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Bill

SJR 612

Constitutional Amendments - Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Tennessee to authorize the General Assembly to set the dates and manner of elections. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Tennessee proposes amending its constitution to let the state legislature set election dates and procedures, currently limited by existing constitutional constraints.

Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 612

Legislative bill overview

SJR 612 proposes a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's state constitution that would grant the General Assembly (state legislature) the authority to establish the dates and manner of conducting elections. Currently, this power is constrained by existing constitutional provisions. The amendment would require voter approval through a referendum to take effect.

Why is this important

Election timing and procedures significantly affect voter participation rates, electoral outcomes, and the balance of power between state and federal authority. Granting legislatures broader control over election administration has been a contested issue nationally, with supporters arguing it enhances state sovereignty and opponents expressing concerns about potential partisan manipulation of voting rules and access.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal election authority conflicts: Federal law currently sets certain requirements for federal elections (e.g., Election Day timing). Expanding state legislative power could create legal conflicts with federal statutes and the U.S. Constitution.
  • Voter access concerns: Critics may worry this could enable restrictive election procedures, reduced early voting windows, or other changes that limit voter participation, particularly in underrepresented communities.
  • Partisan gerrymandering of election rules: Opponents could argue that giving legislatures unchecked election authority without constitutional safeguards risks partisan abuse in determining which voters have convenient access to ballots.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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