2026 Voter Guide
2026 Voter Guide
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. · Rutherford County, Tennessee
Your Guide to Voting in Rutherford County
We believe democracy works best when every voice is heard - and that starts with voting. This guide was created to help you make informed choices before you head to the polls.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. We don't support or oppose any candidate or political party. Our only goal is to give you clear, accurate information so you can decide for yourself.
We are on a mission to move Tennessee from last place in voter participation. Make your plan to vote - and share this guide with everyone you know.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | August 6 Election | November 3 Election |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration Deadline | July 7, 2026 | October 5, 2026 |
| Early Voting Period | July 17 – August 1 | October 14 – 29 |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | July 27, 2026 | October 24, 2026 |
| Election Day | August 6, 2026 | November 3, 2026 |
What's on the Ballot?
The May 5, 2026 primary determined Republican and Democratic candidates for the following positions. Some will be contested in August; others are uncontested.
August 6, 2026 — State & Federal Primary + Rutherford County General + Murfreesboro Municipal
- TN Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress 4th District
- TN Senate 13th District
- TN House of Representatives — 34th, 37th, 48th, 49th & 13th Districts
- County Mayor, Trustee, Sheriff, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Register of Deeds
- County Commissioners — Districts 1–21
- County School Board — Zones 1, 4, 7
- Road Board — Zones 1, 4, 7
- Smyrna Town Court Clerk
- Murfreesboro Mayor & City Council (3 seats)
November 3, 2026 — State & Federal General + Municipal Elections
- TN Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress 4th District
- TN State Senate 13th District
- TN House of Representatives — 34th, 37th, 48th, 49th & 13th Districts
- Eagleville City — Mayor & 3 Council seats
- La Vergne City — Mayor & 2 Council seats
- Town of Smyrna — Mayor & 3 Council seats
In May 2026, the Tennessee General Assembly adopted revised congressional district boundaries. Some Rutherford County voters are now in a different congressional district than before. Check your district — don't assume it hasn't changed.
Look up your district at sos.tn.gov/announcements/2026-congressional-redistricting.
Who Are My Candidates?
Candidates for the upcoming August local elections are listed below. Visit vote411.org to learn more about state-level candidates. Websites are linked where available; social media pages are linked where no website exists.
Where Can I Vote?
As a registered voter in Rutherford County, you can vote at any of the 30 Vote Centers listed below — no assigned polling place. All locations are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Check rutherfordcountytn.gov/voting-centers for the latest information.
Christiana Christiana Middle School 4675 Shelbyville Pike | Eagleville Eagleville Community Center 317 Old Highway 99 | LaVergne LaVergne Middle School 382 Stones River Rd |
LaVergne Rock Springs Elementary School 1000 Waldron Road | Lascassas Lascassas Elementary School 6300 Lascassas Pike | Milton Milton Church of Christ 12155 Lascassas Pike |
Murfreesboro Barfield Elementary School 350 Veterans Parkway | Murfreesboro Blackman High School 3956 Blaze Drive | Murfreesboro Blackman United Methodist Church 4380 Manson Pike |
Murfreesboro Browns Chapel Elementary 6128 Baker Road | Murfreesboro Cason Lane Academy 1330 Cason Lane | Murfreesboro Central Magnet School 701 East Main Street |
Murfreesboro Hobgood Elementary School 307 Baird Lane South | Murfreesboro Lane Agri-Park Livestock Pavilion 315 John Rice Blvd | Murfreesboro Leanna Church of Christ 4198 Sulphur Springs Rd |
Murfreesboro Mitchell-Neilson Primary School 1303 Jones Blvd | Murfreesboro Middle TN Association of Realtors 311 Butler Drive | Murfreesboro North Blvd Church of Christ 1112 North Rutherford Blvd |
Murfreesboro Siegel Middle School 355 West Thompson Lane | Murfreesboro SportsCom 2310 Memorial Blvd | Murfreesboro Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School 5555 Manchester Pike |
Murfreesboro Wilson Elementary School 1545 Cut Off Road | Murfreesboro World Outreach Church – Leadership Park 1921 New Salem Rd | Readyville Kittrell Elementary School 7801 Old Woodbury Pike |
Rockvale Rockvale Middle School 6543 Highway 99 | Smyrna Cedar Grove Elementary School 354 Chaney Rd | Smyrna Smyrna Elementary School 1001 Sam Davis Road |
Smyrna Smyrna Middle School 712 Hazelwood Drive | Smyrna Stewarts Creek Elementary School 200 Red Hawk Parkway | Smyrna Stewartsboro Elementary School 10479 Old Nashville Hwy |
Voter Registration Info
You can register to vote in Tennessee if you are a U.S. citizen, a Tennessee resident, will be at least 18 on or before Election Day, and have no felony convictions (or have had your voting rights restored).
