Key Dates for the 2026 Election Cycle
Download a one-page summary with all dates
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - State and County Primary Election
Primary elections may be held for state judicial offices and applicable county offices, subject to the call by political parties.
| Deadline to Call Primary | Monday, August 25, 2025 |
| Deadline to Rescind Call for Primary | Friday, November 21, 2025 |
| First Day to Pick Up Petitions | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Qualifying Deadline* | Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| * This qualifying deadline applies to primary candidates, candidates nominated by caucus, and independent candidates for the offices on the May primary ballot. | |
| Withdrawal Deadline | Thursday, February 26, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| Voter Registration Deadline | Monday, April 6, 2026 |
| Early Voting Period | Wednesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 30, 2026 |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - Primary and General Election
Primary elections will be held for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), Tennessee House, and Republican and Democratic State Executive Committees. General elections will be held for vacant state judicial offices and applicable county offices.
| First Day to Pick Up Petitions | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Qualifying Deadline* | Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| * This qualifying deadline applies to primary and independent candidates for the offices on the August primary ballot | |
| Withdrawal Deadline | Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| Voter Registration Deadline | Tuesday, July 7, 2026 |
| Early Voting | Friday, July 17 – Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | Monday, July 27, 2026 |
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - State and Federal General Election
All candidates (including independents) for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Tennessee Senate (odd-numbered districts), and Tennessee House must follow the qualifying dates for the August election. For municipal elections held with the November election, the qualifying dates below apply.
| First Day to Pick Up Petitions | Monday, June 22, 2026 |
| Qualifying Deadline | Thursday, August 20, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| Withdrawal Deadline | Thursday, August 27, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| Voter Registration Deadline | Monday, October 5, 2026 |
| Early Voting | Wednesday, October 14 – Thursday, October 29, 2026 |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
The information on this page was provided by the office of the Secretary of State and was retrieved in November, 2025.
For the most up-to-date information, go to GoVoteTN or the McMinn County Election Commission.