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HB 457

Election Laws - As enacted, revises present law relative to voting and county election commissions, such as requiring the commission to publish a notice of the location of the provisional counting board, prohibiting the commission from tabulating any marked ballots submitted via the internet, prohibiting voting machines from being connected to the internet, and making other changes. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tim Rudd

Tennessee law now bans internet-connected voting machines and prohibits tabulating internet-submitted ballots while requiring public disclosure of provisional ballot counting board locations to enhance election security and transparency.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 371
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 457

Legislative bill overview

HB 457 strengthens election security measures in Tennessee by prohibiting internet connectivity for voting machines, banning the tabulation of ballots submitted via internet, and requiring county election commissions to publicly post the location of provisional ballot counting boards. The bill amends Tennessee's election code to establish these safeguards in the voting process.

Why is this important

Election security and public confidence in voting systems are significant concerns in modern elections. These provisions directly address vulnerabilities related to digital interference and transparency—prohibiting internet-connected voting machines reduces theoretical cybersecurity risks, while requiring public notice of counting board locations increases transparency and allows for election observation.

Potential points of contention

  • Internet voting elimination: While the ban on internet ballot submission removes cybersecurity risks, it may reduce accessibility for certain voters (military overseas, disabled voters) who might benefit from remote voting options, though this could be mitigated through other secure remote methods
  • Implementation costs: County election commissions may face expenses upgrading or replacing voting equipment and establishing new procedural systems for provisional ballot handling
  • Scope of "marked ballots submitted via internet": The language could create ambiguity about what constitutes internet submission versus secure election transmission systems, potentially affecting legitimate election administration processes

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

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