What you need to know to register to vote in Tennessee
For those who are not yet registered to vote, the deadline is quickly approaching. The last day to register to vote in the state of Tennessee is Tuesday, Oct. 11.
For college students, the state or county in which to register is dependent upon where the official place of residence is. If the place of residence is out of state, then that address should be used for registration. If the student’s school address is considered the official place of residence, then registration should take place with that address and through the state of Tennessee.
However, if an out-of-state address is changed to a school Tennessee address, then the license plate, driver’s license and other state identifications must be changed to Tennessee as well.
“That’s where it gets a little tricky,” said Bethany McCoy, Lee University's Director of Community Relations. "Just because you’re a student here [at Lee] doesn’t mean you can vote in Tennessee.”
Each state has different guidelines for registration, and a full list of detailed instructions for all 50 states can be found at vote.org.
Absentee ballots can only be used if registration was done in person or if it is not one's first time voting.
Those who choose to mail in their registrations must appear in person the first time they vote in their county of residence.
Anyone in Cleveland who wants to vote in Tennessee can obtain a voter registration form from the Tennessee Division of Elections website, fill it out and mail it to:
Bradley County Election Commission
155 Broad Street NW
Cleveland, TN 37311
One may also register to vote in person by visiting the Bradley County Election Commission, local motor vehicle offices, human services or some designated government offices. Applicants must also bring a proof of residence, and more information can be found at bradleyelections.com.
The Lee University website has also published a summary of important things to know about the national and local elections as well as national voter registration at leeuniversity.edu/election.
