Think tank’s fact sheet illustrates differences in state election policies across the nation, highlights alternative policies for voter registration and casting ballots
NASHVILLE – Tennessee has one of the most complicated voting rights restoration processes in the country and is one of only 11 states that requires a strict photo ID to cast a ballot, finds a new fact sheet released today from nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee. States have the flexibility to administer their elections within the guidelines set by federal law, which means election policies vary from state to state. This new analysis compares election policies across all 50 states and D.C., highlighting where Tennessee differs among certain voting processes – from voter registration deadlines and the types of ID voters may use, to voting absentee and having voting rights restored.
“Last year, we released a five-part Voter Education Series to help inform Tennesseans about our state’s voting processes ahead of the 2024 elections,” said Erin Hafkenschiel, president of ThinkTennessee. “This comparative analysis builds on that information to show that not every state does things the same way – our research demonstrates that there are alternative policies Tennessee could consider to ensure all eligible voters can participate in elections while still maintaining election security.”
The state-by-state analysis reviews election laws covering several topics, including voter ID requirements, the absentee voting process and restrictions, voter registration requirements and deadlines, and steps to restore voting rights after a felony conviction. Each section includes a side-by-side comparison of the federal election law and Tennessee’s election law, as well as U.S. maps illustrating the relevant election law for every other state and D.C. Some key findings include:
- Voters in most states are not required to present a voter ID. Tennessee is one of 11 states to require strict photo ID – meaning voters must provide a specific photo ID to cast a ballot at a polling place.
- Tennessee is among 12 states requiring voters to be registered the soonest (30 days before Election Day, the maximum allowed by federal law). Most states allow more time for voters to register, offering deadlines closer to Election Day, Same Day Registration, or both.
- In most states, any voter who wants to may vote absentee and return their ballot in person. Tennessee is one of 14 states requiring a qualifying excuse to vote absentee and one of only two states requiring ballots be returned by mail.
- States are split on when they return eligibility for voting rights restoration, with half restoring after completion of probation or parole and 23 states after release from incarceration. Tennessee is among only eight states that also explicitly require payment of legal financial obligations before eligibility.
To read the full state comparisons report, Tennessee’s Election Laws in Context: A State-by-State Overview, visit thinktennessee.org.
