Voting FAQs March
Before Election Day
Can I vote early in the March 4 election?
Yes! The early voting period runs from Feb. 12-Feb. 27.
See the three early voting locations in Hamilton County and the hours they’re open here.
Who can vote in the March 4 election?
Only citizens registered in the state of Tennessee and who reside within Chattanooga city limits can vote in the municipal election on March 4. The last day to register was Feb. 3.
Find a sample ballot specific to you through the Hamilton County Election Commission.
What is absentee voting, and can I do it?
Through absentee voting, voters request to be mailed a ballot, fill it out, and mail it to their county election commission. Only certain groups are eligible for absentee voting, including people over age 60, election workers, members of the military, and university students.
You can find out if you’re eligible here, and remember, only citizens who live in the City of Chattanooga can vote in the March 4 election.
Chattanoogans must submit a written request for an absent ballot to the Hamilton County Election Commission, which includes their name, address, birthday, and reason for voting absentee. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Feb. 22.
Absentee ballots must be returned, through the mail, by the time polls close on Nov. 5. Read more about how to request and submit an absentee ballot here.
Why aren’t there Democrats and Republicans in the city election?
It’s the law! Tennessee code requires all municipal elections to be nonpartisan, meaning candidates don’t run as Democrats, Republicans, or members of other political parties.
How can I learn who’s funding local candidates?
Hamilton County has its own campaign finance database. Candidates must appoint a treasurer before they can begin raising money, and they regularly have to submit forms detailing their donations and expenses. You can browse the database here.
On Election Day
Where is my polling place on Election Day?
Dozens of polling places in Chattanooga will be open on March 4. But you have to vote at the polling place assigned to you.
What happens if I go to the wrong polling place?
You are only allowed to vote at the polling place that corresponds to your address. If you go to the wrong one, you won’t be able to vote there and will be redirected to the correct polling place, according to a Hamilton County Election Commission representative we spoke with.
To avoid any confusion, it’s best to find your polling place before you go vote. Find your Election Day polling place here.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
All voters must have a photo ID to vote in Tennessee. That can be a driver’s license with a photo, a photo ID issued by the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security, or another form of photo ID issued by the state or federal government.
Even if you’re photo ID is expired, it will still be accepted at the polling place. Student IDs are not an acceptable form of photo ID in Tennessee.
What if I don’t have a photo ID?
If you go to your polling place without a photo ID, you’ll have to cast a provisional ballot. Your vote won’t count unless you go to the election commission within two business days after Election Day, present your photo ID, and sign a form.
However, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can send you a free photo ID that you can use to vote. To get one, you must provide your birth certificate and two documents proving your Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill or vehicle registration.
Make a plan to vote!
Whether you’re new to voting or a regular at the polls, knowing when and where you’ll cast your ballot is a great way to take some stress out of the process. Fill out the form below, and we’ll send a friendly nudge on the day you plan to vote to help make it a breeze.