reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 1 - PETITIONS (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-151) › Section 2-5-104 - Candidates for other than statewide elections

(a)
Each independent or primary candidate, other than those filing under §
2-5-103
, and those filing under subsection (b) or subsection (c), shall file the candidate's original nominating petition with the chair or the administrator of elections of the county election commission in the county in which the candidate is a resident and shall file certified duplicates of the nominating petition with the chairs or administrators of the county election commissions in all counties wholly or partially within the area served by the office which the candidate seeks.
(b)
(1)
Each independent or primary candidate for the office of representative to the United States congress shall file the candidate's nominating petitions as a candidate for an office elected by the voters of the entire state would file the candidate's nominating petitions under §
2-5-103
.
(2)
However, any independent and primary candidate for the office of representative to the United States congress from a district located entirely in one (1) county shall file the candidate's nominating petitions under this section.
(c)
Each candidate for municipal office shall file the candidate's original nominating petition with the county election commission where the municipality is located. If the municipality is located in more than one (1) county, the candidate shall file the nominating petition with the county election commission of the county responsible for holding the election pursuant to §
6-53-101
.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 31, § 1; 1977, ch. 480, § 1; 1978, ch. 754, § 2; 1979, ch. 115, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-508; Acts 1982, ch. 746, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 720, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 1 - PETITIONS (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-151) › Section 2-5-105 - Certification of political party nominees

Political party nominees are qualified by certification of their names as nominees under chapter 8 of this title or §§
2-13-101
- 2-13-205.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-503.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 1 - PETITIONS (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-151) › Section 2-5-106 - Certification of attorney on nominating petition

(a)
Any person seeking election to any office that is required by law to be held by an attorney shall certify on the person's nominating petition for such office that such person is licensed to practice law in this state, and shall place on such petition the person's supreme court registration number.
(b)
Any person failing to comply with this section shall be disqualified from having the person's name placed on the election ballot for such office.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 724,s 3, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1989, ch. 590, § 10.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 1 - PETITIONS (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-151) › Section 2-5-107 - Inapplicability of part to certain retention elections

This part shall not apply to a retention election in which a judge of the supreme court, the court of appeals, or the court of criminal appeals seeks election to fill the office to which the incumbent judge was appointed and confirmed. Title 17, chapter 4, part 1 shall govern such elections.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 528,s 1, eff. 1/28/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-201 - Printing of ballots

All ballots used in elections shall be printed and made as provided in this chapter except to the extent that other sections of this title expressly provide otherwise.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-501.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-202 - Separate general and primary election ballots

Each county election commission shall have printed separate general and primary election ballots on which shall be only the names of candidates who have qualified and who are to be voted on at the polling place in which the ballots are to be used.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-502.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-203 - Independent candidates

Candidates who are not to be placed on ballots as nominees of a political party shall be known as "independent candidates."
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-504.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-209 - Number of paper ballots for each precinct - Number reserved for emergency use - Use of ballot-on-demand technology

(a)
The coordinator of elections shall determine the minimum number of paper ballots furnished to each precinct on election day and the number of paper ballots to be held in reserve by the county election commission for emergency use.
(b)
(1)
Any county election commission desiring to use ballot-on-demand technology must have approval by the coordinator of elections sixty (60) days before any election.
(2)
The coordinator of elections and the state election commission must provide an approved list of available ballot-on-demand technology vendors from which the county election commission must select for use.
(3)
Prior to the county election commission voting to utilize ballot-on-demand technology, the county election commission must hold a public meeting with an opportunity for public comment.
(4)
During the public meeting held pursuant to subdivision (b)(2), the county election commission must provide election officials and members of the public who are present an opportunity to have demonstrated to them the ballot-on-demand technology machines and the opportunity to experiment with the ballot-on-demand technology machines being considered for use in the county.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1974, ch. 441, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-515; Acts 1988, ch. 672, § 2; 2006, ch. 642, § 3; 2010 , ch. 612, § 8; 2011 , ch. 342, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-210 - Instruction cards

