MyTimeToVote Elections Center

State Election Guide

Tennessee election dates and voter deadlines

Tennessee 2026 election calendar with upcoming election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, poll hours, and official sources.

Official-source focus. This page highlights structured 2026 dates and 4 selected official or high-value source links.
Last reviewed: August 21, 2026. Generated from structured election data and official source links. Confirm final details with state or local election officials.

Before You Vote

Key voting questions

Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-3-201. Hours of election: Polling places shall be open for voting for a minimum of ten (10) continuous hours but no more than thirteen (13) hours. All polling places in counties in the eastern time zone shall close at eight o'clock p.m. (8:00 p.m.) prevailing time and polling places in counties in the central time zone shall close at seven o'clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) prevailing time. , In any county having a population of not less than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all polling places shall open by eight o'clock a.m. (8:00 a.m.) prevailing time, but nothing shall prevent an earlier opening time in the discretion of the county election commission. , In the case of municipal elections in a municipality having a population of not more than five thousand (5,000), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, where there is no opposition for any of the offices involved, the polling places shall open at the hour of ten o'clock a.m. (10:00 a.m.) and close at the hour of six o'clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.).

Poll hours source

How can I find my polling location?

Voter Information Lookup can help you check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, and view your sample ballot.

Find polling place and ballot details

What's on the Tennessee ballot in 2026?

Tennessee's current statewide calendar includes Tennessee General Election 2026 on November 3, 2026. Local ballots may include additional races, questions, or measures.

Check ballot details

Who can vote in primaries in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, partisan primaries for congressional offices and state-level officials are closed; a voter must either be registered with a political party or must declare his or affiliation with the party at the polls on primary election day in order to vote in...

Tennessee primary rules

Election Calendar

Tennessee current and upcoming election dates

Tennessee General Election 2026

November 3, 2026

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month 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...

Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT

Official Tennessee General Election 2026 source

Key deadlines
  1. Candidates Filing Ends

    Thursday, August 20, 2026, 12:00 Noon

  2. Candidate Withdrawal Deadline

    Thursday, August 27, 2026, 12:00 Noon

  3. In-person voter registration deadline

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

  4. Online voter registration deadline

    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...

  5. 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.

  6. Early voting begins

    Early voting starts 20 day before Election Day.

  7. Absentee ballot request deadline

    Last day to request absentee ballot for the August primary

  8. Early voting ends

    Early voting ends five days before Election Day(seven days for a presidential preference primary).

Election Day Rules

Voting on Election Day in Tennessee

Time off for voting: Yes

Employees who begin their work day less than 3 hours after polls open and finish less than 3 hours before polls close are entitled to up to 3 hours paid leave to vote. The employee must request leave by noon the day before Election Day. The employer can set the time for leave to vote.

TN Election Code

Voting at the polls on Election Day

All voters must present a federal or Tennessee state ID containing the voter’s name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day unless an exemption below applies

Voter ID: Strict photo ID

Click here to locate voting locations

Can I register at the polls on Election Day?

No. Tennessee does not list same-day voter registration. You must register by the voter registration deadline to vote in an election in Tennessee.

State Election Website