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HB 943

Election Laws - As introduced, requires a candidate's name on a nominating petition to match the candidate's name as it appears on the candidate's voter registration record; prohibits the use of nicknames, abbreviations, and variations in spelling of candidates' names on ballots. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Mitchell

Tennessee bill requiring exact voter registration name matching on ballots, eliminating nicknames and abbreviations for candidates, failed subcommittee review.

Failed in s/c Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 943

Legislative bill overview

HB 943 would require candidates' names on nominating petitions and ballots to exactly match their voter registration records, eliminating the use of nicknames, abbreviations, and alternative spelling variations. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 2, which governs elections. This measure failed in the Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee on March 11, 2025.

Why is this important

Name standardization on ballots affects ballot access and voter recognition of candidates. Many politicians have used professionally recognized nicknames or shortened names throughout their careers and public profiles, so this requirement could create confusion or barriers for candidates whose public identities differ from formal registration records. The change would also impact voter decision-making if candidates appear on ballots under unfamiliar legal names rather than names they've built recognition under.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot recognition vs. legal consistency: Voters may not recognize candidates by their full legal names if they've campaigned or built public profiles under nicknames or shortened versions
  • Candidate burden and fairness: The requirement could disadvantage candidates with lengthy or unusual legal names, or those from communities with naming traditions different from English conventions
  • Election administration: The provision creates additional verification requirements for election officials and potentially increases dispute resolution over name matching between voter registration and nominating petitions

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

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