Effective Date: January 1, 2012
Photo IDs Permitted
Voter must supply “evidence of identification,” defined as:
- Tennessee driver’s license;
- Valid photo ID issued by Tennessee, any other state government, or U.S., provided that such ID contains a photograph; except a student ID card issued by institute of higher learning, which is specifically excluded;
- Valid non-driver ID card issued by Tennessee Department of Safety;
- Valid U.S. passport; or
- Valid U.S. military photo ID that contains a photograph;
Exceptions Available
The photo ID law does not apply to:
- Voters in nursing homes who are eligible to vote at their facility per existing law; or
- Voters eligible to cast an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization under existing law.
Affidavit Alternative
A voter who meets the following conditions may execute an affidavit of identity at the polls on Election Day and shall be permitted to vote:
- A voter who has a religious objection to being photographed;
- A voter who is indigent and unable to obtain proof of ID without payment of a fee.
Early/Absentee Voting ID Requirements
The photo ID requirements apply to all persons voting early. The photo ID law did not change absentee voting rules. Under preexisting Tennessee law, first-time voters who register to vote by mail cannot vote by absentee ballot; they must vote in person.
Free IDs
- A voter may obtain a free ID at one of 48 Drivers Service Centers across the state. To obtain the ID, voters must show proof of citizenship and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
Public Education Requirements
No public education requirements are specified by statute.