▼

Absentee Voting

Show All Answers

1. How do I get an absentee ballot?

For information on obtaining absentee ballots, please view the following document. Guidelines for Requesting Absentee Ballots

2. Why must I state a reason for obtaining an absentee ballot?

It is state law that a reason is provided in the request for an absentee ballot.

3. When can I request the ballot, and when is the ballot due?

Written requests will be accepted no earlier than 90 days prior to an election and no less than seven days before the election. The application for the absentee ballot must be in the Shelby County Election Commission office no less than seven days before the election. Absentee ballots will be accepted up until 7:00 pm on Election Day. Any absentee ballot received after 7:00 pm on Election Day will be rejected.

▼

Candidate Petitions

Show All Answers

1. What forms of identification do I need to vote?

In the year 2011

At the poll, voters can show any ID with signature or voter registration card to vote. However, if you are a first time voter that registered by mail you are required to show your voter registration cards, drivers' license, or photo id with your name and signature. Campaign to Educate Public about Photo ID Requirem

2. Is there a cost to file a petition?

Only if the candidate is in the City of Memphis Muncipal Election. The cost of the filing fee is $100.00.

3. Can petitions be downloaded?

Petitions can only be issued at the Election Commission Offices.

4. How many signatures are required on a petition?

A minimum of twenty-Five (25) valid signatures of qualified registered voters are required.

5. Can a petition be picked up by someone other than the candidate?

Yes.

▼

Early Voting

Show All Answers

1. What is required to be eligible to vote early?

In order to be eligible to participate in early voting, you must be registered at least 30 days prior to an election.

2. Do I need a reason to vote early?

No. A voter may vote early purely for the sake of convenience.

3. What form of identification do I need to vote early?

First-time voters who registered by mail must have identification that includes the voter’s name, address, and signature. Persons that registered to vote in person or have voted in a previous election are only required to present evidence of their signature or sign an Affidavit of Identity.

4. Can I change my address or update my voter registration information at an early voting location?

Yes. A voter is able to change his or her address or update registration information at an early voting site. The voter will be mailed a new registration card with the current information printed on the card.

5. Can I vote at any location

Yes, through out Shelby County

▼

Election Officials

Show All Answers

1. What is the pay for election officials?

Several positions are available, ranging from $100-120. Election officials must attend a mandatory training class. The compensation for attending training is $30.

2. How long is the work day?

Election officials are expected to work a 14-hour day.

3. What are the requirements to become an election official?

You must be a registered voter in Shelby County and have an active voting history to become an election official.

▼

Financial Disclosures

Show All Answers

1. Where are financial disclosure reports filed?

Local Candidates file at the Shelby County Election Commission.

2. How do you close a campaign account?

Any campaign, PAC, or SMC accounts must have no outstanding loans, obligations, or balances.

3. Who must file a campaign financial disclosure?

Any political campaign, political action committee, or single measure committee.

4. How do I find out if I have a fine with the state registry or how much?

Contact the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance at 1-615-741-7959.

▼

Reports & GIS Maps

Show All Answers

1. Can I order reports online?

No. We do not have an online ordering process as of yet. To order a report, please call our office at (901) 545-2600.

2. What if I get the wrong report?

No problem. Contact our office at (901) 545-2600, and we will replace it at no additional charge.

3. Can the reports or map be emailed to me?

No. We have experienced problems when mailing to other external email post offices. We often have issues with mailbox size and with other email post offices assuming our attachments are viruses. However, you have a choice of pick-up at either of our locations. Report and GIS Map Ordering Information

▼

Voter Registration

Show All Answers

1. Who may register to vote?

Any citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age or older on or before the date of the next election and who is a resident of Tennessee may register to vote unless disqualified under the law. Voter Registration Guidelines

2. How can a qualified applicant register by mail?

Voter registration by mail forms may be obtained from Election Commission offices, the post office, a variety of other public offices across the state, and online. Properly completed voter registration forms may be submitted to the Election Commission via US mail, online, and by fax. All are considered in-mail registrations. Mail-In Application for Voter Registration

3. How and where may qualified applicants register?

Qualified applicants may register to vote by obtaining and completing a voter registration form and filing the form with the local Election Commission. Persons may register in Tennessee in person or by mail. Additional Registration Information

4. When may a qualified applicant register?

In order to participate in an election, a qualified applicant must be properly registered no later than 30 days before the election. The election commission office will process any by-mail voter registration form that has been postmarked at least 30 days before the election. Voter Registration Information

5. Where may a qualified applicant register in person?

Registration forms may be completed at the:

• County Clerk's Offices
• Department of Health (WIC program)
• Department of Human Services


• Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation
• Department of Safety (Department of Motor Vehicles)
• Department of Veteran Affairs
• Local Election Commission Offices
• Public Libraries
• Register of Deeds Offices

▼

Voting Machines FAQs

Show All Answers

1. What type of voting machine is used by Shelby County?

Shelby County currently uses the AccuVote TSX touch screen voting device that allows the voters to select their candidate of choice and cast their ballot on an LCD touch screen ballot display. The AccuVote TSX also allows those with limited or no vision to listen as a recorded ballot is narrated. Choices are made on a keypad rather than on the touch screen itself.
You can view a demonstration of the AccuVote TSX voting machine by clicking on “Voting Machine Demo” on our home page.

2. What is an electronic poll book (EPB)?

The electronic poll book replaces the paper poll book at the precinct. Registration data and the early voting and absentee participating voters data is loaded in the poll book at the end of the early voting period. The electronic poll book also contains the ballot style information that will ensure that each voter receives the correct ballot.

3. How are voting results tabulated at the close of polls?

The election close process is completed at the precinct as quickly as 15 minutes after the close of the polls. At end voting each voting unit will produce a paper tape of the voting results for the precinct. The election officials will transport the voting machine memory cards containing the voting results to one of the six reporting zones in the county, Election results are transmitted (upload) directly from the zone reporting sites on a closed network to the GEMS server located at the Election Commission. Election results may be viewed on election night on the Election Commission’s web site.

4. My school/organization is interested in using voting machines for their election. How do I make a request to use the voting machines?

The Shelby County Election Commission does permit the use of voting machines by a private or public organization. For more information contact the Operations Depart