2012 Cannon County Election Commission Schedule

TENNESSEE Voter Photo ID Requirements

Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2012

Photo IDs Permitted

Voter must supply “evidence of identification,” defined as:

Tennessee driver’s license;
Valid non-driver ID card issued by Tennessee Department of Safety;
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid photo ID issued by Tennessee, any other state government, or U.S.; except student ID card issued by institute of higher learning, which is specifically excluded;
Valid employee photo ID card issued by Tennessee, any other state government, or U.S.; or
Valid U.S. military photo ID.

*Student IDs are not accepted in Tennessee for purposes of identification for voting.

Exceptions Available

The photo ID law does not apply to voters in nursing homes, or voters eligible to cast an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization.

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[3]

Free non-driver photo ID cards are available through the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles to any applicant who signs an affidavit stating that she:

Does not have a valid government-issued photo ID;
Is a registered voter in Tennessee; and
Needs the photo ID for voting purposes.

Public Education Requirements

No public education requirements are specified by statute.

More information can be found at the State's Election Web sites; (copy and paste onto browser)

http://tnsos.org/Press/story.php?item=289

http://www.tn.gov/sos/election/IDRequirement.20120101.pdf

Please don't wait until the last minute, learn the laws requirements and get your photos now.

Matt Studd
Election Commissioner