ELECTION CALENDAR
Key Dates for the 2026 Election Cycle
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: