Frequently Asked Questions for this Division

Voter Registration

  • How do I sign the online voter registration application?

    We will use your signature from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

  • I got married and changed my last name. Do I need to reregister under my new name?

    You do not have to re-register, but please go ahead and update your existing registration. Updating your name now keeps the rolls accurate and reduces the amount of paperwork you will have to fill out when you go vote.

  • I moved from a different state. Am I allowed to register to vote in Tennessee?

    Yes. Learn more about the qualifications to register here.

  • Is the deadline for online voter registration the same as the deadline for registering by other means?

    Yes. Normally, you must register at least 30 days before Election Day. You can check upcoming deadlines on the election calendar.

  • What will I need to register to vote online?

    You need an ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. We need your signature on file there to sign your application.

    If you do not know your Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID number, do not worry. We will use the other information you enter to download your signature.

  • Where can I find the online voter registration application?

    You can access the online voter registration system here.

  • Where do homeless persons register to vote?

    In order to register to vote in Tennessee, a person does not have to live in a building.  Instead, a person who finds himself or herself homeless must describe where the person usually stays or returns to when absent.  This location may be the address of a shelter where the person stays or frequents, or it may be the description of a street corner where the person may often rest.  A physical description of the location must be given so that the election commission knows in which voting precinct to place the person.  T.C.A. 2-2-122.

    The election commission must mail voter registration cards to people who register to vote by mail. Therefore, if a homeless person tries to register to vote by mail using an address where the person does not get the mail, the person will have to give a mailing address where he or she can receive mail. For example, a homeless voter may be able to use a shelter as a mailing address or the address of a family member or friend who agrees to receive the mail. Another option is to use General Delivery as a mailing address. However, please note that absentee ballot materials may not be mailed to “general delivery.” T.C.A. 2-2-115 and T.C.A. 2-6-202.

    If the voter registration card is returned as undeliverable to the election commission, the voter will be mailed a confirmation notice and placed on inactive status. T.C.A. 2-2-115.

    In addition, like all registered voters, a homeless person should let the county election commission know when there are any changes to the mailing address or address where the person is registered to vote. 

  • Will I be notified if my online voter registration has been received and is accepted?

    Yes. Your county election commission will mail you a voter registration card when they have accepted your application. This can take up to three weeks.

  • Will online voter registration update my name or address with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security?

    No. Learn more about updating your record with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security here.