This upcoming election is many college students’ first time voting.
If you are a college student planning to vote in the Presidential Election this November, Early Voting or Absentee Voting (vote by mail) is an available option.
“Don’t wait,” Davidson County Election Commissioner Nancy DeKalb said in a statement. “Plan ahead and decide when and where you will vote.”
DeKalb said college students can vote early at any of the 12 Davidson County Early Voting locations, which will be open October 19 – November 3, including Saturdays and some evenings.
“This is a great option if you plan to carpool or vote with friends,” DeKalb noted.
Students have also the option of absentee voting. If you have registered in person with the Election Commission or have voted in a previous election in Davidson County, you can complete the Absentee Ballot request form in the voters’ section, but it must be received by the Absentee Department by November 1. Students should mail their ballots to arrive at the Election Commission office by Election Day, November 8.
Election Day is November 8, and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, students can vote at their assigned voting locations listed on their voter registration cards or use the Polling Place Finder.
To vote, students need a photo ID, such as a Tennessee driver’s license or U.S. passport, issued by either the federal or Tennessee state government; however, Student IDs are not an acceptable form of identification. Students can receive a free photo ID for voting purposes from the Tennessee Department of Safety at any participating driver service center.
Out-of-state students can look at their home county election guidelines so they can vote early or by mail in their home county/state, but it is required to change residency to Davidson County if voting in Nashville. DeKalb notes that this could affect certain scholarships and tuition.
Photo courtesy of Davidson County Election Commission