How do local out-of-state students vote? What to know in TN

Election Day can be difficult for a college student to navigate.

For both Tennesseans and out-of-state voters, knowing where to register to vote or how to cast a ballot can be confusing.

Here’s what students should know before heading to the ballot box.

Can absentee students vote in Tennessee?

Tennessee has more stringent absentee voting requirements than other states. However, Full-time students can vote by correspondence if they attend a college or university outside the county where they are registered to vote.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot in Tennessee is Tuesday, October 29. You can find application here.

Can students vote on where they go to school?

This depends on where the voter is registered. If a student lives near a college or university and has registered to vote at that address, they can vote there in person.

Please note that students will need to register to vote in their Tennessee county 30 days before Election Day, and that deadline has already passed.

How do students vote out of state?

Out-of-state voters should follow the guidelines of the state in which they are registered to vote. Every country has it own deadlines and requirements when it comes to postal voting.

Can students studying abroad vote?

Yes! Voters residing abroad during the early voting period and throughout the day on Election Day are also entitled to vote by mail.

What should voters take with them to the polls?

In Tennessee, voters going to the polls will be required to show photo ID. College or university ID cards are not accepted for voting purposes.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

American passport
Tennessee Department of Homeland Security photo ID
U.S. Army photo ID (active or retired)
Tennessee carry permit with photo
A photo ID issued by the federal or state government of Tennessee

What do first-time voters need to take with them to the polls?

In addition to ID, first-time voters who register by mail will need to provide additional documentation. Voters should bring additional government documentation showing their name and address.

Examples of government documents include:

a copy of the current utility bill
bank statement
government control
paycheck
another government document containing the voter’s name and address.

Can students benefit from free travel to the polling stations on election day?

Yes! For voters in Nashville, Nashville Transit Authority offers free bus rides all day on November 5. Knoxville Area Transit buses offer free rides to Students at the University of Tennessee if they show their Vol card.

Additionally, Lyft offers discounted rides across the country on Election Day to help voters get to the polls.