Here’s when early voting starts in Tennessee in 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Early voting is about to begin in Tennessee for the August 6 state and federal primary and county general elections.

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, early voting runs from Friday, July 17, through Saturday, August 1.

The August 6 election includes primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Tennessee Senate odd-numbered districts, Tennessee House and state executive committees. General elections will also be held for vacant state judicial offices and applicable county offices.

Here’s what the new congressional districts in Tennessee mean for voters and candidates

The voter registration deadline for the August 6 election was July 7. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday, July 27.

What are the key voting and election dates in Tennessee?

Below is a list of some key dates for elections in Tennessee.

• State and Federal General Election
  • Voter registration deadline: Monday, October 5
  • Early voting: Wednesday, October 14 through Thursday, October 29
  • Absentee ballot request deadline: Saturday, October 24
• For more on the state’s election calendar for 2026, click here.

When and where is early voting in Davidson County and Nashville?

In Davidson County, early voting will also run from July 17 through August 1.

Three new early voting sites have been added: the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee on Belmont Boulevard, the Election Commission Office on Murfreesboro Pike and Scarritt Bennett Center on 18th Avenue South.

Voters in Davidson County can also cast ballots at these early voting locations:

• Bellevue Library
• Bordeaux Library
• Casa Azafran Community Center
• Edmondson Pike Library
• Goodlettsville Library
• Hermitage Library
• Hillwood High School
• Lentz Public Health Center
• Madison Library
• Metro Office Building
• South Inglewood Community Center
• Southeast Library

Early voting opens soon, with 3 new sites in Davidson County. Here’s how to cast your ballot

Who are the candidates for the August election in Tennessee?

The governor’s race in Tennessee includes:

• Republican candidates:
  • Marsha Blackburn
  • Monty Fritts
  • John Rose
• Democratic candidates
  • Carnita Atwater
  • Tim Cyr
  • Jerri Green
  • Adam “Ditch” Kurtz
  • Kevin Lee McCants

The U.S. Senate race in Tennessee includes:

• Republican Bill Hagerty
• Democratic candidates
  • Marquita Bradshaw
  • Maria Brewer
  • Kevin Lee McCants
  • Civil Miller-Watkins
  • Diana Onyejiaka

Middle Tennessee voters will also see several U.S. House races, including Districts 4, 5, 6 and 7.

• Republican candidates include:
  • Thomas E. Davis
  • Scott DesJarlais
  • Joshua James
  • Harold “Rocky” Jones
  • Charlie Hatcher
  • Andy Ogles
  • Natisha Brooks
  • Johnny Garrett
  • Jon Henry
  • Van Hilleary
  • Matt Van Epps
• Democratic candidates in those races include:
  • Mike Cortese
  • Tim Lanier
  • Joyce E. Neal
  • Chaz Molder
  • Lore Bergman
  • Miriam Leibowitz
  • Chaney Mosley
  • Darden Copeland
  • Vincent Dixie
  • Saletta Holloway
  • Joshua Warren Sales

What are the new congressional districts in Tennessee?

This is also the first election cycle after Tennessee’s revised congressional map, which created changes for some voters and candidates.

The new map reshaped several U.S. House districts, including Middle Tennessee districts, and triggered a special qualifying period for U.S. House candidates after Gov. Bill Lee signed the map into law.

Under the new map, candidates who had already qualified could run in the new district with the same district number, while others had a brief window to qualify, change districts or withdraw.

How does absentee voting work in Tennessee?

For absentee voting, Tennessee voters must meet one of the state’s qualifying reasons to vote by mail.

Completed absentee ballots must be mailed and received by the county election commission by the close of polls on Election Day. Hand delivery is not allowed.