The 114th General Assembly concluded its session earlier this year, enacting a series of significant changes to Tennessee’s electoral framework. Among the key measures passed is a law that mandates primary elections as the default method for political party nominations in local contests. While counties that currently utilize caucuses are permitted to continue their practice, those that have adopted primaries are required to maintain that system. Senator Joey Hensley voiced his dissent regarding this legislation, contending that counties should have the autonomy to determine their own electoral procedures.
In addition to this, the state budget allocates $8 million to support the primary elections scheduled for 2026. Another noteworthy piece of legislation instructs election coordinators to provide training for local officials on how to identify temporary identification cards issued to non-citizens. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing non-citizen voting and follows a previous law enacted during a special session, which established a framework for issuing temporary licenses and permits to non-citizens residing in Tennessee.
Furthermore, the verification process for voter eligibility has been enhanced. Under the new regulations, checks on citizenship status and felony records will be conducted prior to the approval of voter registration. A secure portal will be developed by the Coordinator of Elections, the Department of Safety, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to facilitate real-time confirmation of eligibility.
In a move to synchronize electoral processes, school board elections will now coincide with those of county legislative bodies, adopting the same staggered terms and limits that apply to county commissioners. Additionally, lawmakers have revised the procedure for restoring voting rights to individuals with felony convictions. The updated system simplifies the process of regaining suffrage without necessitating a full pardon, although certain eligibility criteria must still be met, including the repayment of restitution, court costs, and child support obligations.
For individuals with multiple felony convictions, the restoration process must be completed separately for each offense. Notably, those convicted of the most serious crimes—such as murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud—will remain permanently disqualified from voting.