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How do I request an absentee ballot?

One can request an absentee ballot by mail or fax (if the local election office has a fax machine).

A voter may make a request or submit an application to vote absentee. The request must be in writing and signed by the voter so that the signatures may be compared. The request will serve as an application for ballot if it contains the following information: the voter’s name, the registered voting address, the voter’s social security number, the address to mail the ballot outside the county, the election the voter wishes to participate in (for a primary, the voter must indicate a party preference or else a general ballot will be sent), the reason the voter wishes to vote absentee and the voter’s signature.

Where do I send the request?

See this page.

For contact information for your County Election Commission, go here.

What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is not more than ninety days and not later than seven days before Election Day:
April 29 for the County Primary Election
July 31 for the State Primary Election
October 28 for the General Election

What is the voting procedure?

Vote the ballot and MAIL the ballot back to the local election office. It does not require a witness unless assistance is given.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?

Ballot must be received by the close of the polls on Election Day:
County Primary Election: May 6
State Primary Election: August 7
General Election: November 4

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?

County Primary Election: May 6
State Primary Election: August 7
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 30 days prior to Election Day.

How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials?

Division of Elections
312 8th Avenue North
William R. Snodgrass Tower, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
E-mail: tennessee.elections@state.tn.us
Tel: 615-741-7956

Are there requirements for first-time voters?

If you are a first-time voter who intends to use an absentee ballot, you must register to vote in person. If you do not register in person but instead by mail or at a registration drive, then you must vote in person the first time you vote. If you vote in person for any election, you may vote by mail in all following elections.

Is permanent absentee status available?

Yes, with an appropriate doctor’s statement.

Additional information:

To view a complete list of election dates and offices to be elected, see the 2006 Election Calendar (PDF) here.