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SB 981

Election Laws - As enacted, authorizes Hamblen County to participate in the convenience voting center pilot project. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 3, Part 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

SB 981 allows Hamblen County to operate convenience voting centers as a pilot program to expand voter access beyond traditional polling places.

Pub. Ch. 384
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Bill Summary · SB 981

Legislative bill overview

SB 981 authorizes Hamblen County, Tennessee to participate in a convenience voting center pilot project under state election law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 2, Chapter 3, Part 3 to enable this participation. The measure became effective May 5, 2025, and was signed into law by the Governor.

Why is this important

Convenience voting centers typically extend voting access beyond traditional polling places by offering options like early voting or same-day registration in accessible locations. For Hamblen County, this pilot project could increase voter participation and reduce Election Day congestion at regular polling sites. The outcomes may inform whether Tennessee expands such convenience voting mechanisms statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security concerns: Critics may worry that expanded voting access points could complicate ballot chain-of-custody procedures or election monitoring
  • Cost and resource allocation: Establishing and staffing convenience voting centers requires municipal budget expenditure, which some may view as unnecessary spending
  • Pilot program scope limitations: The bill applies only to Hamblen County, raising questions about whether results will be representative for statewide implementation decisions

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

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