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Tennessee elections in 2026

This page lists Tennessee statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Tennessee​

Start with the official Tennessee voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Tennessee voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Pick up voter registration applications in person. In person registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day.
  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Download and complete the Voter Registration Application and mail the application to your county election commission.
  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Use online voter registration to conveniently register to vote or update your voter registration. Online registration deadlineis 30 days before Election Day. You must have a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID in order to submit this application online.

Online​

Use online voter registration to conveniently register to vote or update your voter registration. Online registration deadlineis 30 days before Election Day. You must have a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID in order to submit this application online

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Download and complete the Voter Registration Application and mail the application to your county election commission.

Deadlines

In Person​

Pick up voter registration applications in person. In person registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.

Absentee and early voting in Tennessee​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Download and complete the Voter Registration Application and mail the application to your county election commission.
  • July 17, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 20 day before Election Day.
  • August 1, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends five days before Election Day(seven days for a presidential preference primary). **Note: ** The original date is August 1, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 3

Voter ID requirements in Tennessee​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Tennessee voter ID requirements.

Tennessee election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — August 6, 2026​

State and Federal primaries - "Regular August elections" are held on the first Thursday in August to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices. TN ST § 2-1-104. Primary elections will be held for Governor, U. S. Senate, U. S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), Tennessee House, and Republican and Democratic State Executive Committees. General elections will be held for vacant state judicial offices and applicable county offices.

Important dates​

  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Pick up voter registration applications in person. In person registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day.
  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Download and complete the Voter Registration Application and mail the application to your county election commission.
  • July 7, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Use online voter registration to conveniently register to vote or update your voter registration. Online registration deadlineis 30 days before Election Day. You must have a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID in order to submit this application online.
  • July 17, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 20 day before Election Day.
  • August 1, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends five days before Election Day(seven days for a presidential preference primary). **Note: ** The original date is August 1, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 3

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. All candidates (including independents) for Governor, U. S. Senate, U. S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), and Tennessee House must follow the qualifying dates for the August election. For municipal elections held with the November election, the qualifying dates below apply.

Important dates​

  • August 20, 2026 — Candidates Qualifying Deadline: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 12: 00 Noon
  • August 27, 2026 — Candidates Withdrawal Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 12: 00 Noon
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Download and complete the Voter Registration Application and mail the application to your county election commission.
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Pick up voter registration applications in person. In person registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day.
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Use online voter registration to conveniently register to vote or update your voter registration. Online registration deadline is 30 days before Election Day. You must have a Tennessee driver's license or Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID in order to submit this application online.
  • October 14, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 20 day before Election Day.
  • October 29, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends five days before Election Day(seven days for a presidential preference primary).

Official Tennessee election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.