How to Vote
A how-to guide for first-time and returning voters.
Let’s get ready to vote!
Let’s Register!
If you are a first time voter, you have multiple options available to register: online, in person or by mail.
IMPORTANT: If you are relocating/moving, be sure to let the election commission in your county know as where you lives determine where you vote.
Online:
To register online, visit https://ovr.govote.tn.gov. Alternatively, you can download GoVoteTN, the free mobile app from the Tennessee Secretary of State. GoVoteTN also lets you keep track of your voter registration status and your voting precinct.
In-Person/Mail:
To register in person or by mail, complete the Mail-In Application for Voter Registration (Form SS-3010). Use a blue or black ink pen and don’t forget questions #1 and #2 as they are easy to overlook. Next, mail your form to your local election commissions.
You should receive your voter registration card within 2-3 weeks. If not, call your county’s election commission.
You need a government-issued ID & a voter registration card!
You need a government-issued ID in addition to your voter registration card!
IMPORTANT: You do not need a Real ID to vote.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, you can get a free photo ID (see “For Citizens Without Government-Issued Photo IDs”).
Student ID cards are not acceptable.
You can bring an expired photo ID as long as it was issued by the state of Tennessee or federal government.
ID cards from other states are not acceptable.
If you forget your voter ID on Election Day, you are still allowed to vote on a provisional ballot. You then have two business days after Election Day to bring your valid photo ID to your county’s election commission office.
Who are Your Candidates?
To find out which candidates will be on the ballot, check with your local election commission (see Hamilton County’s General Sample Ballot).
Research the candidates running for office, google the platforms of the parties they belong to (e.g., Democrat, Republican, Green, or Libertarian).
As a tool for the informed voter, The League of Women Voters Education Fund has launched a dedicated website (https://www.vote411.org/) to provide non-partisan information to the public for both general and state-specific elections.
Your first vote!
During the “early voting” period you may cast your vote at any polling location within your county.
On Election Day you can cast your vote only at your assigned polling location. Your assigned polling location is printed on your voter registration card.
Keep your registration current!
You do not have to re-register for every election.
You do have to re-register if you move to another county or state.
To easily keep track of or update your registration download the GoVoteTN app – available for Android, iPhone, and as web-based app.
Tips
#1
Students may use their dorm’s street address to register.
#2
All 17 year-old’s are allowed to register in advance. However, their registration will be held back until the day they turn 18.
#3
As long as you are in line before the polls close, they will still let you cast your vote, so stick around!
#4
If for any reason you are turned down at the ballot box, you have the right to demand a provisional ballot.
Important for First-Time Voters!
If you registered to vote by mail in Hamilton County, you must vote in person unless you have previously had your ID verified in person by the Election Commission. Plan ahead to ensure your vote counts!