NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Early voting is open across the Volunteer State. Per the Tennessee Secretary of State, early voting for the Nov. 3, 2026 State and Federal General Election runs Wednesday, Oct. 14 through Thursday, Oct. 29, with Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The official “What is Voting Like?” video from Secretary Tre Hargett’s office walks Tennesseans through every step before they reach the booth.

First, be registered at least 30 days before the election, and download the free GoVoteTN app (App Store and Google Play) to find your polling place, hours, and a sample ballot you can mark in advance. At the door, campaign signs must stay outside the 100-foot boundary. Inside, stay in line — anyone in line when polls close still votes. Check in with a valid photo ID: a Tennessee driver’s license or Department of Safety photo ID, or a photo ID issued by Tennessee state government or the federal government, even if expired. College student IDs are not accepted. No acceptable ID? Cast a provisional ballot and return with valid photo ID within two business days after Election Day.

At the machine, take your time. State law lets you use the GoVoteTN app for assistance, but not your phone’s camera or calls, to protect other voters’ privacy. Most counties use electronic machines; others use optical-scan or ballot-marking devices. Review the confirmation screen, then press vote — once confirmed, it cannot be changed. Finish with your “I Voted” sticker.

This year’s ballot also carries three constitutional amendments, listed right after the governor’s race: #1 lets courts hold defendants without bail for capital offenses, terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, and 85%-serve crimes; #2 bans a state property tax; #3 expands crime victims’ rights. Under sos.tn.gov rules, an amendment passes only if it gets more yes than no and the yes total is more than half of all votes cast for governor. Read them first at govotetn.gov or in the app. Watch the official Tennessee Secretary of State video.