MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's Election Day in Tennessee, and for anyone who didn’t vote early, it’s time to head to the polls.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election officials said if voters plan ahead and be patient, things should run smoothly.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The ballot is five pages long – one of the longest in recent history. Find a sample ballot HERE.
- Voters should check for their polling place ahead of time at shelbyvote.com or by calling the Voter Ready Hotline at 901-222-1222.
- Election officials said lines are historically shorter at midday.
- The final tally may take longer than usual due to the long ballot and possible server issues.
- Campaign workers are banned by state law from coming within 100 feet of the polling place, even from using the restroom.
- The preference for paper ballots will be made available in November, not the August election.
- Bring valid photo identification. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government is acceptable even if expired. A student ID or out-of-state driver's license is not acceptable. For more information about what types of IDs are permitted, visit GoVoteTN.gov or call 1-877-850-4959.
- Tennessee voters can report possible voter fraud or misinformation to the Secretary of State's Division of Elections. Tennesseans can text 'TN' to 45995 to use the new Text to Report Voter Fraud system or call the Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.
- Find voter information for the state of Tennessee at https://sos.tn.gov/govotetn.
“We were extremely pleased with the patience and preparation exhibited by Shelby County voters during the early voting period, and we urge our Election Day voters to be equally prepared,” said Linda Phillips, administrator of elections for the Shelby County Election Commission, in a news release.
“Our organization has been proud to join the Election Commission in helping to inform voters about this unique election season,” said Ian Randolph, spokesperson for the Shelby County Voter Alliance. “If voters prepare and learn about the candidates before coming to the polls, it'll be a smoother process."