Nashville, TN (WOKI) – Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging registered voters across the state to prepare for the upcoming November 3 State and Federal General Election as the early voting period approaches.
Early voting will begin Wednesday, Oct. 14, and continue through Thursday, Oct. 29, giving Tennesseans more than two weeks to cast ballots before Election Day.
“Early voting makes it easy for registered Tennesseans to participate in the electoral process,” Hargett said in a statement released Tuesday.
“With early voting beginning next week, now is the time to make a plan to vote. I encourage every eligible voter to take advantage of this convenient opportunity and participate in shaping the future of their communities, state and nation.”
Voters Encouraged to Plan Ahead
Election officials are advising voters to verify their registration status, locate polling places and review sample ballots before heading to vote.
Registered Tennessee voters can access election information through the GoVoteTN website at: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetn or the free GoVoteTN mobile app, which provides:
- Polling locations
- Early voting hours
- Sample ballots
- Voter registration verification
- Election information and updates
Photo ID Required
State law requires voters casting ballots in person during early voting or on Election Day to present a valid photo identification issued by either the federal government or the State of Tennessee.
Acceptable IDs include current or expired government-issued photo identification.
Election officials note that the following are not accepted:
- College student IDs
- IDs issued by local governments
- IDs issued by other states
- Non-U.S. citizen identification cards
Information on voter ID exemptions and free photo ID options is available through the Secretary of State’s office.
Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot
Officials are also encouraging voters to review the three proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on this year’s ballot.
Each amendment will be presented as a separate yes-or-no question for voters to decide.
The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office has prepared summaries of the proposed amendments to help voters better understand the measures before casting ballots.
Election officials recommend voters familiarize themselves with the proposals before arriving at polling locations.
Election Day Approaches
The Nov. 3 election includes federal and state races, as well as the three constitutional amendment questions.
State officials say early voting continues to be one of the most popular options for Tennesseans because it allows voters to avoid potential Election Day lines and choose a convenient time to cast their ballots.
What’s Next
Early voting begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 29. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters can find polling locations, sample ballots, constitutional amendment information and registration details through the GoVoteTN website at: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetn or mobile app before heading to the polls.