The coordinator of elections shall provide the county election commission with instruction cards for each polling place in large, clear type. The instruction cards shall contain full instructions for the guidance of voters in obtaining ballots or admission to voting machines, in casting their votes, in obtaining assistance, and in obtaining new ballots in place of those accidentally spoiled or in moving from an inoperative machine to a functioning one.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-516.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-211 - Sample ballots

(a)
The county election commission shall provide two (2) sample ballots for each polling place, arranged in the manner of the paper ballots for the polling place where voting machines are not used, but arranged in the form of a diagram showing the part of the face of the voting machine in use at that election where voting machines are used. Sample ballots may be either full or reduced size and shall contain suitable illustrated instructions for voting; provided, that in any county in which the votomatic punch card system is used, the county election commission may use copies of the guide page ballot as sample ballots.
(b)
At least five (5) days before the beginning of an early voting period and at least five (5) days before an election, the county election commission shall:
(1)
Publish a sample ballot in a newspaper of general circulation. Where voting machines are used, the sample ballot shall be the machine sample ballot. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote. A sample ballot does not have to be published in a newspaper of general circulation if a sample ballot that complies with this section has been mailed at least five (5) days prior to the beginning of the early voting period to every active registered voter. If more than one (1) registered voter is at the same address, then only one (1) sample ballot may be sent to that address; and
(2)
Post a sample ballot on a website maintained by the county election commission or, if the county election commission does not have or maintain a website, on the website maintained by the secretary of state. The sample ballot shall contain the names of all candidates and all offices and a statement of all questions on which voters may vote.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 179, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-517; Acts 1981, ch. 240, § 1; 1995, ch. 88, § 11; 2004, ch. 480, § 5; 2008 , ch. 1066, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-213 - Instruction facilities for voters

The county election commission shall, where voting machines are used, provide adequate facilities for the instruction of voters prior to each election. The commission shall have in one (1) or more convenient public places a voting machine with samples of ballot labels affixed for the purpose of instructing voters in the operation of the machine. The samples of ballot labels may not contain the names of or names similar to those of candidates in the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-519.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-214 - Ballot boxes

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-215 - Bound duplicate registration records

The county election commission shall provide for each polling place at all elections the bound duplicate registration records of all persons registered at the polling place.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-521.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-217 - Ballot boxes paid for by state

All ballot boxes shall be paid for by the state.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-523.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-218 - Ballot supplies for persons with visual impairments

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 5 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-101 — 2-5-219) › Part 2 - BALLOTS AND SUPPLIES (§§ 2-5-201 — 2-5-219) › Section 2-5-219 - Candidates nominated by write-in votes - Withdrawal of name

(a)
Notwithstanding any other general law, or special act, or municipal charter to the contrary, no write-in candidate in a primary election for a position as a county or municipal official shall have such candidate's name placed upon the ballot in the election for such position unless such candidate received not less than twenty-five (25) votes.
(b)
If a candidate is nominated as prescribed in subsection (a) by write-in votes, such a nominated candidate may withdraw from the nomination by filing a letter of withdrawal with the county election commission not later than ten (10) days after the primary election wherein such candidate was nominated.
Acts 1982, ch. 607, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-101 - Purpose of chapter and part - Construction

(a)
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a means for qualified voters to cast their votes when they would otherwise be unable to vote.
(b)
The purpose of this part is to establish an early voting period when eligible registered voters may vote before an election at the county election commission office or another polling place appropriately designated by the county election commission.
(c)
To prevent fraud in an election, strict compliance with this chapter is required.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-601; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1995, ch. 88, § 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-102 - Early voting applications - Ballots - Time for voting

