In addition to helping people vote safely, we want to help them vote smoothly.

Below are facts to help Tennesseans vote on the right day, at the right time and with the right information. You also can download the GoVoteTN app for good info!

Tips to Avoid Problems at the Polls

• Make sure you are registered to vote here!

• Vote early in the day to avoid the last-minute rush.

• Bring state-issued photo identification.

• Do not wear anything that could be considered “political.”

• Ask for help if you need it.

• Take your time. You have up to 5 minutes in the voting booth to cast your ballot if other voters are waiting and 10 minutes otherwise. 

When and where do I vote early in Tennessee?

• Dates of Early Voting: October 14 - October 29

• Find your locations for early voting by entering your address here.

• Specific days and times depend on where you live. Find details here.

Where do I vote on Election Day?

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 3

• Find your Election Day polling place by entering your address here.

• The polls open at varying times on Election Day depending on where you live, but they all close at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET. Find the time of your polling place by entering your address here.

• If you are line at the time the polls close, you still have the right to vote. See a poll worker or watcher if someone tells you differently.

What ID do I need to take to the polls?

• All voters must present a U.S. or Tennessee state government ID containing their name and photograph , whether voting early or on Election Day.

  • Accepted IDs include: Tennessee driver’s license, U.S. passport, voter ID card, photo ID issued by the Tennessee Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security, photo ID issued by U.S. government, U.S. military ID, or state-issued handgun carry permit with your photo, even if they are expired.

  • Voters cannot use: college student IDs, even from public universities, or local IDs, such as library cards. You also cannot use photo IDs issued by other states.

What if I believe I am registered, but my name isn’t on the voter list?

• Ask a poll worker for a provisional ballot. They must give it to you. You can vote with this ballot if you believe you are registered.

What if someone harrasses me at the polls?

• Tell a poll worker immediately or, if the poll worker is the problem, tell a poll watcher.

What if I have a disability or can’t see the ballot?

• Tell a poll worker. You have a right to an accessible voting machine or to have someone you choose vote with you.

What if I have to work and can’t get to the polls when they’re open? Can I still vote?

Yes! Tennessee law requires that all employers provide employees with up to three (3) hours to vote. To be eligible, an employee:

• must request the paid leave by twelve o’clock (12:00) noon on the day prior to voting.

• must make sure that they do not have three (3) or more hours before or after their shift begins when the polls are open.

What if I’m still in line when the polls close?

• If you are line at the time the polls close, you still have the right to vote. See a poll worker or watcher if someone tells you differently.

What if I’ve moved or changed my name recently? Can I still vote?

• If you’ve moved within the same county or have changed your name, you should update your registration information with your local county election commission office five (5) days before the election.

• If you don’t do so by the deadline, you can still vote on Election Day at the polling place for your new address. You’ll have to sign a form affirming your new address. Find your new polling place here.

• If you move to a new county, you have to re-register to vote at least 30 days before the election.

What if I’m homeless? Can I vote?

• You don’t need a home to vote. For the election officials to decide where you should vote, you have to describe where you usually stay or return to. This can be a street corner, a park, a shelter, or any other place that you usually return to.

What if I’ve been convicted of a crime?

• If you were convicted of a misdemeanor in Tennessee, you can vote. If you’re still in jail, you may have to vote by absentee ballot.

• If you were convicted of certain felonies in Tennessee, you can ask to have your right to vote restored if you meet certain requirements. Not all people convicted of felonies may be able to restore their voting rights in Tennessee. For more information , visit here.