It’s Election Day: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls

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In The Know with Gino…

Tennessee voters head to the polls today, Tuesday, November 3rd, to make decisions about the state’s future. Here’s a look at what’s on the ballot, the proposed constitutional amendments, and how to find your polling location before the day is over.

If you haven’t made it to the polls yet, there’s still time to make your voice heard.

Tennessee voters are heading to the polls today for the 2026 State and Federal General Election. Several important races are on the ballot, including Governor, U.S. Senate, congressional seats, and positions in the Tennessee General Assembly. Depending on where you live, there may also be local races and municipal elections to decide.

And there’s more than just candidates on the ballot. Tennessee voters will also be asked to weigh in on three proposed amendments to the state’s constitution.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know.

What Are We Voting For?

Some of the biggest races on today’s ballot include:

• Governor of Tennessee: Voters will choose who leads the state for the next four years.
• U.S. Senate: A statewide race that will determine one of Tennessee’s representatives in the United States Senate.
• U.S. House of Representatives: Congressional races that will determine who represents Tennessee in Washington.
• Tennessee General Assembly: Voters in eligible districts will decide state Senate and House races.
• Local elections: Depending on your community, there may also be races for city commissions, mayors, council seats, and other local positions.

Your specific ballot depends on where you live, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to review it before heading out.

3 Proposed Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot

One of the other major components of this year’s election involves 3 proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. Here’s what each one addresses:

Amendment 1: Changes to Pretrial Bail Eligibility

This proposal would allow courts to deny bail before trial for additional serious offenses, including second-degree murder, certain aggravated sexual offenses, terrorism, grave torture, and certain crimes carrying an 85% minimum sentence requirement.

It would also require judges to document their reasons for granting or denying bail in these cases.

Amendment 2: State Property Tax

This proposal would prohibit the Tennessee Legislature from imposing a state-level property tax on real, personal, or mixed property.

Importantly, this does not eliminate existing city or county property taxes. It specifically addresses the state’s authority to impose a property tax.

Amendment 3: Rights of Crime Victims

This proposal would expand and clarify constitutional protections for crime victims.

Among the provisions are additional rights involving fair treatment, protection from harassment and intimidation, participation in parole proceedings, notification of release dates, and consideration of victims’ and public safety when decisions about an offender’s release are made.

These are yes-or-no questions on your ballot, and voters should take the time to understand what each proposed change would mean.

Where Do You Vote? Here’s How to Find Your Polling Place

If you haven’t voted yet, don’t assume your polling location is the same as someone else’s, or even that it’s the same place you voted in a previous election.

The easiest way to find your assigned polling location, check your voter registration, and view your sample ballot is through Tennessee’s official voter information website:

VISIT GOVOTETN.GOV

You can use the site to:

• Find your assigned Election Day polling location.
• Check your voter registration status.
• View your sample ballot.
• Find additional Tennessee election information.

Hamilton County voters can also visit the Hamilton County Election Commission website for local polling information, sample ballots, and election updates.

A Few Important Things to Remember Before You Go

• Polls are open today until 8 p.m. Make sure you get to your assigned polling location before closing.
• Bring an acceptable photo ID. Tennessee accepts qualifying photo identification issued by the state of Tennessee or the federal government. Some expired IDs are still accepted, but student IDs are not.
• You must already be registered to vote. Tennessee’s registration deadline for this election was October 5th, so same-day registration is not available.
• Early voting has ended. Today is the final opportunity to cast your ballot in this election.

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Vote

Whether you’re interested in the governor’s race, congressional representation, local government, or the proposed constitutional amendments, today’s election gives Tennessee voters an opportunity to participate in decisions that will affect their communities and their state.

If you haven’t voted yet, take a few minutes to look up your polling location and review your ballot.

Again, visit GoVoteTN.gov for everything you need to get started.

Happy Election Day!