(a)
(1)
A voter who desires to vote early shall go to the county election commission office or another polling place appropriately designated by the county election commission within the posted hours not more than twenty (20) days nor less than five (5) days before the day of the election. A voter desiring to vote in the early voting period shall sign an application for a ballot.
(2)
The state coordinator shall supply or approve the form of the application for a ballot.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2), in the case of a regular or special general election not held in conjunction with the regular August or November general elections, or held in conjunction with the May primary called pursuant to §
2-13-203
or the presidential preference primary, if there is no opposition for any of the offices involved, including any write-in candidate that has filed the appropriate notice pursuant to §
2-7-133(h)
, there shall not be an early voting period. In the case of a May primary called pursuant to §
2-13-203
or a special primary for state or federal offices, if there is no opposition on either primary ballot for any of the offices involved, including any write-in candidate that has filed the appropriate notice pursuant to §
2-8-113(c)
, there shall not be an early voting period.
(2)
Subdivision (b)(1) shall not apply to municipal elections held in the largest municipality located in a county having a metropolitan form of government which has a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
(c)
Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), when a presidential preference primary is held or an election is held at the same time as a presidential preference primary, a voter who desires to vote early for such elections shall go to the county election commission office within the posted hours not more than twenty (20) days nor less than seven (7) days before the day of the election. This subsection (c) shall not apply to voting pursuant to §
2-6-601
.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 842, Secs.s 3, s 4, s 5 eff. 4/26/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 650, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-609; Acts 1982, ch. 665, § 2; 1991, ch. 69, § 1; T.C.A., §
2-6-109
; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 2011 , ch. 115, § 1; 2011 , ch. 381, § 1; 2012, ch. 1101, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-103 - County election commission office hours

(a)
(1)
The county election commission office or another polling place appropriately designated by the county election commission shall be open a minimum of three (3) consecutive hours each weekday including Saturdays between the hours of eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) and six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.) prevailing time during the period provided to apply to vote early. For a municipality with a population of less than five thousand (5,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the municipal governing body may determine the Saturday schedule of early voting for municipal elections.
(2)
If the proper notice under subsection (c) is made, a county election commission may close its office on a state holiday during the period established for early voting.
(b)
(1)
On at least three (3) days during the early voting period for those offices listed in §
2-13-202
, or for any state or federal election, the county election commission office shall remain open between four-thirty p.m. (4:30 p.m.) and seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.), and on at least one (1) Saturday during the same period the office shall be open from eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) to four o'clock p.m. (4:00 p.m.). The county election commission shall determine the appropriate dates for both late and regular hours at the commission office. This subsection (b) shall apply only to those counties with a population in excess of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000), according to the 1970 census.
(2)
In counties affected by this subsection (b), this subsection (b) shall also apply to municipal elections for the principal municipality of the county. For such municipal elections, the municipal governing body and the county election commission shall jointly determine the appropriate dates for additional hours. The municipality shall be responsible for the costs of such additional hours.
(c)
Notice of the office hours shall be given by the county election commission not less than twenty-five (25) days prior to the day of election by publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 228, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-603; Acts 1985, ch. 238, §§ 1-4; 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12; 1996, ch. 1028, § 1; 2009, ch. 218, § 2; 2012, ch. 1101, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-104 - Voting machines for early voting

(a)
A county election commission may use voting machines for early voting. The county election commission shall choose one (1) of the following options for its method of early voting:
(1)
Place all races on a machine ballot;
(2)
Place some of the races on a machine ballot and part of the races on a paper ballot; or
(3)
Place all races on a paper ballot.
(b)
(1)
No single mechanical lever machine may have more than nine hundred ninety-nine (999) voters using a single machine during the early voting period.
(2)
No single direct recording electronic (DRE) voting system may have more than nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (9,999) voters using a single machine during the early voting period.
(c)
The county election commission shall secure each voting machine used in early voting to prohibit tampering and shall also provide maximum security that allows no other person, except for persons designated by the election commission or the administrator of elections, to have access to the room or facility in which the voting machines, ballots and other election supplies are stored.
(d)
The coordinator of elections shall, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, promulgate rules and regulations for use of voting machines for early voting. These rules and regulations shall include appropriate provisions for the security of the machines.
Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1997, ch. 558, § 18.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-105 - Voter assistance - Assistance by person convicted of voter fraud prohibited

