Senior Voting Rights
Who has the right to vote in Tennessee?
In Tennesse, you can vote if:
- You are a citizen of the United States,
- You are a resident of Tennessee,
- You are 18 years or older,
- You registered to vote at least 30 days prior to the election, AND
- A court has not taken away your right to vote.
How do I register or assist someone in registering to vote?
- You can register to vote or update your voter registration online at https://ovr.govote.tn.gov/.
- You can also register to vote by downloading and completing the Voter Registration Application and then mailing it to your County Election Commission.
- You can pick up an application to register to vote at your local County Election Commission Office, County Clerk's Office, Public Library, or Register of Deeds Office.
- You can also register while completing a transaction with the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, Department of Safety, or Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Can seniors with cognitive disabilities such as dementia vote?
Yes, unless a court has taken away their right to vote. While certain illnesses such as dementia or strokes may diminish a person's mental abilities, they still have the right to vote until a court takes that right away. Court orders, such as conservatorships, may strip a person of their right to vote.
Can people with disabilities get accommodations to vote?
Yes. Accommodations can be made for anyone who has the legal right to vote. Voters with disabilities can bring someone to help them, or they can ask a poll worker at the site to provide assistance. Every polling site has a voting machine that can be adjusted by height. Some of these machines can be placed on a table or a voter's lap if the voter has difficulty reaching the machine. Additionally, audio ballets can be provided upon request for voters with visual impairments.
Can I vote if I am immobile and unable to leave home?
Yes. Voters who are unable to get to their polling place can request an Absentee Ballot. This is a ballot that allows voters to vote and mail their vote to their election commission office. To learn more about absentee ballots and how to request one, visit https://sos.tn.gov/products/elections/how-do-i-request-absentee-ballot.
