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-117; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-102 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-102
Time of holding special election
Status: in_force

(a) Special elections shall be held not less than seventy-five (75) days nor more than eighty (80) days after the officer or body charged with calling the election receives notice of the facts requiring the call. An election for an office shall be held on the same day in every county in which it is held. (b) (1) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacant seat in the United States house of representatives, a vacancy in a county office, or a vacancy in any municipal office, and the date for such election, as established under subsection (a), falls within thirty (30) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in that district, the governor, or the county election commission, as specified in § 2-14-103 , may issue the writ of election for the special election for the date which will coincide with the regular primary or general election. (2) If the date of the election is adjusted, as provided in subdivision (b)(1), all other dates dependent on the date of election shall be adjusted accordingly, and any filing of candidacy, or qualifying petitions, financial statements, or other acts shall be timely done if performed in accordance with the revised dates. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1402; Acts 1980, ch. 649, § 2; 1981, ch. 478, § 10.
(a) Special elections shall be held not less than seventy-five (75) days nor more than eighty (80) days after the officer or body charged with calling the election receives notice of the facts requiring the call. An election for an office shall be held on the same day in every county in which it is held.
(b) (1) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacant seat in the United States house of representatives, a vacancy in a county office, or a vacancy in any municipal office, and the date for such election, as established under subsection (a), falls within thirty (30) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in that district, the governor, or the county election commission, as specified in § 2-14-103 , may issue the writ of election for the special election for the date which will coincide with the regular primary or general election. (2) If the date of the election is adjusted, as provided in subdivision (b)(1), all other dates dependent on the date of election shall be adjusted accordingly, and any filing of candidacy, or qualifying petitions, financial statements, or other acts shall be timely done if performed in accordance with the revised dates.
(1) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacant seat in the United States house of representatives, a vacancy in a county office, or a vacancy in any municipal office, and the date for such election, as established under subsection (a), falls within thirty (30) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in that district, the governor, or the county election commission, as specified in § 2-14-103 , may issue the writ of election for the special election for the date which will coincide with the regular primary or general election.
(2) If the date of the election is adjusted, as provided in subdivision (b)(1), all other dates dependent on the date of election shall be adjusted accordingly, and any filing of candidacy, or qualifying petitions, financial statements, or other acts shall be timely done if performed in accordance with the revised dates.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1402; Acts 1980, ch. 649, § 2; 1981, ch. 478, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-114 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 11 / Section 2-11-114
Acceptance of funding - Collection and expenditure of fees
Status: in_force

(a) The state election commission, secretary of state, or coordinator of elections may only accept funding from appropriations of public funds from the United States government, the state of Tennessee, or a county or municipality in this state. The state election commission, secretary of state, or coordinator of elections shall not accept or expend any grant, gift, or funding from private persons, corporations, organizations, or political parties for conducting an election unless such acceptance or expenditure is approved by the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives. (b) The state election commission, secretary of state, and coordinator of elections may collect and expend fees authorized by law in this state. (c) This section does not apply to election information advertising, donation of use of a location for voting purposes, volunteer labor by citizens of this state, pens, sanitizer, or nominal items. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306,s 1, eff. 5/4/2021.
(a) The state election commission, secretary of state, or coordinator of elections may only accept funding from appropriations of public funds from the United States government, the state of Tennessee, or a county or municipality in this state. The state election commission, secretary of state, or coordinator of elections shall not accept or expend any grant, gift, or funding from private persons, corporations, organizations, or political parties for conducting an election unless such acceptance or expenditure is approved by the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) The state election commission, secretary of state, and coordinator of elections may collect and expend fees authorized by law in this state.
(c) This section does not apply to election information advertising, donation of use of a location for voting purposes, volunteer labor by citizens of this state, pens, sanitizer, or nominal items.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306,s 1, eff. 5/4/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-128 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-128
Penalty for violation of Sections 2-19-125 - 2-19-127
Status: in_force

Any person convicted of any of the offenses mentioned in §§ 2-19-125 - 2-19-127 commits a Class C felony. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1928; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 9.
Any person convicted of any of the offenses mentioned in §§ 2-19-125 - 2-19-127 commits a Class C felony.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1928; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-203 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-203
Interim successor
Status: in_force

The legislative body of the replaced legislator's county of residence at the time of such legislator's election may elect an interim successor to serve until the election. Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2003.
The legislative body of the replaced legislator's county of residence at the time of such legislator's election may elect an interim successor to serve until the election.
Acts 1978, ch. 923, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-2003.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-104 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 4 / Section 2-4-104
Judges to be of different political parties
Status: in_force

Not more than two (2) of the judges at a polling place may be of the same political party, if persons from different political parties are willing to serve. When primary elections are being held, at least one (1) judge shall be appointed from each party having a primary at the polling place for which the judges are being appointed. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-404.
Not more than two (2) of the judges at a polling place may be of the same political party, if persons from different political parties are willing to serve. When primary elections are being held, at least one (1) judge shall be appointed from each party having a primary at the polling place for which the judges are being appointed.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-404.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-305 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-305
Nominating petitions for delegates - Filing
Status: in_force

(a) Candidates for election as delegates to the national convention of a political party shall qualify by filing nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) which is prior to the presidential election year in the office of the secretary of state in Nashville. (b) (1) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the position. (2) Nominating petitions shall bear the name and address of the candidate. (3) The sufficiency of such petitions, including the requisite quantity and authenticity of signatures, shall be verified by the county election commission. (c) If the candidate does not file by the deadline specified in this section, the candidate's name shall not be printed on the ballot. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 20, s 1, eff. 3/27/2015. Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 5; 1977, ch. 316, § 7; T.C.A., § 2-1345; Acts 1980, ch. 483, §§ 4, 7; 1986, ch. 562, § 15; 1989, ch. 58, § 1; 2003 , ch. 374, § 10; 2008 , ch. 618, § 2.
(a) Candidates for election as delegates to the national convention of a political party shall qualify by filing nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) which is prior to the presidential election year in the office of the secretary of state in Nashville.
(b) (1) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the position. (2) Nominating petitions shall bear the name and address of the candidate. (3) The sufficiency of such petitions, including the requisite quantity and authenticity of signatures, shall be verified by the county election commission.
(1) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the position.
(2) Nominating petitions shall bear the name and address of the candidate.
(3) The sufficiency of such petitions, including the requisite quantity and authenticity of signatures, shall be verified by the county election commission.
(c) If the candidate does not file by the deadline specified in this section, the candidate's name shall not be printed on the ballot.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 20, s 1, eff. 3/27/2015.
Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 5; 1977, ch. 316, § 7; T.C.A., § 2-1345; Acts 1980, ch. 483, §§ 4, 7; 1986, ch. 562, § 15; 1989, ch. 58, § 1; 2003 , ch. 374, § 10; 2008 , ch. 618, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-107 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-107
Special elections to fill vacancy in U.S. house of representatives or general assembly - Requirements and procedures
Status: in_force