(a)
Persons voting early are entitled to the same assistance in voting they would be entitled to if they appeared to vote on election day. The procedures under §
2-7-116
govern how assistance should be given.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a person convicted of voter fraud in any state shall not assist a person in voting under this section.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 271,s 1, eff. 4/30/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-604; Acts 1980, ch. 638, § 9; T.C.A., §
2-6-104
; Acts 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12; 1995, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-106 - Voter unable to write signature or make mark - Assistance by person convicted of voter fraud prohibited

(a)
If an applicant or voter is so disabled that the applicant or voter cannot write a signature or make a mark where required, the action of the person who offers assistance shall be witnessed by one (1) additional person. Both the person giving assistance and the witness shall sign their names and provide their addresses.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a person convicted of voter fraud in any state shall not assist a person in voting under this section.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 271,s 2, eff. 4/30/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-605; Acts 1980, ch. 638, § 10; T.C.A., §
2-6-105
; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-107 - Application and supplies limited

The election commission shall furnish only one (1) application for early voting or one (1) set of early voting supplies to any voter unless the voter notifies the commission that the voter has spoiled the application or notifies the commission that the voter has not received the application or voting supplies. If so, the commission shall supply the voter with a subsequent application or supplies. The commission shall note on the records that a subsequent application or supplies have been sent.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-607; Acts 1993, ch. 518, § 7; 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-108 - Attesting officials

In each county, the county election commissioners of the minority party may appoint one (1) early voting deputy who shall receive as compensation for each day spent in such service the same pay as an election official in the county for which such person is appointed.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1973, ch. 305, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 306, § 12; T.C.A., § 2-608; Acts 1982, ch. 566, § 1; 1988, ch. 651, § 1; 1988, ch. 933, § 8; 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12; 1995, ch. 88, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-110 - Early voting application - Uniform forms

The coordinator of elections shall adopt a uniform form for each county election commission for an application for early voting.
Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-111 - Filling out application to vote early

The administrator of elections shall fill out the application to vote early except for the applicant's signature or mark.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-610, 2-6-110; Acts 1994, ch. 859, §§ 2, 12; 1995, ch. 88, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-112 - Satellite voting location - Option not to have early voting

(a)
Upon the request of a municipality, for elections at a time other than the regular August or regular November election, the county election commission shall establish a satellite voting location for early voting within the corporate limits of such municipality. The municipality shall be responsible for the costs of such voting location.
(b)
Upon the request of a municipality that has established a satellite voting location under subsection (a), the county election commission may choose not to have early voting at the county election commission office.
Acts 2000, ch. 593, § 1; 2006, ch. 642, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 1 - PURPOSE AND EARLY VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-113) › Section 2-6-113 - Designation of satellite location outside boundaries of one of counties where municipality lies in two or more counties

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, if a municipality is located within two (2) or more counties of the state, then the county election commissions of each respective county may, by written mutual agreement of the counties, designate one (1) satellite location for early voting outside the boundaries of one (1) of the respective counties; provided, that the location for early voting is within the limits of the municipality and within five hundred feet (500') of the county boundary line.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 697,s 2, eff. 4/15/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 2 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-201 — 2-6-207) › Section 2-6-203 - Filling out application to vote by mail and voter's affidavit

The voter may have anyone the voter chooses write the voter's request for an absentee ballot or for an absentee voting by mail application or write out the voter's absentee voting by mail application except for the voter's signature or mark.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-613, 2-6-113; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 2 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-201 — 2-6-207) › Section 2-6-204 - Rejected applications and ballots

