Early Voting Begins This Week in Tennessee. Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Cast Your Ballot.
Tennessee Today
The primary in Tennessee is almost here!
Early voting for Tennessee’s August 6 State and Federal Primary and County General Elections begins Friday, July 17, giving voters more than two weeks to make their voices heard before Election Day.
Whether you’re hoping to avoid long lines, have a busy schedule, or would simply like to check voting off your to-do list early, Tennessee makes it easy. Early voting is open to any registered voter, no excuse required!
This year’s primary is one of the most significant in recent memory, featuring a competitive race for governor, congressional primaries across the state, legislative contests, and the first election under Tennessee’s newly drawn congressional map.
Make a Plan Before You Vote
Before heading to the polls, take a few minutes to confirm where you vote and what will appear on your ballot.
Your local county election commission can provide early voting locations, hours of operation, and any satellite voting sites in your area. Voters can also view sample ballots and verify their voter registration through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s online voter information portal.
Early voting runs July 17 through August 1, giving Tennesseans multiple opportunities, even including Saturdays, to cast their ballots at a time that works best for them.
Why This Primary Matters
Primary elections determine who will appear on the November ballot, making them one of the most consequential elections for voters who want a say in who represents their community.
At the top of this year’s ballot is Tennessee’s race for governor, with contested Republican and Democratic primaries to determine each party’s nominee. On the Republican side, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Representative John Rose, and State Representative Monty Fritts are competing for the nomination. Blackburn touts a strong lead since earning constituents’ trust across Tennessee in the U.S. Senate since 2019. Rose currently represents Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District in Congress, while Fritts has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2023. The winner of the Republican primary will face the Democratic nominee in November.
Voters will also weigh in on races for:
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Tennessee House of Representatives
- Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts)
- State Executive Committee seats
- Various county offices and judicial positions, depending on where you live
Major Congressional Races
Several congressional contests are drawing statewide attention after the General Assembly approved a newly redrawn district map earlier this summer.
Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District features one of the state’s highest-profile open-seat races following Congressman John Rose’s campaign for governor. Republicans are choosing between State Representative Johnny Garrett, former Congressman Van Hilleary, Natisha Brooks, and Jon Henry. The winner will advance to the general election to compete for the seat representing much of Middle Tennessee.
In Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, incumbent Steve Cohen will not be seeking reelection creating an opportunity to flip the district red. The Republican primary includes State Senator Brent Taylor, former congressional candidate Charlotte Bergmann, Army veteran Jeremy Thompson, and State Representative Todd Warner. On the Democratic side, State Senator London Lamar, State Representative Justin Pearson, M. LaTroy A-Williams, and Jim Torino are competing for the nomination to succeed longtime Congressman Steve Cohen, who is not seeking reelection.
Several other congressional districts also feature contested primaries, while some incumbents are running unopposed within their parties.
Vote Early, Vote Prepared
One of the greatest privileges of living in America is having a voice in choosing those who represent us. Don’t waste an opportunity to help shape the future of your community, your state, and your country.
Every election counts for Tennessee, and this year’s ballot includes decisions that will impact leadership at the state, federal, and local levels. Whether you’re voting for governor, Congress, your state legislature, or local offices, your ballot is your chance to make your voice heard. Don’t let someone else decide the future for you.
Early voting begins July 17 and runs through August 1, with Election Day on August 6. Make a plan, know where to vote, and take a few minutes to participate in one of our nation’s most important traditions.
Democracy works best when Americans show up. This election, make sure your voice is one of them.
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