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Bill

SB 347

Election Laws - As introduced, revises the definition of "signature" for purposes of certain election-related documents, including absentee ballot and voter registration forms, and petitions for nomination, referendum, or another purpose; revises requirements for signing such petitions. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

SB 347 redefines "signature" standards for Tennessee election documents including ballots and voter registrations, potentially expanding acceptable signature formats beyond handwritten marks.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 347

Legislative bill overview

SB 347 modifies Tennessee election law by redefining what qualifies as a "signature" on election-related documents such as absentee ballots, voter registration forms, and nomination/referendum petitions. The bill also adjusts the requirements for how these documents must be signed, potentially broadening acceptable signature formats beyond traditional handwritten signatures.

Why is this important

Signature requirements directly affect ballot access, voter registration verification, and the validity of petitions. Changes to these definitions can impact election administration efficiency, accessibility for certain voters (including those with disabilities), and the security measures used to prevent fraud. These are foundational elements of election integrity and participation.

Potential points of contention

  • Signature security vs. accessibility trade-off: Broadening signature definitions may make voting more accessible but could raise concerns about verification security and fraud prevention if standards become too lenient
  • Implementation challenges: Election officials may face operational difficulties if the new definition creates ambiguity about what signatures are acceptable, potentially leading to inconsistent application across counties
  • Petition validity concerns: Changes to petition signature requirements could affect the threshold difficulty for getting candidates on ballots or placing initiatives/referendums before voters, with implications for both ballot access and petition credibility

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

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