(a)
(1)
If a voter fails to provide required information on an absentee voting by mail application, the administrator shall mark the application "Rejected" and return it to the voter immediately by mail with a red circle marked around the space provided for the required information. The voter may then return the same application after supplying the required information.
(2)
If a voter refuses to provide required information on any absentee voting application, the administrator shall mark the application "Rejected" and write the reason for rejection on the application. Notice of rejection shall immediately be given in writing to the applicant.
(3)
If the administrator determines that an applicant is ineligible to vote absentee, the administrator shall mark the application "Rejected" and write the reason for rejection on the application. Notice of rejection shall immediately be given in writing to the applicant.
(4)
If a county election commission receives an application for an absentee ballot by email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature, the administrator may send a notice of rejection by email with an attached document advising the voter of the reason for the rejection.
(b)
If upon receipt of any absentee ballot the administrator determines that the ballot is not entitled to be cast under this title, the administrator shall mark the absentee ballot envelope "Rejected," write the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and sign it. The absentee ballot envelope, unopened, shall be placed in a container of rejected absentee ballots for the election. Notice of the rejection shall immediately be given in writing to the voter.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 245,s 5, eff. 5/2/2017.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-614, 2-6-114; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 2 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-201 — 2-6-207) › Section 2-6-205 - Absentee voting for voters registered as nonresident property owners

In the case of individuals who, pursuant to §
2-2-107(a)
are registered to vote in a municipality as nonresident property owners, the municipal legislative body may, by ordinance, direct such voters to cast the municipal ballots as absentee by mail ballots. Any municipal ordinance adopted pursuant to this section must be adopted and filed with the county election commission office no later than sixty (60) days before the election. Upon the filing of the municipal ordinance, a nonresident property owner may not thereafter vote in the election except by absentee ballot. No later than forty-five (45) days before the election, the election commission shall mail a notice to each voter registered as a nonresident property owner of the municipality advising the voter of the voting process and include an application for ballot for the municipal election. The election commission shall maintain a record of the municipal ordinance and shall not require a municipality to adopt subsequent ordinances, unless the municipality has repealed such ordinance since the last election.
Acts 2011, ch. 412, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 2 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-201 — 2-6-207) › Section 2-6-206 - Absentee ballots for person participating in address confidentiality program

The following shall apply to registered voters who are participants in the address confidentiality program in accordance with title 40, chapter 38, part 6:
(1)
Following certification as a program participant by the secretary of state, and without any further request, the administrator of elections shall send to each person participating in the address confidentiality program an application for an absentee ballot for each election in which the person may vote. A voter may submit an application to vote by mail, facsimile transmission, or email with an attached document that includes a scanned signature;
(2)
The application shall contain the following information:
(A)
The voter's address confidentiality program participant identification number;
(B)
The election the voter wishes to participate in;
(C)
A statement confirming that the voter's residence address on file with the address confidentiality program has not changed; and
(D)
The voter's signature; and
(3)
Without any further request, the administrator of elections shall compare the signature of the voter with the signature on the voter's registration record in whatever form. If the signatures are the same and if the required information is provided, the administrator shall mail the voter a ballot to the address the voter requested. If no address is requested then the absentee ballot shall be mailed to the substitute address listed with the secretary of state. If the signatures are not the same, the administrator shall reject the application or request. If the required information is not provided, the administrator shall send the voter by mail or facsimile an application for a ballot.
Acts 2018, ch. 1004, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 2 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-201 — 2-6-207) › Section 2-6-207 - Assistance by person convicted of voter fraud prohibited

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person convicted of voter fraud in any state shall not assist a person in voting by absentee ballot.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 271, s 3, eff. 4/30/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-301 - Duplicate registration form filed in binder - Computerized reports - List posted

