NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day, a day dedicated to encouraging Americans to register to vote or check to make sure their registration is up to date.
The civic holiday is celebrated on the fourth Tuesday in September, a little over two months before the general election is held. This year, Election Day is on Nov. 3.
Here's what Tennessee voters need to know:
The deadline to register in both Tennessee and Kentucky is October 5.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most states have expanded their vote-by-mail opportunities, but in a majority of states, you still need to register and request absentee ballots by certain dates.
- Click here for the registration and absentee ballot deadlines for each state.
- Click here to request an absentee ballot in Tennessee
The list below outlines those who are eligible to absentee vote:
- You are sixty (60) years of age or older.
- You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled and unable to appear at your polling place to vote. Voters with underlying medical conditions [cdc.gov] that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can use this reason. A doctor’s statement is not required. Call your doctor for guidance or the Metro Public Health Department Hotline at 615-862-7777.
- You are a caretaker of a hospitalized, ill or physically disabled person. Voters caring for someone with underlying medical conditions [cdc.gov] that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can use this reason. A doctor’s statement is not required. Call your doctor for guidance or the Metro Public Health Department Hotline at 615-862-7777.
- You will be outside Davidson County during the Early Voting period and all day on Election Day.
- You or your spouse are a full-time student at an accredited college or university outside Davidson County.
- You have a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place.
- You reside in a nursing home, assisted living facility or home for the aged outside Davidson County.
- You are a candidate for office in the election.
- You will be unable to vote in person due to jury duty.You serve as an Election Day official or as a member or employee of the Davidson County Election Commission.
- You are observing a religious holiday that prevents you from voting in person during the Early Voting period and on Election Day.
- You are a member of the military or are an overseas citizen.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 27. Early voting in Tennessee runs from Wednesday, October 14 – Thursday, October 29.
More links:
Voting in Tennessee: What you need to know for 2020 election on November 3
The Final Push: Nonprofits hold voter registration drives as deadline looms
The Scripps National Desk contributed to this report.
