NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As of Friday, May 8, eligible Tennesseans can request an absentee-by-mail ballot for the August 6, 2020 election.

All Tennesseans 60 years or older are eligible to receive an absentee ballot. Other eligible groups include:

  • Those who will be outside of their county during the early voting period and all day on Election Day.
  • Voters and their spouses enrolled as full-time students in an accredited college or university outside the county of registration.
  • Those unable to vote due to service as a juror.
  • Voters who are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled and cannot vote in person.
  • Voters working as poll officials.
  • Voters who are members of the military and are out of the county where they vote.

*For a full list eligibility requirements, click here.

“Election offices are already accepting absentee by-mail ballot requests for the August election. One of the most popular reasons to vote absentee is being 60 years or older.” said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage those voting absentee by-mail this year to make their request now.”

Eligible voters must submit a written request to their local election commission by mail, fax or email. Absentee ballot requests can be downloaded here.

Written requests must include:

  • Name
  • Address where you live
  • Full social security number
  • Date of birth
  • The address to mail the ballot to, if different than your home address
  • For the August election, to receive a primary ballot, you must request either a Republican or Democratic primary ballot. If a party is not specified, you will only receive the general election ballot.
  • Which of the qualifying reasons you meet to vote absentee by-mail. For example, I am 60 years old
  • Your signature

While not required, it is suggested that applicants include a phone number in their application in case the Election Commission requires additional information.

The deadline for absentee ballot requests to be received is July 30, seven days before the election.

“I encourage eligible Tennessee voters to take a moment to double-check that they’ve provided all of the required information and to make their request to vote absentee by-mail as soon as possible. By making sure your request is complete and sending it in early, you will not have to worry about missing the upcoming election. ,” said Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins.

For more information about who is eligible to vote absentee by-mail click here or to find your local election commission click here.