(a)
In all counties, the attesting official shall update the voter's computerized voter history by making the appropriate data entry. Upon issuance of an absentee ballot, the voter shall not thereafter vote in the election except by absentee ballot, or pursuant to §
2-7-112(a)(3)(A)
; provided, however, that if the ballot is issued pursuant to §
2-6-502
this subsection (a) does not apply.
(b)
All absentee voting applications shall be filed alphabetically by election day in a binder and kept in the county election commission office as a public record through election day. As an alternative, a county election commission may maintain, on a daily basis, absentee voting applications as part of a computer-generated report. Such report is a public record.
(c)
The county election commission shall furnish each polling place with a certified copy of a complete alphabetical list of its absentee voters for each election, and the copy shall be displayed at the polling place throughout the voting hours on election day.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 726,s 1, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-615; Acts 1981, ch. 241, § 1; 1981, ch. 335, § 1; 1988, ch. 993, § 6; T.C.A., § 2-6-115; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 1995, ch. 69, § 1; 2010, ch. 636, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-302 - Central absentee ballot counting board

(a)
(1)
The county election commission shall appoint registered voters of the county to constitute a central absentee ballot counting board to count the ballots cast under this chapter.
(2)
The board shall consist of one (1) officer of elections and three (3) judges appointed subject to §
2-4-104
. To count the ballots properly and with reasonable speed the commission may, if necessary, appoint additional judges subject to §
2-4-105
.
(3)
The board shall be assisted by the administrator of elections or other personnel of the county election commission.
(4)
The officer and judges shall be compensated at the same rate as other election officials.
(5)
The counting board shall be located at a location designated by the county election commission. Notice of the location shall be published in conjunction with the notice of election required by §
2-12-111(c)
and shall not be changed except in the event of an emergency.
(b)
If the county election commission determines that there are fewer than one hundred (100) absentee ballots to be counted, the county election commission may act as the central absentee ballot counting board without additional compensation.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-616; Acts 1992, ch. 895, § 2; T.C.A., § 2-6-116; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2; 2003, ch. 352, § 7; 2008, ch. 928, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-303 - Delivery of poll books and other records to board - Process of ballots

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-305 - Election laws applicable

The provisions of chapter 7 of this title with respect to challenge and poll watchers apply to the central absentee ballot counting board. A poll watcher may not leave and reenter the absentee ballot counting after the challenge process has been completed and the counting board begins to count the votes without the permission of the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-619, 2-6-119; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-306 - Absentee voter dying prior to election day - Disposition of ballot

If an absentee voter has voted before an election and such absentee voter dies before election day, the county election commission shall count such voter's ballot or vote. The casting of a proper ballot by a person who dies before the day of the election does not invalidate the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-620; Acts 1993, ch. 518, §§ 16, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-120; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-307 - Disposition of registration records after election

Except in those counties which use computerized duplicate registration records, the administrator of elections shall take the duplicate permanent registration records from the early voting duplicate permanent registration binders and put them in the regular duplicate permanent registration books within two (2) weeks after the election, unless an election contest has been initiated. Temporary registration records shall be filed together with the records of the election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-621; Acts 1988, ch. 993, § 9; T.C.A., § 2-6-121; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-308 - Early and absentee voting applications - Uniform forms

The coordinator of elections shall adopt uniform forms for each county election commission for an application for early voting and absentee voting.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1977, ch. 213, § 1; 1978, ch. 814, § 4; 1978, ch. 861, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 2-623, 2-6-123; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-309 - Absentee ballot envelope - Requirements - Voter's affidavit form