(a) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacant seat in the United States house of representatives or the general assembly, the requirements of §§ 2-1-104 and 2-13-107 shall apply, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within the legislative district for which the special election has been called equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such legislative district for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor. (b) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a special primary or general election, a petition as described in subsection (a), must be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline for such special primary in the office of the coordinator of elections. (c) Except as provided in this section, §§ 2-1-104 and 2-13-107 shall govern the process. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 734,s 4, eff. 4/22/2014.
(a) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacant seat in the United States house of representatives or the general assembly, the requirements of §§ 2-1-104 and 2-13-107 shall apply, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within the legislative district for which the special election has been called equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such legislative district for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor.
(b) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a special primary or general election, a petition as described in subsection (a), must be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline for such special primary in the office of the coordinator of elections.
(c) Except as provided in this section, §§ 2-1-104 and 2-13-107 shall govern the process.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 734,s 4, eff. 4/22/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-8-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 8 / Section 2-8-106
Mailing and filing of tabulation and certification
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall seal and mail the original of the official tabulation and certification of results prepared pursuant to § 2-8-105(1) and (2) to the secretary of state and take the postmaster's receipt for it and shall mail the first copy to the governor and take the postmaster's receipt for it. The remaining copy shall be filed with the county clerk and the commission shall take the clerk's receipt for it. The aforementioned statements may be delivered personally in lieu of mailing by the deadline set forth in § 2-8-101 . In the case of a general election for the office of governor, an additional copy of the returns shall be sent directly to the speaker of the senate as provided by article III, § 2 of the Constitution of Tennessee. (b) The commission shall deliver the official tabulation and certification of results prepared pursuant to § 2-8-105(3) as follows: (1) If the election is for a county official, the original to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and file the copy with the county clerk, and take the clerk's receipt for it; (2) If the election is for a municipal office, the original to the chief administrative offices of the municipality and the copy filed with the county clerk; and (3) If a question, the original to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and the copy to be filed in the county clerk's office and take the clerk's receipt for it. (c) The commission shall seal and mail the original of the official tabulation and certification of results prepared pursuant to § 2-8-105(4) to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, mail a copy to the chair of the political party's state executive committee and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and deliver the remaining copy to the county clerk and take the clerk's receipt for it. (d) The official tabulation and certification of results forms to be utilized for elections, both primary and general, for the offices listed in § 2-13-202 , and for any question submitted to the voters of the entire state shall be furnished by the coordinator of elections. The county election commission shall furnish the forms for all other elections. (e) The county election commission shall issue certificates of elections to each person elected except those to be commissioned by the governor. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 132, § 1; 1977, ch. 480, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A., § 2-806; Acts 1980, ch. 609, § 1.
(a) The commission shall seal and mail the original of the official tabulation and certification of results prepared pursuant to § 2-8-105(1) and (2) to the secretary of state and take the postmaster's receipt for it and shall mail the first copy to the governor and take the postmaster's receipt for it. The remaining copy shall be filed with the county clerk and the commission shall take the clerk's receipt for it. The aforementioned statements may be delivered personally in lieu of mailing by the deadline set forth in § 2-8-101 . In the case of a general election for the office of governor, an additional copy of the returns shall be sent directly to the speaker of the senate as provided by article III, § 2 of the Constitution of Tennessee.
(b) The commission shall deliver the official tabulation and certification of results prepared pursuant to § 2-8-105(3) as follows: (1) If the election is for a county official, the original to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and file the copy with the county clerk, and take the clerk's receipt for it; (2) If the election is for a municipal office, the original to the chief administrative offices of the municipality and the copy filed with the county clerk; and (3) If a question, the original to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and the copy to be filed in the county clerk's office and take the clerk's receipt for it.
(1) If the election is for a county official, the original to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and file the copy with the county clerk, and take the clerk's receipt for it;
(2) If the election is for a municipal office, the original to the chief administrative offices of the municipality and the copy filed with the county clerk; and
(3) If a question, the original to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and the copy to be filed in the county clerk's office and take the clerk's receipt for it.
(c) The commission shall seal and mail the original of the official tabulation and certification of results prepared pursuant to § 2-8-105(4) to the coordinator of elections and take the postmaster's receipt for it, mail a copy to the chair of the political party's state executive committee and take the postmaster's receipt for it, and deliver the remaining copy to the county clerk and take the clerk's receipt for it.
(d) The official tabulation and certification of results forms to be utilized for elections, both primary and general, for the offices listed in § 2-13-202 , and for any question submitted to the voters of the entire state shall be furnished by the coordinator of elections. The county election commission shall furnish the forms for all other elections.
(e) The county election commission shall issue certificates of elections to each person elected except those to be commissioned by the governor.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 132, § 1; 1977, ch. 480, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A., § 2-806; Acts 1980, ch. 609, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-14-101 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 14 / Section 2-14-101
Special elections - When required
Status: in_force

Special elections shall be held when a vacancy in any office is required to be filled by election at other times than those fixed for general elections. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1401.
Special elections shall be held when a vacancy in any office is required to be filled by election at other times than those fixed for general elections.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1401.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-318 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-318
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

