Elections

Upcoming elections in Memphis and Shelby County, and how to register and vote. Official information comes from the Shelby County Election Commission (901-222-1200) and the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Upcoming elections

Register to vote

You can register in Shelby County if you are a U.S. citizen, will be at least 18 on or before the next election, live in Shelby County, and, if you have a felony conviction, have had your voting rights restored. Your application must be postmarked or received at least 30 days before an election to vote in it. Source

• Online: GoVoteTN, if you have a Tennessee driver license or state ID.
• On paper: fill out the state registration form, sign it, and mail or bring it to the Election Commission at 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN 38134. You can also hand-deliver it to 157 Poplar Avenue, Suite 137, Memphis, TN 38103.
• Moved or changed your name? Update your registration on GoVoteTN or with the change of address or name form.

Check your registration

The state's voter lookup shows whether you're registered, your districts and your Election Day polling place. Check it before each election, especially if you've moved.

Vote early

Early voting usually starts 20 days before an election and ends 5 days before it. It is open on Saturdays in that window and closed on holidays. Source In Shelby County you can early vote at any open early voting site. Source The Election Commission posts sites and hours on its home page before each election.

Vote absentee by mail

Tennessee allows voting by mail only for specific reasons. Source They include:

• You are 60 or older.
• You will be outside Shelby County for all of early voting and Election Day.
• You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled, or you care for someone who is.
• You or your spouse are a full-time college student outside the county.
• You are serving on a jury, working as an election official, or are a candidate in the election.
• You are in the military or live overseas.

The state's absentee guide has the full list. To request a ballot, send a signed written request to the Election Commission by mail or email (with a scanned signature). It must include your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, the address to mail the ballot, the election, and your reason. Requests open 90 days before an election and must be received at least 10 days before it. Your completed ballot must arrive by mail before polls close on Election Day. It can't be hand-delivered. Source

Some voters with a long-term illness or disability can join the permanent absentee list.

Vote on Election Day

On Election Day you must vote at your assigned polling place. Source Find it with the voter lookup or the Election Commission's polling location and district finder, and check precinct maps for last-minute changes. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone in line at 7 p.m. may vote. Source

Bring a photo ID

Tennessee requires a federal or Tennessee state photo ID to vote in person, and expired IDs count. Accepted IDs include a Tennessee driver license, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID, a Tennessee handgun carry permit, and other photo IDs issued by the federal or Tennessee state government. College student IDs, city or county IDs, and out-of-state IDs are not accepted. Absentee voters and some others are exempt. Source