(a)
The absentee ballot envelope shall have a sealing flap and shall be a plain envelope without markings except the words "Absentee Ballot Envelope" or "____________________ Primary Absentee Ballot Envelope" printed on the face and such instructions for the use of the envelope if it has become prematurely sealed as the coordinator of elections prescribes. The coordinator of elections shall determine distinguishable colors to be used in the printing of the ballot envelopes for early voting and absentee voting. Both envelopes shall include a place for the voter's precinct and district number and a statement for the administrator to sign stating that the voter's signature has been verified and appears to be valid. The absentee voting ballot envelope need not contain a certificate for an attesting official.
(b)
It shall have also a detachable flap which shall contain the words "Do Not Detach" and an affidavit in substantially the following form:
VOTER'S AFFIDAVIT
State of ______________
County of ______________
I, ______________, do solemnly swear that I am a resident of Precinct ____________________, Ward or District ____________________ of ______________ County, State of Tennessee, and am a registered voter in the ______________ election to be held on the ____________________ day of ______________, 20 ____________________.
I further swear that this envelope contains the absentee ballot marked by me in secret indicating my choice at that election, and that I am not registered in any other state or county for this election and I am otherwise entitled to vote absentee in this election.
______________
Signature of Affiant
Witnesses if assisted
(Person who assisted)
Name ______________ Address ______________
Name ______________ Address ______________
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICIAL
Sworn to and subscribed before me this ______________ day of ____________________, 20____________________. I hereby certify that the affiant whose name appears above exhibited the enclosed absentee ballot to me unmarked, marked the ballot in secret (with assistance) and enclosed and sealed it in this envelope without anyone (other than the assistant) seeing how the affiant voted, and the affiant was not solicited or advised by me to vote for or against any candidate or issue in the election.
______________
(Title)
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 316, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 2-625, 2-6-125; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-310 - Ballot requirements

(a)
Ballots to be used under this chapter shall be prepared by the county election commission. The ballots shall conform to all the requirements of chapter 5, part 2 of this title with respect to paper ballots except as provided otherwise in this chapter.
(b)
Ballots to be used under this chapter shall be printed immediately after the deadline established for withdrawal of candidates but not less than thirty (30) days before the day of the election. In individual cases, the county election commission shall be excused from compliance with the requirement of this subsection (b) that ballots be printed at least thirty (30) days before the day of the election whenever application of constitutional or statutory provisions of law concerning the filling of vacancies in public office renders such compliance impossible or impractical. No person shall be denied an opportunity to cast an absentee ballot as a result of noncompliance by such commission with such thirty (30) day requirement.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-626; Acts 1981, ch. 220, § 1; 1986, ch. 661, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 2-6-126; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-311 - Absentee ballot boxes - Requirements

(a)
Absentee ballot boxes shall meet the requirements for standard ballot boxes under §
2-5-214
, have at least two (2) hasps for locks, and be equipped with baffles so that ballots cannot be removed without unlocking the box.
(b)
The ballot boxes shall be locked at the beginning of absentee voting with one (1) lock from a county election commissioner of one (1) party and another lock provided by a commissioner of another party. The commissioners shall retain the keys personally. The boxes may not be unlocked except when the votes are to be counted.
(c)
In addition to the locks required in subsection (b), the county election commission shall place two (2) numbered seals on each ballot box at the beginning of absentee voting with one (1) seal placed by a county election commissioner of each party. Such seal numbers shall be recorded by the administrator of elections and certified in duplicate by one (1) commissioner of each party, and the original shall be forwarded by mail immediately to the office of the coordinator of elections and the duplicate shall be filed in the election commission office. The seals may not be broken except when the votes are to be counted. If a seal or seals are broken, the administrator shall immediately attach new numbered seals and certify in writing to the coordinator of elections the numbers and a description of the circumstances necessitating this action.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-627; Acts 1984, ch. 636, § 2; 1993, ch. 518, §§ 12, 21; T.C.A., § 2-6-127; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 6 - ABSENTEE VOTING (§§ 2-6-101 — 2-6-702) › Part 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-6-301 — 2-6-312) › Section 2-6-312 - Official forms at expense of state

The coordinator of elections shall prepare and furnish all applications, envelopes, instructions and other official forms for use under this chapter at the expense of the state. With the approval of the coordinator of elections, a county election commission may use its own computer-generated forms.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-628, 2-6-128; Acts 1994, ch. 859, § 2.