Think tank’s brief finds that Tennessee’s current absentee voting laws could prevent some eligible ballots from being counted, highlights policy options for improvement
NASHVILLE – Tennessee and Mississippi are the only two states that require absentee ballots to be returned by mail, finds a new policy brief released today from nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee. The brief includes an overview of the absentee voting process in Tennessee, current voting laws that may be preventing some eligible ballots from being counted, and best practices from other states for policymakers to consider implementing in Tennessee.
“Despite our rich civic history, Tennessee has continued to trail the nation when it comes to our low rates of voter registration and turnout,” said Erin Hafkenschiel, president of ThinkTennessee. “Allowing absentee ballots to be returned in person to election offices will bring Tennessee in line with the rest of the country, help ensure that every eligible vote is received and counted, and put us one step closer to having a more civically engaged state.”
Today in Tennessee, absentee ballots are only counted if they are received by mail by the close of polls on Election Day. The reliance on postal service processing and delivery times can be challenging for some voters, particularly those who make a request near the end of the request window (10 days before Election Day). All other states (except Mississippi) provide more opportunities for absentee voters to return their absentee ballots, allowing delivery in person to election offices, to polling places, or to secured drop boxes.
Based on best practices from other states, the brief recommends policymakers consider amending state laws in Tennessee to allow voters more options to return absentee ballots:
- In person directly to election officials at county election commission offices or polling places,
- By a voter or their designee, and
- By the close of polls on Election Day.
To read the full policy brief, Enhancing Voter Access: Allow Absentee Ballots to Also be Returned In Person, visit www.thinktennessee.org
