KNOXVILLE, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – As Tennesseans cast ballots on Election Day, state election officials are reminding voters that a valid photo ID is required to vote in person.
Under Tennessee law, registered voters must present a photo identification card issued by either the State of Tennessee or the federal government before receiving a ballot. Officials note that eligible IDs may still be accepted even if they have expired.
Accepted Forms of Identification
Election officials say voters may use any of the following forms of identification:
- U.S. Passport
- Tennessee driver’s license with a photograph
- Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- U.S. Military photo ID
- Tennessee handgun carry permit with a photograph
IDs That Are Not Accepted
Some commonly used identification cards do not meet Tennessee’s voter ID requirements.
The following are not accepted:
- College or university student IDs
- Library cards
- IDs issued by other states
- Photo IDs not issued by the state or federal government
- Tennessee Department of Safety photo IDs issued to non-citizens
Voters Exempt from the Requirement
Certain voters are exempt from Tennessee’s photo ID requirement, including:
- Voters casting absentee ballots by mail
- Residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- Voters who are hospitalized
- Individuals with a religious objection to being photographed
- Voters who cannot obtain an acceptable ID without paying a fee
What Happens If You Forget Your ID?
Election officials say voters who arrive at a polling location without an acceptable photo ID are still entitled to cast a provisional ballot.
However, those voters must present valid identification to their local county election commission office within two business days after Election Day. If proper identification is provided within that timeframe, the provisional ballot can be counted.
Officials encourage voters to check their identification before heading to the polls to avoid delays and ensure a smooth voting experience.