It is the intent of this part that delegate selection comply with the delegate selection rules of the delegates' respective national or state party. Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 18; T.C.A., § 2-1358; Acts 1995, ch. 444, § 2.
It is the intent of this part that delegate selection comply with the delegate selection rules of the delegates' respective national or state party.
Acts 1976, ch. 421, § 18; T.C.A., § 2-1358; Acts 1995, ch. 444, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-120 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-120
Political communications, advertising and solicitations - Contents - Applicability - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, as defined by § 2-10-102 , or that solicits any contribution, through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, poster, yard sign, direct mailing or any other form of general public political advertising, a disclaimer meeting the requirements of subdivision (a)(2), (3), (4) or (5) shall appear and be presented in a clear and conspicuous manner to give the reader, observer or listener adequate notice of the identity of persons who paid for and, where required, who authorized the communication. Such person is not required to place the disclaimer on the front face or page of any such material, as long as a disclaimer appears within the communication, except on communications, such as billboards, that contain only a front face. (2) Such communication, including any solicitation, if paid for and authorized by a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate, or its agent shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by the authorized political committee, in addition to the identity of the person who is the head of such committee, or the identity of the treasurer of such committee. (3) Such communication, including any solicitation, if authorized by a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate or an agent thereof, but paid for by any other person, shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by such other person and is authorized by such candidate, authorized committee or agent. (4) Such communication, including any solicitation, if made on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate, but paid for by any other person and not authorized by a candidate, authorized committee of a candidate or its agent, shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by such person and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. (5) (A) For solicitations directed to the general public on behalf of a political committee which is not an authorized committee of a candidate, such solicitation shall clearly state the full name of the person who paid for the communication. (B) For purposes of this section, whenever a separate segregated fund solicits contributions to the fund from those persons it may solicit, such communication shall not be considered a form of general public advertising. Such advertisements shall also include the name of the printer of such advertisement, and the identity of the person who paid for the advertisement. (b) The requirements of this section do not apply to bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, novelties, and similar small items upon which the disclaimer cannot be conveniently printed. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1920; Acts 1987, ch. 395, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 812, §§ 1-3; 1991, ch. 436, § 1; 1992, ch. 666, §§ 1, 2; 2004, ch. 480, §§ 11, 12.
(a) (1) Whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, as defined by § 2-10-102 , or that solicits any contribution, through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, poster, yard sign, direct mailing or any other form of general public political advertising, a disclaimer meeting the requirements of subdivision (a)(2), (3), (4) or (5) shall appear and be presented in a clear and conspicuous manner to give the reader, observer or listener adequate notice of the identity of persons who paid for and, where required, who authorized the communication. Such person is not required to place the disclaimer on the front face or page of any such material, as long as a disclaimer appears within the communication, except on communications, such as billboards, that contain only a front face. (2) Such communication, including any solicitation, if paid for and authorized by a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate, or its agent shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by the authorized political committee, in addition to the identity of the person who is the head of such committee, or the identity of the treasurer of such committee. (3) Such communication, including any solicitation, if authorized by a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate or an agent thereof, but paid for by any other person, shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by such other person and is authorized by such candidate, authorized committee or agent. (4) Such communication, including any solicitation, if made on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate, but paid for by any other person and not authorized by a candidate, authorized committee of a candidate or its agent, shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by such person and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. (5) (A) For solicitations directed to the general public on behalf of a political committee which is not an authorized committee of a candidate, such solicitation shall clearly state the full name of the person who paid for the communication. (B) For purposes of this section, whenever a separate segregated fund solicits contributions to the fund from those persons it may solicit, such communication shall not be considered a form of general public advertising. Such advertisements shall also include the name of the printer of such advertisement, and the identity of the person who paid for the advertisement.
(1) Whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, as defined by § 2-10-102 , or that solicits any contribution, through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, poster, yard sign, direct mailing or any other form of general public political advertising, a disclaimer meeting the requirements of subdivision (a)(2), (3), (4) or (5) shall appear and be presented in a clear and conspicuous manner to give the reader, observer or listener adequate notice of the identity of persons who paid for and, where required, who authorized the communication. Such person is not required to place the disclaimer on the front face or page of any such material, as long as a disclaimer appears within the communication, except on communications, such as billboards, that contain only a front face.
(2) Such communication, including any solicitation, if paid for and authorized by a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate, or its agent shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by the authorized political committee, in addition to the identity of the person who is the head of such committee, or the identity of the treasurer of such committee.
(3) Such communication, including any solicitation, if authorized by a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate or an agent thereof, but paid for by any other person, shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by such other person and is authorized by such candidate, authorized committee or agent.
(4) Such communication, including any solicitation, if made on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate, but paid for by any other person and not authorized by a candidate, authorized committee of a candidate or its agent, shall clearly state that the communication has been paid for by such person and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
(5) (A) For solicitations directed to the general public on behalf of a political committee which is not an authorized committee of a candidate, such solicitation shall clearly state the full name of the person who paid for the communication. (B) For purposes of this section, whenever a separate segregated fund solicits contributions to the fund from those persons it may solicit, such communication shall not be considered a form of general public advertising. Such advertisements shall also include the name of the printer of such advertisement, and the identity of the person who paid for the advertisement.
(A) For solicitations directed to the general public on behalf of a political committee which is not an authorized committee of a candidate, such solicitation shall clearly state the full name of the person who paid for the communication.
(B) For purposes of this section, whenever a separate segregated fund solicits contributions to the fund from those persons it may solicit, such communication shall not be considered a form of general public advertising. Such advertisements shall also include the name of the printer of such advertisement, and the identity of the person who paid for the advertisement.
(b) The requirements of this section do not apply to bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, novelties, and similar small items upon which the disclaimer cannot be conveniently printed.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1920; Acts 1987, ch. 395, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 812, §§ 1-3; 1991, ch. 436, § 1; 1992, ch. 666, §§ 1, 2; 2004, ch. 480, §§ 11, 12.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-103 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-103
Candidates for statewide elections
Status: in_force

(a) Each independent or primary candidate for an office elected by the voters of the entire state shall file the candidate's original nominating petition in the office of the state election commission and a certified duplicate with the coordinator of elections and with the chair of the party's state executive committee in the case of primary candidates. (b) The chair of the state election commission shall, no later than twelve (12:00) noon prevailing time on the first Thursday after the deadlines set in § 2-5-101 , certify to the chairs of the county election commissions the names of all candidates who have qualified under this section to have their names on the ballots for general or primary elections. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-507.
(a) Each independent or primary candidate for an office elected by the voters of the entire state shall file the candidate's original nominating petition in the office of the state election commission and a certified duplicate with the coordinator of elections and with the chair of the party's state executive committee in the case of primary candidates.
(b) The chair of the state election commission shall, no later than twelve (12:00) noon prevailing time on the first Thursday after the deadlines set in § 2-5-101 , certify to the chairs of the county election commissions the names of all candidates who have qualified under this section to have their names on the ballots for general or primary elections.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-507.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-218 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-218
Ballot supplies for persons with visual impairments
Status: in_force

