After A Year In The Works, Online Voter Registration Goes Live In Tennessee

Tennesseans interested in becoming voters can now register online.

The Secretary of State’s office says it has initiated a “soft launch” of the long-awaited system that could replace in-person and mail-in registration. Up until now, Tennesseans who move, have their registrations purged for inactivity, or have never been registered have had to contact their county election commissions directly or sign up in person through one of six state agencies.

The online system passed the state legislature last year with bipartisan support. State Sen. Lee Harris, D-Memphis, was among its co-sponsors. He hopes it’ll help reverse a trend toward lower voter participation.

“People can just go online and register, and they can do it, I’ve been told, in three minutes or less. So I think it’s going to be a boon to Tennessee.”

Voters are required to register at least 30 days prior to an election to take part. Registrants must have a Tennessee driver’s license or photo ID to complete the process online.

The system will check applications against existing databases. Election officials say that will help spot errors.