Check Your Registration
Visit GoVoteTN.gov or tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup to check your status, find your polling place, track your absentee ballot, and view sample ballots.
How to Register
Online: Go to GoVoteTN.gov. You'll need a Tennessee driver's license or state ID.
By Paper: Download the form at sos.tn.gov or pick one up at the Rutherford County Election Commission.
You must register at least 30 days before Election Day. The deadline for the August 6 election is July 7.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
Tennessee requires a qualifying reason to vote absentee. Qualifying reasons include: being away from your county on Election Day, illness or disability, being 60 or older, military/overseas voter status, residing in a licensed care facility, being enrolled in Safe at Home, or being a poll worker assigned outside your own precinct.
Request your ballot at GoVoteTN.gov. Your signed envelope must be received by the time polls close on Election Day. Track your ballot at GoVoteTN.gov.
Rutherford County Election Commission
1 South Public Square, Suite 103, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Email: election.commission@rutherfordcountytn.gov
rutherfordcountytn.gov/election
Voter Preparation Checklist
- Confirm that you are registered to vote
- Verify your current address and voter registration information
- Find your polling location and voting hours
- Review your sample ballot and research candidates
- Decide whether you will vote early, absentee, or on Election Day
- If voting absentee, request and return your ballot before the deadline
- Make a plan for when and how you will vote
- Arrange transportation, childcare, or time off work if needed
- Locate a valid federal or Tennessee-issued photo ID
- Review any local races, referendums, or ballot questions
- Encourage family, friends, and neighbors to make a voting plan
- Vote!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ID do I need to vote?
Tennessee law requires a valid federal or Tennessee state-issued photo ID — such as a Tennessee driver's license or photo ID card, U.S. passport, or military photo ID. Student IDs are not accepted, even from Tennessee colleges or universities. Your ID may be expired but must still be recognizable.
Can I vote early anywhere in the county?
Yes. During the early voting period, registered voters in Rutherford County may vote at any designated early voting location in the county.
What if I need assistance voting?
Voters who need assistance due to a disability, difficulty reading or writing, or other qualifying reason may receive help while voting. You may bring a person of your choice to assist you (with some exceptions under Tennessee law). Polling locations are equipped with accessible voting equipment.
I recently moved to the area. What do I need to do?
If you recently moved to Rutherford County, register to vote at your current address before the voter registration deadline. You can register online through the Tennessee Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at the Election Commission. Also update your address if you've moved within Rutherford County.
What is the purpose of primary elections?
Primary elections are used by political parties to select their nominees for the general election ballot. Instead of party leaders choosing candidates, voters help decide which candidates will represent each party in the next stage of the election.
Do I have to vote for a certain party in the primary?
Tennessee does not require voters to register by party affiliation. When you arrive to vote in a primary, you may choose which party's ballot you want. However, you may only vote in one party's primary during that election.
Can I vote again in August if I vote in the primary?
Yes. Voting in a primary does not prevent you from voting in the August general election. Eligible voters may participate in both elections.
Helpful Links
- Rutherford County Election Commission rutherfordcountytn.gov/election
- GoVoteTN GoVoteTN.gov — check registration, sample ballots, polling places
- Vote411 vote411.org — nonpartisan candidate questionnaires
- LWV Tennessee lwv-tn.org — statewide voter education
- Rutherford County Government rutherfordcountytn.gov
- 2026 Redistricting Maps sos.tn.gov/announcements/2026-congressional-redistricting
Contact Information
Rutherford County Election Commission
1 South Public Square, Suite 103
Murfreesboro, TN 37130