ELECTIONS

Tuesday is Election Day. Here's what to know about voting and what's on the ballot

Staff report
  • Polls on Tuesday open at 7 a.m. CT and close at 7 p.m. CT.
  • The Tennessean will have live election results on Tennessean.com or on our mobile apps.

The midterms are finally upon us. Tuesday is Election Day.

Although Tennessee is not a battleground state in this year's closely contested midterm elections, there's still plenty on the ballot. Republican Gov. Bill Lee is facing reelection and voters will decide on four constitutional amendments, including whether to ban slavery from the Tennessee Constitution and whether to embed the state's right-to-work law into the state's guiding document.

Here's what to know before you head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Is it too late to register to vote?

Yes. The registration deadline for the Nov. 8 election was Oct. 11. To check your registration status, visit govotetn.com.

What time do polls open?

Polls open at 7 a.m. CT and close at 7 p.m. CT.

When polls close, come back here to Tennessean.com for live election results from competitive area races.

Where can I find election results when polls close on Tuesday night?

How else can I get insight into the election?

Our team of reporters will be at the key campaign events Tuesday night in Middle Tennessee. On election night, join statehouse reporters Melissa Brown and Adam Friedman, along with others, in our Grand Divisions politics text chat. This is an exclusive benefit for subscribers. Sign up here.

Subscriber perks:Tennessean subscriber exclusive: Join our Grand Divisions politics group text

Do I need to bring a photo ID to vote in Tennessee?

Yes. Voters in Tennessee must bring a valid photo identification card, which can include a driver's license or photo ID issued by the state of Tennessee, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military photo ID or a Tennessee handgun carry permit that includes a photo.

College student IDs, city- or county-issued IDs and out-of-state photo IDs are not accepted.

You do not need to bring your voter registration card to vote.

What ballot will I have? Can I see a sample ballot?

Poll workers will ensure you have the correct ballot based on your address. Visit sos.tn.gov/govotetn for more information.

Sample ballots are available through the GoVoteTN site and app.

What happens if I don't bring a photo identification?

You will have to cast a provisional ballot. You will then have two business days to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo identification. After that, you'll have to sign an affidavit, and a copy of your ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.

Can I leave work to vote?

Employers are required to give their employees paid time off to vote provided they have been given notice. 

What if I got the wrong ballot in Nashville?

Election officials will allow voters to cast provisional ballots if they think they voted in the wrong races during early voting. Due to errors in new maps as a result redistricting, some voters voted in the wrong elections during early voting.

A list published by the Davidson County Election Commission includes the names of 438 voters who may cast a provisional ballot on Election Day due to the ballot error.

Voters who have already cast ballots during early voting and believe they voted in the wrong race can cast a provisional ballot by going to the Davidson County Election Commission at 1417 Murfreesboro Pike on Election Day. Voters can check for their name on the list posted to nashville.gov/vote.

Ballot issues:What to do if you think you received the wrong ballot in Davidson County

More:A guide to voter rights in Tennessee. What you need to know before you cast a ballot

Who's running for governor?

Republican Gov. Bill Lee is seeking a second term against Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jason Martin, a Nashville physician. Here's more on the race.

What should I know about the four constitutional amendments?

The amendments range from union issues to an effort to strip antiquated slavery language from the state's guiding document. 

To pass, amendments need to clear two hurdles. First, the amendment needs more yes votes than no votes, as in any election. Then, the total number of yes votes must constitute a majority − 50% plus 1 − of the total votes cast in the governor's race.

How Tennessee counted those votes was the subject of litigation between 2014 and 2018. Here's more on the issues.

What about the races for Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly?

All 99 seats in the state House are up for a vote this year and half of the 33 state Senate districts. All nine of Tennessee's congressional seats are up for grabs. But the most closely watched is in the newly drawn 5th Congressional District.

Previously, the 5th included all of Davidson County and was a Democratic stronghold. But Republicans split the county into three and the new 5th includes parts of Davidson, Wilson and Williamson counties and all of Maury, Marshall and Lewis counties.

It now tilts toward the GOP and could give the party an 8-1 advantage the state's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.

Here's more: