Nashville early voting: What you need to know about the May primary

Nashville Tennessean

Voters can start casting their ballots for Davidson County's May 3 primary election as early as Wednesday.

Early voting for the primary runs April 13 through April 28.

Two contenders for district attorney are vying against incumbent Glenn Funk for the Democratic nomination, one of the most high-profile races on the ballot.

Nearly all of Nashville's judges are up for reelection after serving eight year-terms, though some announced retirement plans leaving open seats for newcomers.

Also on the ballot are candidates for sheriff, public defender, county trustee, register of deeds and circuit, criminal and juvenile court clerks.

In addition, for the first time, Davidson County — and numerous other districts across the state — will hold Democratic and Republican primaries for the Nashville school board. The winners will face off against each other, along with independent candidates, in the Aug. 4 county general election.

Here's what to know.

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Is it too late to register to vote this time?

Yes. The registration deadline for the May 3 primary election was April 4. To check your registration status, visit govotetn.com.

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How do I find where to vote?

You can cast your early vote for the May 3 primary election at any early voting location.

The Howard Office Building's Sonny West Conference Room at 700 Second Ave. S. will be the first early voting polling place to open April 13. It will remain open through April 28 (except Sundays).

All early voting locations will be open from April 20 through April 28, Monday through Saturday.

Early voting locations include:

Howard Office Building: 700 Second Ave. S. (open April 13-28)
Belle Meade City Hall: 4705 Harding Pike
Bellevue Library: 720 Baugh Road
Bordeaux Library: 4000 Clarksville Pike
Casa Azafrán Community Center: 2195 Nolensville Pike
Edmondson Pike Library: 5501 Edmondson Pike
Goodlettesville Community Center: 200 Memorial Drive, Goodlettsville
Green Hills Library: 3701 Benham Ave.
Hermitage Library: 3700 James Kay Lane, Hermitage
Madison Library: 610 Gallatin Pike S., Madison
Southeast Library: 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Antioch

When do early voting locations open and close?

The Howard Office Building is open for early voting April 13-28. All other early voting locations are open April 20-28.

Early voting locations are closed on Sundays and have the following weekday and Saturday hours:

Mondays and Fridays: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays and Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Do I need to bring a photo ID to vote in Tennessee?

Yes. Voters in Tennessee must bring a valid photo identification card, which can include a driver's license or photo ID issued by the state of Tennessee, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military photo ID or a Tennessee handgun carry permit that includes a photo.

College student IDs, city- or county-issued IDs and out-of-state photo IDs are not accepted.

You do not need to bring your voter registration card to vote.

What happens if I don't bring a photo identification to my polling place?

You will have to cast a provisional ballot. You will then have two business days after the election to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo identification. After that, you'll have to sign an affidavit, and a copy of your ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.

What ballot will I have?

Poll workers will ensure you have the correct ballot for your districts — you need only to bring your photo ID. You will be asked whether you prefer a Republican ballot or Democratic ballot.

Sample ballots have been mailed to registered voters and should arrive soon, according to Davidson County Election Administrator Jeff Roberts. Sample ballots can also be viewed at www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/voters/find-2022-election-information.

What's the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?

If you wish to vote absentee, you must request an absentee ballot by April 26, though the U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing your absentee voter request form to the Davidson County Election Commission no later than April 19.

The request form is available at www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/voters/find-2022-election-information.

You can track the date your ballot was issued and received at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/.

Can I leave work to vote?

Employers are required to give their employees paid time off to vote provided they have been given notice.

Mariah Timms contributed.