(a) All nominating petitions, instruction cards, application for ballot forms, and the rules and regulations regarding qualifying for public office may be made available in large print, and in recorded form for citizens of Tennessee with visual impairments. The above named documents and recordings must be available only at the main county election commission office. (b) The state's share of the funding for the implementation of this section shall be derived from state taxes currently being shared with local governments. Acts 1979, ch. 190, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-524; Acts 1982, ch. 871, § 2.
(a) All nominating petitions, instruction cards, application for ballot forms, and the rules and regulations regarding qualifying for public office may be made available in large print, and in recorded form for citizens of Tennessee with visual impairments. The above named documents and recordings must be available only at the main county election commission office.
(b) The state's share of the funding for the implementation of this section shall be derived from state taxes currently being shared with local governments.
Acts 1979, ch. 190, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-524; Acts 1982, ch. 871, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-115 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-115
Residence requirements - Primary election voting requirements
Status: in_force

(a) A voter may vote only in the precinct where the voter resides and is registered, but if a registered voter has, at any time prior to voting, changed residence to another place inside the county, the voter must vote pursuant to § 2-7-140 . If a registered voter has, within ninety (90) days before a state primary or general election or federal primary or general election, changed residence to another place inside Tennessee but outside the county where the voter is registered, the voter may vote in the polling place where the voter is registered. If the voter has, within ninety (90) days before an election, changed name by marriage or otherwise, the voter may vote in the polling place where the voter is registered or is entitled to vote under § 2-7-140 . (b) A registered voter is entitled to vote in a primary election for offices for which the voter is qualified to vote at the polling place where the voter is registered if: (1) The voter is a bona fide member of and affiliated with the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote; or (2) At the time the voter seeks to vote, the voter declares allegiance to the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote and states that the voter intends to affiliate with that party. (c) (1) On primary election days, a sign that is a minimum of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8.5"x11") with a yellow background and bold, black text containing the following language must be posted in each polling place: It's the Law! Please Read... It is a violation of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-115(b) , and punishable as a crime under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-19-102 or Section 2-19-107 , if a person votes in a political party's primary without being a bona fide member of or affiliated with that political party, or to declare allegiance to that party without the intent to affiliate with that party. (2) The officer of elections at each polling place shall ensure that the sign prescribed by subdivision (c)(1) is posted in a prominent, highly visible location within the polling place. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 473, s 1, eff. 5/17/2023. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 801, § 1; T.C.A., §2-715; Acts 1997 , ch. 550, § 9; 2000, ch. 756, § 14.
(a) A voter may vote only in the precinct where the voter resides and is registered, but if a registered voter has, at any time prior to voting, changed residence to another place inside the county, the voter must vote pursuant to § 2-7-140 . If a registered voter has, within ninety (90) days before a state primary or general election or federal primary or general election, changed residence to another place inside Tennessee but outside the county where the voter is registered, the voter may vote in the polling place where the voter is registered. If the voter has, within ninety (90) days before an election, changed name by marriage or otherwise, the voter may vote in the polling place where the voter is registered or is entitled to vote under § 2-7-140 .
(b) A registered voter is entitled to vote in a primary election for offices for which the voter is qualified to vote at the polling place where the voter is registered if: (1) The voter is a bona fide member of and affiliated with the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote; or (2) At the time the voter seeks to vote, the voter declares allegiance to the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote and states that the voter intends to affiliate with that party.
(1) The voter is a bona fide member of and affiliated with the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote; or
(2) At the time the voter seeks to vote, the voter declares allegiance to the political party in whose primary the voter seeks to vote and states that the voter intends to affiliate with that party.
(c) (1) On primary election days, a sign that is a minimum of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8.5"x11") with a yellow background and bold, black text containing the following language must be posted in each polling place: It's the Law! Please Read... It is a violation of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-115(b) , and punishable as a crime under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-19-102 or Section 2-19-107 , if a person votes in a political party's primary without being a bona fide member of or affiliated with that political party, or to declare allegiance to that party without the intent to affiliate with that party. (2) The officer of elections at each polling place shall ensure that the sign prescribed by subdivision (c)(1) is posted in a prominent, highly visible location within the polling place.
(1) On primary election days, a sign that is a minimum of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8.5"x11") with a yellow background and bold, black text containing the following language must be posted in each polling place: It's the Law! Please Read... It is a violation of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-115(b) , and punishable as a crime under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-19-102 or Section 2-19-107 , if a person votes in a political party's primary without being a bona fide member of or affiliated with that political party, or to declare allegiance to that party without the intent to affiliate with that party.
It's the Law! Please Read...
It is a violation of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-115(b) , and punishable as a crime under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-19-102 or Section 2-19-107 , if a person votes in a political party's primary without being a bona fide member of or affiliated with that political party, or to declare allegiance to that party without the intent to affiliate with that party.
(2) The officer of elections at each polling place shall ensure that the sign prescribed by subdivision (c)(1) is posted in a prominent, highly visible location within the polling place.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 473, s 1, eff. 5/17/2023.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 801, § 1; T.C.A., §2-715; Acts 1997 , ch. 550, § 9; 2000, ch. 756, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-104 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 9 / Section 2-9-104
Custody of machines and keys
Status: in_force

(a) The local authority adopting voting machines shall have custody of them when they are not in use at an election and shall preserve and keep them in repair. All keys for voting machines shall be securely locked between elections by the voting machine technician. A public officer, who is entitled to the custody of the machine for any period of time, is entitled to the keys necessary for the proper use of the machines in the officer's charge. (b) Local authorities shall provide ample police protection against tampering with or injury to the voting machines after they have been prepared for and during an election and shall provide adequate storage at all other times. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-904.
(a) The local authority adopting voting machines shall have custody of them when they are not in use at an election and shall preserve and keep them in repair. All keys for voting machines shall be securely locked between elections by the voting machine technician. A public officer, who is entitled to the custody of the machine for any period of time, is entitled to the keys necessary for the proper use of the machines in the officer's charge.
(b) Local authorities shall provide ample police protection against tampering with or injury to the voting machines after they have been prepared for and during an election and shall provide adequate storage at all other times.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-904.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-106 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-106
Time of trial - Service of process
Status: in_force

