Key Election Dates

Key Election Dates

2026 Election Cycle

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – State and County Primary Election

Primary elections may be held for state judicial offices and applicable county offices, subject to the call by political parties.

Deadline to Call Primary: Monday, August 25, 2025

Deadline to Rescind Call for Primary: Friday, November 21, 2025

First Day to Pick Up Petitions: Monday, December 22, 2025

*Qualifying Deadline: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12:00 Noon

* This qualifying deadline applies to primary candidates, candidates nominated by caucus, and independent candidates for the offices on the May primary ballot.

Withdrawal Deadline: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 12:00 Noon

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, April 6, 2026

Early Voting Period: Wednesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 30, 2026

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Thursday, August 6, 2026 – Primary and General Election

Primary elections will be held for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), Tennessee House, and Republican and Democratic State Executive Committees. General elections will be held for vacant state judicial offices and applicable county offices.

First Day to Pick Up Petitions: Friday, January 9, 2026

*Qualifying Deadline: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 12:00 Noon

* This qualifying deadline applies to primary and independent candidates for the offices on the August primary ballot

Withdrawal Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 12:00 Noon

Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Early Voting: Friday, July 17 – Saturday, August 1, 2026

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – State and Federal General Election

All candidates (including independents) for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), and Tennessee House must follow the qualifying dates for the August election. For municipal elections held with the November election, the qualifying dates below apply.

First Day to Pick Up Petitions: Monday, June 22, 2026

Qualifying Deadline: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 12:00 Noon

Withdrawal Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 12:00 Noon

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026

Early Voting: Wednesday, October 14 – Thursday, October 29, 2026

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Saturday, October 24, 2026