Who May Register to Vote in Tennessee?

Any citizen of the United States, who is or will be eighteen (18) years of age or older before the date of the next election and who is a resident of Tennessee, may register to vote unless disqualified under the law. The registrar determines, from the voter’s answers to questions on the voter registration form and other questions, if necessary, whether the voter is entitled to register in Tennessee. T.C.A. 2-2-102 2-2-104, 2-2-107, 2-2-120, and 2-2-122.

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Principles For Determination of Residence

To determine whether a person is a resident of Tennessee, the registrar must consider the following factors:

1. The residence of a person is the place where the person’s habitation is fixed and is where, during periods of absence, the person definitely intends to return.

2. A person can have only one residence.

3. A change of residence is made not only by relocation, but also by intent to remain in the new location permanently, and by demonstrating actions consistent with that intention. The following factors may be considered:
   • The person’s possession, acquisition or surrender of inhabitable property;
   • Location of the person’s occupation;
   • Place of licensing or registration of the person’s personal property;
   • Place of payment of taxes which are governed by residence;
   • Purpose for a person’s presence in a particular place; and
   • Place of the person’s licensing for activities such as driving.

4. The place where a married person’s spouse and family live is presumed to be that person’s residence, unless that person takes up or continues abode with the intention of remaining in a place other than where the spouse and family reside.

5. No person gains or loses residency solely by presence in or absence from the state while employed in the service of the United States or this state, or while a student at an institution of higher learning, or while kept in an institution at public expense.

More Information:
Voter Registration of Homeless Persons
Voter Registration of Non-Resident Property Owners