(a) The trial of an election contest shall be held not less than fifteen (15) nor more than fifty (50) days from the day the complaint is filed and not less than ten (10) days after the complaint is served on the defendant. (b) A sheriff or constable of the division or circuit shall serve a copy of the complaint on the defendant and make return to the court. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1706.
(a) The trial of an election contest shall be held not less than fifteen (15) nor more than fifty (50) days from the day the complaint is filed and not less than ten (10) days after the complaint is served on the defendant.
(b) A sheriff or constable of the division or circuit shall serve a copy of the complaint on the defendant and make return to the court.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1706.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-204 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 3 / Section 2-3-204
Elections on questions
Status: in_force

(a) Elections on questions submitted to the people shall be held on dates set by the county election commission but not less than seventy-five (75) days nor more than ninety (90) days after the county election commission is directed to hold the election under the law authorizing or requiring the election on the question. If the election is to be held in more than one (1) county, the county election commissions shall meet and set the date jointly. (b) Resolutions, ordinances or petitions requiring the holding of elections on questions submitted to the people which are to be held with the regular August election, the regular November election, any regularly scheduled municipal election or the presidential preference primary shall be filed with the county election commission not less than seventy-five (75) days prior to such election. (c) If the date for an election on a question, as set by a county election commission or by two (2) or more commissions jointly, falls within ninety (90) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in the jurisdiction voting on the question, the commission or commissions may reset the date of the election on a question to coincide with the regular primary or general election, even though this may be outside of the time period established herein. All dates dependent on the date of the election shall be adjusted accordingly and any acts required to be done by these dates shall be performed timely if done in accordance with the adjusted dates. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 827,Secs.s4, s5 eff. 4/21/2016. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 11, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-310; Acts 1980, ch. 649, § 1; 1981, ch. 478, § 9; 1997, ch. 558, § 2; 2000, ch. 756, § 6.
(a) Elections on questions submitted to the people shall be held on dates set by the county election commission but not less than seventy-five (75) days nor more than ninety (90) days after the county election commission is directed to hold the election under the law authorizing or requiring the election on the question. If the election is to be held in more than one (1) county, the county election commissions shall meet and set the date jointly.
(b) Resolutions, ordinances or petitions requiring the holding of elections on questions submitted to the people which are to be held with the regular August election, the regular November election, any regularly scheduled municipal election or the presidential preference primary shall be filed with the county election commission not less than seventy-five (75) days prior to such election.
(c) If the date for an election on a question, as set by a county election commission or by two (2) or more commissions jointly, falls within ninety (90) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in the jurisdiction voting on the question, the commission or commissions may reset the date of the election on a question to coincide with the regular primary or general election, even though this may be outside of the time period established herein. All dates dependent on the date of the election shall be adjusted accordingly and any acts required to be done by these dates shall be performed timely if done in accordance with the adjusted dates.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 827,Secs.s4, s5 eff. 4/21/2016.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 11, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-310; Acts 1980, ch. 649, § 1; 1981, ch. 478, § 9; 1997, ch. 558, § 2; 2000, ch. 756, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-15-104 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 15 / Section 2-15-104
Meeting of electors
Status: in_force

(a) The electors shall meet at the seat of government of this state at the time prescribed by the laws of the United States and perform the duties required of them by the laws of the United States. (b) The governor, or the governor's designee, shall immediately deliver to the electors present a certificate of all the names of the electors. (c) (1) The electors shall cast their ballots in the electoral college for the candidates of the political party which nominated them as electors if both candidates are alive. (2) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (3) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 3, eff. 4/23/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 2, eff. 4/23/2024. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1504.
(a) The electors shall meet at the seat of government of this state at the time prescribed by the laws of the United States and perform the duties required of them by the laws of the United States.
(b) The governor, or the governor's designee, shall immediately deliver to the electors present a certificate of all the names of the electors.
(c) (1) The electors shall cast their ballots in the electoral college for the candidates of the political party which nominated them as electors if both candidates are alive. (2) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (3) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
(1) The electors shall cast their ballots in the electoral college for the candidates of the political party which nominated them as electors if both candidates are alive.
(2) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
(3) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 3, eff. 4/23/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 787,s 2, eff. 4/23/2024.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1504.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-113 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-113
Election declared void
Status: in_force

If the person whose election is contested is found to have received the highest number of legal votes, but the election is declared null by reason of constitutional disqualifications on that person's part or for other causes, the election shall be declared void. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1713.
If the person whose election is contested is found to have received the highest number of legal votes, but the election is declared null by reason of constitutional disqualifications on that person's part or for other causes, the election shall be declared void.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1713.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-109 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-109
False entries on official registration or election documents - Penalties
Status: in_force

A person who knowingly makes or consents to any false entry on any permanent registration, poll list, election tally sheet or any other official registration or election document commits a Class D felony. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 308, §§ 4, 5; T.C.A., § 2-1909; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 13; 2006, ch. 903, § 2.
A person who knowingly makes or consents to any false entry on any permanent registration, poll list, election tally sheet or any other official registration or election document commits a Class D felony.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1975, ch. 308, §§ 4, 5; T.C.A., § 2-1909; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 13; 2006, ch. 903, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-105 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 7 / Section 2-7-105
Election officials - Vacancies - Administration of oath - Compensation
Status: in_force

(a) The election officials of each polling place shall meet at the polling place at least one-half (1/2) hour before the time for opening the polls for the election. (b) (1) If any election official fails to appear at the polling place, the officer of elections or, in such officer's absence, a majority of the election officials attending shall select other persons to fill the vacancies. The persons selected shall be registered voters of the county for which they are to serve. Any person selected to fill a vacancy shall be, to the extent practicable, of the same political party as the person in whose place such person was selected. (2) The officer of elections or, in such officer's absence, the oldest election official in age who has taken the oath shall administer the oath of § 2-1-111 to the persons filling vacancies and to any other official who has not taken the oath. (3) The officer of elections shall notify the county election commission of all vacancies. (4) Persons appointed to vacancies shall be compensated at the same rate as others performing the job to which they are appointed. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-705; Acts 1997 , ch. 558, § 29.
(a) The election officials of each polling place shall meet at the polling place at least one-half (1/2) hour before the time for opening the polls for the election.
(b) (1) If any election official fails to appear at the polling place, the officer of elections or, in such officer's absence, a majority of the election officials attending shall select other persons to fill the vacancies. The persons selected shall be registered voters of the county for which they are to serve. Any person selected to fill a vacancy shall be, to the extent practicable, of the same political party as the person in whose place such person was selected. (2) The officer of elections or, in such officer's absence, the oldest election official in age who has taken the oath shall administer the oath of § 2-1-111 to the persons filling vacancies and to any other official who has not taken the oath. (3) The officer of elections shall notify the county election commission of all vacancies. (4) Persons appointed to vacancies shall be compensated at the same rate as others performing the job to which they are appointed.
(1) If any election official fails to appear at the polling place, the officer of elections or, in such officer's absence, a majority of the election officials attending shall select other persons to fill the vacancies. The persons selected shall be registered voters of the county for which they are to serve. Any person selected to fill a vacancy shall be, to the extent practicable, of the same political party as the person in whose place such person was selected.
(2) The officer of elections or, in such officer's absence, the oldest election official in age who has taken the oath shall administer the oath of § 2-1-111 to the persons filling vacancies and to any other official who has not taken the oath.
(3) The officer of elections shall notify the county election commission of all vacancies.
(4) Persons appointed to vacancies shall be compensated at the same rate as others performing the job to which they are appointed.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §2-705; Acts 1997 , ch. 558, § 29.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-101 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 9 / Section 2-9-101
Specifications - Contract for modification
Status: in_force

