Tennessee’s early voting period is complete, with more than 1.28 million people casting ballots before Election Day.¶
According to the Tennessee Firefly’s early-voting tracker, the state’s final Day 14 report shows 1,280,642 Tennesseans voted early or absentee ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. The total gives voters and election officials a final look at turnout before Election Day voting begins. The figure covers votes cast before Election Day, including in-person early voting, returned absentee ballots, and voting at licensed facilities such as nursing homes.¶
Final Turnout Tops 1.28 Million
This year’s early and absentee vote was 45 percent higher than the 2022 governor’s race, when 882,310 ballots were cast before Election Day. It was 7 percent lower than 20, when 1,378,840 Tennesseans voted early or absentee.¶
The higher turnout was spread across nearly the entire state, with 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties finishing ahead of their 2022 early-voting total. Johnson County was the only county that did not finish ahead, matching its 2022 total exactly at 2,608 votes. That shows the increase was not limited to the state’s largest counties or one region. Early voting turnout shows how many people chose to cast ballots before Election Day, but it does not show which candidates they supported or predict the final result.¶
Track Turnout Across Tennessee
The Tennessee Firefly’s tracker lets readers compare final 2026 early-voting turnout with the 2022 and 2018 governor’s races and review results county by county. It includes statewide totals, county comparisons, regional breakdowns, and turnout information using daily data from the Tennessee Secretary of State. Voters can also use the Firefly’s voting guide to prepare for Nov. 3. The guide includes information on Election Day voting, photo ID requirements, polling places, sample ballots, and other details voters may need before heading to the polls.¶
Election Day Is Next
Tennesseans who did not vote early can still cast a ballot Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting locations are no longer open, so voters must go to their assigned Election Day polling place rather than any location that was available during early voting. Most voters casting a ballot in person must show an acceptable photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government, though state law includes limited exemptions. Voters can use the state’s GoVoteTN lookup to confirm their assigned polling place and review their sample ballot before Election Day.¶
