Key Dates for the 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 deadline applies to primary candidates, caucus-nominated candidates, and independent candidates for offices on the May 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 both major parties’ 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 deadline applies to primary and independent candidates for the offices on the August 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 for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), and Tennessee House must follow the August election’s qualifying dates. For municipal elections held in November, the 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 |