(a) A voting machine to be used in Tennessee must provide facilities for voting for candidates at both primary and general elections, at nonpartisan elections or at a combination of a nonpartisan and partisan primary or general election. It must permit a voter to vote for any person for any office, whether or not nominated as a candidate by a political party. It must ensure voting in absolute secrecy. It must permit a voter to vote for any candidate or on any special measure for whom or on which the voter is lawfully entitled to vote but none other. It must permit a voter to vote for the proper number of candidates for an office but no more. It must be provided with a lock or locks by which immediately after the polls are closed any movement of the voting or registering mechanism can be absolutely prevented. It may be either manually or electrically operated. An electric machine must convert to manual operation, and the alternate type of operation must be a standard function of the machine and not be designed as an emergency or temporary device only. Each voting machine shall have not less than eight (8) columns and shall be equipped with interlocks in the following manner: (1) For the basic lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7; (2) For the 2.5 lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 10; (3) On the 3.2 eight column machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 8; and (4) On the 3.2-10.25 lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 10. (b) Any voting machine not presently equipped as described in (a) shall be modified pursuant to a contract to be let by the coordinator of elections through normal purchasing procedures. The contract shall contain such provisions as the coordinator of elections, secretary of state and commissioner of finance and administration shall deem necessary and proper, and shall provide for the use of new parts only. Furthermore, the contract shall provide for the inspection of parts, labor, and equipment by a team of local machine technicians, and the costs of such inspection at the local level shall be borne by the company or firm awarded the contract. (c) A party lever device enabling a voter to vote for all the nominees of a particular political party by operating a single lever is prohibited except that a party lever shall be provided for each political party's candidates for presidential and vice presidential electors. (d) (1) On and after January 1, 2024, and notwithstanding another law to the contrary, each voting machine used by a county election commission must produce a voter-verifiable paper audit trail. (2) A county election commission may apply to the coordinator of elections for an extension of up to two (2) years if necessary to comply with subdivision (d)(1). (3) As used in this subsection (d), "voter-verifiable paper audit trail" means a paper record that is marked either manually by the voter or with the assistance of a device that includes human-readable voter selections that the voter may check for accuracy before the vote is cast. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1144, s 1, eff. 6/3/2022. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-901; Acts 1981, ch. 461, § 1.
(a) A voting machine to be used in Tennessee must provide facilities for voting for candidates at both primary and general elections, at nonpartisan elections or at a combination of a nonpartisan and partisan primary or general election. It must permit a voter to vote for any person for any office, whether or not nominated as a candidate by a political party. It must ensure voting in absolute secrecy. It must permit a voter to vote for any candidate or on any special measure for whom or on which the voter is lawfully entitled to vote but none other. It must permit a voter to vote for the proper number of candidates for an office but no more. It must be provided with a lock or locks by which immediately after the polls are closed any movement of the voting or registering mechanism can be absolutely prevented. It may be either manually or electrically operated. An electric machine must convert to manual operation, and the alternate type of operation must be a standard function of the machine and not be designed as an emergency or temporary device only. Each voting machine shall have not less than eight (8) columns and shall be equipped with interlocks in the following manner: (1) For the basic lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7; (2) For the 2.5 lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 10; (3) On the 3.2 eight column machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 8; and (4) On the 3.2-10.25 lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 10.
(1) For the basic lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7;
(2) For the 2.5 lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 10;
(3) On the 3.2 eight column machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 8; and
(4) On the 3.2-10.25 lever type machine, interlocks on columns 1, 4, and 7 and an additional main interlock adjacent to column 10.
(b) Any voting machine not presently equipped as described in (a) shall be modified pursuant to a contract to be let by the coordinator of elections through normal purchasing procedures. The contract shall contain such provisions as the coordinator of elections, secretary of state and commissioner of finance and administration shall deem necessary and proper, and shall provide for the use of new parts only. Furthermore, the contract shall provide for the inspection of parts, labor, and equipment by a team of local machine technicians, and the costs of such inspection at the local level shall be borne by the company or firm awarded the contract.
(c) A party lever device enabling a voter to vote for all the nominees of a particular political party by operating a single lever is prohibited except that a party lever shall be provided for each political party's candidates for presidential and vice presidential electors.
(d) (1) On and after January 1, 2024, and notwithstanding another law to the contrary, each voting machine used by a county election commission must produce a voter-verifiable paper audit trail. (2) A county election commission may apply to the coordinator of elections for an extension of up to two (2) years if necessary to comply with subdivision (d)(1). (3) As used in this subsection (d), "voter-verifiable paper audit trail" means a paper record that is marked either manually by the voter or with the assistance of a device that includes human-readable voter selections that the voter may check for accuracy before the vote is cast.
(1) On and after January 1, 2024, and notwithstanding another law to the contrary, each voting machine used by a county election commission must produce a voter-verifiable paper audit trail.
(2) A county election commission may apply to the coordinator of elections for an extension of up to two (2) years if necessary to comply with subdivision (d)(1).
(3) As used in this subsection (d), "voter-verifiable paper audit trail" means a paper record that is marked either manually by the voter or with the assistance of a device that includes human-readable voter selections that the voter may check for accuracy before the vote is cast.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1144, s 1, eff. 6/3/2022.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-901; Acts 1981, ch. 461, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-114 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2-114
Newspaper notice of commission office location - Notices of precinct or supplemental registrations
Status: in_force

(a) Not less than forty-five (45) days before any election, the commission shall publish, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, a notice of the exact location and telephone number of its office or offices and the hours and days it is open. (b) Whenever a county has a supplemental registration, the commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, a notice of the exact location and the time for such supplemental registration. The commission shall publish the notice not less than three (3) days before the beginning of each supplemental registration. The commission shall include in the notice a statement that a transfer of registration may also be done at the supplemental registration. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 941, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-214; Acts 1994, ch. 919, § 6.
(a) Not less than forty-five (45) days before any election, the commission shall publish, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, a notice of the exact location and telephone number of its office or offices and the hours and days it is open.
(b) Whenever a county has a supplemental registration, the commission shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, a notice of the exact location and the time for such supplemental registration. The commission shall publish the notice not less than three (3) days before the beginning of each supplemental registration. The commission shall include in the notice a statement that a transfer of registration may also be done at the supplemental registration.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 941, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-214; Acts 1994, ch. 919, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-101 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-101
Interfering with nominating meeting or election
Status: in_force

A person commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person: (1) Breaks up or attempts to break up any legally authorized political party nominating meeting or any election by force or violence; (2) Assaults or attempts to assault the persons conducting the meeting or the election officials; (3) Destroys or carries away or attempts to destroy or carry away a ballot box or voting machine; or (4) Uses force or violence in any other way to prevent the fair and lawful conduct of the nominating meeting or election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1901; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1999, ch. 216, § 1.
A person commits a Class A misdemeanor if such person:
(1) Breaks up or attempts to break up any legally authorized political party nominating meeting or any election by force or violence;
(2) Assaults or attempts to assault the persons conducting the meeting or the election officials;
(3) Destroys or carries away or attempts to destroy or carry away a ballot box or voting machine; or
(4) Uses force or violence in any other way to prevent the fair and lawful conduct of the nominating meeting or election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1901; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1999, ch. 216, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-208 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 12 / Section 2-12-208
Compensation of certified administrators of elections
Status: in_force

(a) Any administrator of elections employed pursuant to § 2-12-201 , who has been certified under § 2-11-202(b) , shall receive as a base minimum yearly salary at least ninety percent (90%) of the base salary of the county's assessor of property, as provided in § 67-1-508 , if the office of such administrator of elections is open five (5) full days a week. If any administrator of elections' base minimum yearly salary is less than ninety percent (90%) of the base salary of the county's assessor of property on June 18, 2005, then such administrator's salary shall be increased by five percent (5%) per year until such administrator's base minimum yearly salary equals ninety percent (90%) of the base salary of the county's assessor of property; provided, that nothing in this subsection (a) shall prohibit adjustment of an administrator's base minimum yearly salary at a rate greater than five percent (5%) per year. (b) The minimum salaries for certified administrators provided by this section shall be paid by the county for which such administrator is employed. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a county from paying its administrator more than the minimum salary provided by this section. (c) For the purposes of classifying the counties under this section, the population classifications established in § 8-24-101 shall be applicable. For the purpose of establishing the compensation of certified administrators, the schedule established in § 8-24-102 shall be applicable for the certified administrators in their respective counties effective July 1, 1996. (d) For the purpose of phasing in the compensation schedule provided in this section no administrator shall receive more than a seven percent (7%) increase in the 1996-97 fiscal year. If any subsequent year's increase provides for an increase of more than ten percent (10%) in any fiscal year, then the remaining increase that exceeds ten percent (10%) shall be carried over to subsequent years until the compensation provided for is obtained. (e) The population of counties for purposes of this section shall be determined by the 1990 federal census or the most recent succeeding federal census or a special census as provided in § 8-24-102(c) . (f) On July 1, 1997, and each July 1 thereafter, the compensation for certified administrators as provided by this section, shall be increased by a dollar amount equal to the average annualized general increase in state employee's compensation during the prior fiscal year multiplied by the compensation established for the county officials of the county with the median population of all counties; provided, in no year shall such compensation increase by more than ten percent (10%). On or before May 1 of each year, the commissioner of finance and administration shall certify to the comptroller of the treasury the average annualized general increase in state employee's compensation during that fiscal year. Acts 1986, ch. 930, § 1; 1996, ch. 1081, §§ 3-5, 8; 2005, ch. 470, § 1.
(a) Any administrator of elections employed pursuant to § 2-12-201 , who has been certified under § 2-11-202(b) , shall receive as a base minimum yearly salary at least ninety percent (90%) of the base salary of the county's assessor of property, as provided in § 67-1-508 , if the office of such administrator of elections is open five (5) full days a week. If any administrator of elections' base minimum yearly salary is less than ninety percent (90%) of the base salary of the county's assessor of property on June 18, 2005, then such administrator's salary shall be increased by five percent (5%) per year until such administrator's base minimum yearly salary equals ninety percent (90%) of the base salary of the county's assessor of property; provided, that nothing in this subsection (a) shall prohibit adjustment of an administrator's base minimum yearly salary at a rate greater than five percent (5%) per year.
(b) The minimum salaries for certified administrators provided by this section shall be paid by the county for which such administrator is employed. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a county from paying its administrator more than the minimum salary provided by this section.
(c) For the purposes of classifying the counties under this section, the population classifications established in § 8-24-101 shall be applicable. For the purpose of establishing the compensation of certified administrators, the schedule established in § 8-24-102 shall be applicable for the certified administrators in their respective counties effective July 1, 1996.
(d) For the purpose of phasing in the compensation schedule provided in this section no administrator shall receive more than a seven percent (7%) increase in the 1996-97 fiscal year. If any subsequent year's increase provides for an increase of more than ten percent (10%) in any fiscal year, then the remaining increase that exceeds ten percent (10%) shall be carried over to subsequent years until the compensation provided for is obtained.
(e) The population of counties for purposes of this section shall be determined by the 1990 federal census or the most recent succeeding federal census or a special census as provided in § 8-24-102(c) .
(f) On July 1, 1997, and each July 1 thereafter, the compensation for certified administrators as provided by this section, shall be increased by a dollar amount equal to the average annualized general increase in state employee's compensation during the prior fiscal year multiplied by the compensation established for the county officials of the county with the median population of all counties; provided, in no year shall such compensation increase by more than ten percent (10%). On or before May 1 of each year, the commissioner of finance and administration shall certify to the comptroller of the treasury the average annualized general increase in state employee's compensation during that fiscal year.
Acts 1986, ch. 930, § 1; 1996, ch. 1081, §§ 3-5, 8; 2005, ch. 470, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-13-111 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 13 / Section 2-13-111
Organization of county primary boards
Status: in_force

