Can tennessee vote by mail
As of 2021, Tennessee does not have a universal vote-by-mail system, but there are some circumstances under which voters can cast their ballots by mail. Here are the current rules:
- Absentee voting: Tennessee allows voters to cast absentee ballots by mail or in person. To vote absentee, you must submit a written request to your local election commission at least 7 days before the election. You can download the request form from the Tennessee Secretary of State's website or pick one up from your local election commission.
- Permanent absentee voters: If you are 60 years or older, disabled, or unable to vote in person due to a religious belief or observance, you can request to become a permanent absentee voter. This allows you to automatically receive an absentee ballot application for each election.
- Military and overseas voters: Tennessee allows military personnel and overseas citizens to vote by mail through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). You can register and request an absentee ballot through the FVAP website.
- Special circumstances: In some cases, voters may be able to vote by mail due to special circumstances, such as:
- Being hospitalized or in a nursing home
- Being unable to vote in person due to a disability
- Being a caregiver for a family member who is unable to vote in person
- Being a member of the military or a spouse of a military member
To request an absentee ballot, you can contact your local election commission or download the request form from the Tennessee Secretary of State's website. The deadline to request an absentee ballot varies depending on the election, but it's usually 7 days before the election.
It's worth noting that Tennessee has a voter ID law, which requires voters to provide identification when casting their ballots. If you're voting by mail, you'll need to include a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot application.