The rules in your state
When is the deadline to register to vote?
You have 24 days left to register online, the deadline is Monday, Oct. 5. There are 53 days left until Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
See more information on registering to vote in Tennessee here.
Deadlines for all ways to register in Tennessee
Online, by mail and in person: Monday, Oct. 5
Can I register to vote and cast my ballot on the same day?
Can I vote without a photo ID?
Can I vote by mail without an excuse? No, you can’t vote by mail without an excuse. But you can use COVID-19 as an excuse only if you have a medical condition that makes you vulnerable.
See more information on mail ballots for Tennessee here.
When is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot? Tuesday, Oct. 27
When do I need to mail my ballot by? Must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 3 (Election Day)
Can I drop off my ballot in person?
Can I vote without a notary or witness?
Can I use COVID-19 as an excuse?
After I vote by mail, can I track my ballot? (Check here)
Can I vote in person before Election Day? Yes, but only early in-person voting.
See more information on early in person voting for Tennessee here.
When is the first day I can vote early in person? Wednesday, Oct. 14
When is the last day I can vote early in person? Thursday, Oct. 29
Am I eligible to vote absentee by-mail?
You can vote absentee by-mail if you fall under one of the following categories: (http://elect.hamiltontn.gov/VoterInfo/AbsenteeVoting.aspx)
You will be outside the county where you are registered during the early voting period and all day on Election Day.
You or your spouse are a full-time student in an accredited college or university outside the county where you are registered.
You are on the permanent absentee list (see question 4 below).
You reside in a nursing home, assisted living facility or home for the aged outside your county of residence.
You will be unable to vote in-person due to jury duty.
You are sixty (60) years of age or older.
You have a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place.
You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled
You are the caretaker of a person who is hospitalized, ill, or disabled
You are a candidate for office in the election.
You serve as an Election Day official or as a member or employee of the election commission.
You are observing a religious holiday that prevents you from voting in person during the early voting period and on Election Day.
You or your spouse possess a valid commercial drivers license or Transportation Worker Identification Credential card and you will be working outside the state or county of registration during the open hours of early voting and Election Day and have no specific out-of-county or out-of-state address to which mail may be sent or received during such time.
You are a member of the military or are an overseas citizen. read more ...
For additional information regarding absentee ballot click here.
https://sos.tn.gov/products/elections/absentee-voting
Absentee Voting
The last day to request an application for an Absentee Ballot is Oct. 27. Absentee Ballots will be mailed out in Hamilton County during Mid-September, following the Election Commission’s approval of the November 2020 ballot. Absentee Ballots must be mailed back to the Election Commission prior in order to be counted. If you do not get your Absentee ballot back to the Election Commission prior to the November 2020 election day. You can go to your local voting precinct and vote a provisional Ballot meaning your Absentee vote didn't arrive before the dead line that your provisional ballot would be counted.
After you have filled out the Application for the Absentee Ballot on the Hamilton County Tennessee Election Commission website, print, sign and submit to HCTEC by mail 700 River Terminal Rd. 37406, email or scan to Vote@HamiltonTN.gov or you can deliver in person to the Election Commission.
HB8005
What does HB8005 actually do?
HB8005 moved camping on State Capitol property without permission from a misdemeanor to a felony.
HB8005 increases the penalties for certain protest related offenses---punishable by six years in prison.
Imposes mandatory minimum penalties for committing protest related offenses.
Works against criminal justice reforms put in place to improve the incarceration processes for non-violent offenses.
This legislation was brought forth by the majority as a criminal justice reform bill.
Protesters will receive jail time for camping on State Capitol grounds.
A person arrested for domestic violence will be kept in jail for a minimum of twelve hours; and, this legislation imposes greater penalties on protesters that do not abide by HB8005.
By receiving a felony through this legislation individuals will lose their voting rights.