The county primary boards shall organize within ten (10) days after their appointment by the election of a chair and secretary. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 13; T.C.A., § 2-1312.
The county primary boards shall organize within ten (10) days after their appointment by the election of a chair and secretary.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 13; T.C.A., § 2-1312.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-10-311 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 10 / Section 2-10-311
Limitations on cash contributions
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall make cash contributions to any candidate with respect to any election that, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). (b) No person shall make cash contributions to any political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee with respect to any election that, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). (c) No political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee shall make cash contributions to any candidate with respect to any election. (d) No political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee shall make cash contributions to any other political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee with respect to any election. Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 16.
(a) No person shall make cash contributions to any candidate with respect to any election that, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
(b) No person shall make cash contributions to any political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee with respect to any election that, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c) No political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee shall make cash contributions to any candidate with respect to any election.
(d) No political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee shall make cash contributions to any other political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee with respect to any election.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 16.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-117 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-117
Circumstances justifying recount - Determining procedure for recount
Status: in_force

(a) Any court, primary board, legislative body, or tribunal having jurisdiction of an election contest pursuant to this chapter may order a recount of the ballots under any of the following circumstances: (1) A tie vote; (2) An indication of fraud if the number of votes affected would be sufficient to change the result of the election; (3) A malfunction of a voting machine or tabulator if the number of votes affected would be sufficient to change the result of the election; or (4) In any other instance the court or body with jurisdiction of a contested election finds that a recount is warranted. (b) A recount ordered pursuant to this section must be a complete recount of all ballots cast in such election and include the verification of any address of residence changed by a voter under § 2-7-140 in such election. (c) The court or body with jurisdiction of a contested election shall determine if the recount shall be conducted by hand or with automated tabulators. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204, s 2, eff. 4/24/2023. Acts 2001, ch. 465, § 7.
(a) Any court, primary board, legislative body, or tribunal having jurisdiction of an election contest pursuant to this chapter may order a recount of the ballots under any of the following circumstances: (1) A tie vote; (2) An indication of fraud if the number of votes affected would be sufficient to change the result of the election; (3) A malfunction of a voting machine or tabulator if the number of votes affected would be sufficient to change the result of the election; or (4) In any other instance the court or body with jurisdiction of a contested election finds that a recount is warranted.
(1) A tie vote;
(2) An indication of fraud if the number of votes affected would be sufficient to change the result of the election;
(3) A malfunction of a voting machine or tabulator if the number of votes affected would be sufficient to change the result of the election; or
(4) In any other instance the court or body with jurisdiction of a contested election finds that a recount is warranted.
(b) A recount ordered pursuant to this section must be a complete recount of all ballots cast in such election and include the verification of any address of residence changed by a voter under § 2-7-140 in such election.
(c) The court or body with jurisdiction of a contested election shall determine if the recount shall be conducted by hand or with automated tabulators.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204, s 2, eff. 4/24/2023.
Acts 2001, ch. 465, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-138 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 19 / Section 2-19-138
Defects or irregularities in conventions or elections no defense
Status: in_force

No defect or irregularity in calling any political convention, or any primary or final election, nor any irregularity in the proceedings or organization or conduct thereof, shall be available as a defense under this chapter. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1946.
No defect or irregularity in calling any political convention, or any primary or final election, nor any irregularity in the proceedings or organization or conduct thereof, shall be available as a defense under this chapter.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1946.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-214 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 5 / Section 2-5-214
Ballot boxes
Status: in_force

(a) The county election commission shall furnish for each polling place and for absentee voting at the commission office, locks and standard ballot boxes made of metal or such other material deemed as safe, durable, and secure by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission. (b) The coordinator of elections shall prescribe the dimensions for such boxes, making allowance for the differences in numbers of voters using paper ballots at the various polling places. (c) The county election commission shall prescribe and provide the type of lock and seals to be used. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-520; Acts 1985, ch. 78, § 1; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 15, 21; 1994, ch. 859, § 9.
(a) The county election commission shall furnish for each polling place and for absentee voting at the commission office, locks and standard ballot boxes made of metal or such other material deemed as safe, durable, and secure by the coordinator of elections and the state election commission.
(b) The coordinator of elections shall prescribe the dimensions for such boxes, making allowance for the differences in numbers of voters using paper ballots at the various polling places.
(c) The county election commission shall prescribe and provide the type of lock and seals to be used.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-520; Acts 1985, ch. 78, § 1; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 15, 21; 1994, ch. 859, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-8-114 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 8 / Section 2-8-114
Primary elections - Tie votes
Status: in_force

If the coordinator of elections determines that there is a tie between the two (2) or more candidates for an office who have the highest number of votes, the tie shall be broken as prescribed in the rules of the political party. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 480, § 5; T.C.A., § 2-814.
If the coordinator of elections determines that there is a tie between the two (2) or more candidates for an office who have the highest number of votes, the tie shall be broken as prescribed in the rules of the political party.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 480, § 5; T.C.A., § 2-814.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-17-114 — TN Code / Title 2 / Chapter 17 / Section 2-17-114
Certification of judgment
Status: in_force

(a) A judgment confirming an election or declaring a person elected to an office commissioned by the governor shall be certified to the secretary of state. In all other cases, the judgment shall be certified to the tribunal before which the officer is required to qualify. (b) A judgment declaring a tie shall be certified to the officer or body entitled to cast the deciding vote, if any, and, if none, to the officer or body authorized to fill the vacancy or order a new election. (c) A judgment declaring an election void shall be certified to the officer or body authorized to fill the vacancy or order a new election. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1714.
(a) A judgment confirming an election or declaring a person elected to an office commissioned by the governor shall be certified to the secretary of state. In all other cases, the judgment shall be certified to the tribunal before which the officer is required to qualify.
(b) A judgment declaring a tie shall be certified to the officer or body entitled to cast the deciding vote, if any, and, if none, to the officer or body authorized to fill the vacancy or order a new election.
(c) A judgment declaring an election void shall be certified to the officer or body authorized to fill the vacancy or order a new election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1714.