Tennesseans Can Request Absentee By Mail Ballots For August Elections Now

Tennesseans can request a ballot to vote absentee by mail beginning today (May 8) for the Aug. 6 State and Federal Primary and County General election without having to leave their home.

“Election offices are already accepting absentee by-mail ballot requests for the August election. One of the most popular reasons to vote absentee is being 60 years or older.” said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage those voting absentee by-mail this year to make their request now.”

Tennessee state law provides numerous ways to vote absentee by mail. A written request must include your name, address, social security number, date of birth, address to mail the ballot to, reasons you meet the qualifications to vote absentee by mail, and your signature. While not required, a phone number is recommended in case your election commission needs any additional information.

For the August election, to receive a primary ballot, you must request either a Republican or Democratic primary ballot. If a party is not specified, you will only receive the general election ballot. To submit a request by email, you must attach a document with all the necessary information and your scanned signature. Requests must be received by the local election commission no later than seven days before the election. For the Aug. 6 State and Federal Primary and County General Election, complete absentee by mail requests must be received by July 30.