Flickr/Rebecca Allen
Absentee voting in Tennessee is more simplified than many other states.
published: September 29 2008 12:14 AM
updated:: October 01 2008 03:16 PM
As is the case with many college students, first-time voters at the University of Tennessee may struggle to piece together the process of voting absentee.
To help simplify the process, this 2008 Elections Handbook guide breaks down the steps and deadlines for voting absentee if you are a Tennessee resident.
| How do I request an absentee ballot? |
Tennessee residents can request an absentee ballot by mail or fax if your local election office has a fax machine. Voters may request or submit an application to vote absentee. The request must be in writing and signed by the voter so that the signatures may be compared. The request will serve as an application for ballot if it contains the following information: the voter's name, registered voting address, voter's social security number, address to mail the ballot outside the county, election the voter wishes to participate in (for a primary, the voter must indicate a party preference or a general ballot will be sent), the reason the voter wishes to vote absentee and the voter's signature. |
| Where do I send the request? |
See this page. To find your County Election Commission office, check this site. |
| What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot? |
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is not more than ninety days and not later than seven days before Election Day, meaning that the deadline for the 2008 election is October 28. |
| What is the voting procedure? |
Vote using the ballot and mail the ballot back to the local election office. No witness is required unless assistance is given. |
| What are the deadlines for voting absentee? |
Ballots must be received by the close of the polls on election day (Nov. 4, 2008) |
| How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials? |
Division of Elections 312 8th Avenue North William R. Snodgrass Tower, 9th Floor Nashville, TN 37243 E-mail: tennessee.elections@state.tn.us Tel: 615-741-7956 |
| Are there requirements for first-time voters? |
If you are a first-time voter who intends to use an absentee ballot, you must register to vote in person. If you do not register in person but instead by mail or at a registration drive, then you must vote in person the first time you vote. If you vote in person for any election, you may vote by mail in all following elections. |
| Is permanent absentee status available? |
Yes, with an appropriate doctor's statement. |
Check back soon for more installments of 2008 Elections Handbook, including information for out-of-state residents who wish to vote with an absentee ballot.
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