Focus shares a practical voter guide for Shelby County’s November 3 election, including important dates, polling locations, sample ballots, voter identification requirements and resources to help you cast your ballot.
Special to Focus
Election Day is approaching, and Shelby County voters will have an opportunity to help determine who represents them at the local, state and federal levels.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters will cast ballots in Tennessee’s state and federal general election and several municipal elections. Races include U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee governor, state legislative seats and local offices in participating municipalities.
With so many races and important decisions on the ballot, understanding when, where and how to vote is an important part of being prepared.
At Focus, we believe access to clear, reliable election information matters. This voter guide is designed to help readers navigate the voting process, review their sample ballots and find resources if they need assistance.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or have participated in elections for decades, a little preparation can make the process easier.
Mark Your Calendar
Here are the remaining important dates for Shelby County voters in the November 2026 election.
| Important event | Date |
|---|---|
| Early voting begins | October 14, 2026 |
| Last day to request an absentee ballot | October 24, 2026 |
| Early voting ends | October 29, 2026 |
| Election Day | November 3, 2026 |
Check Your Voter Information
Before heading to the polls, confirm your voting information, including your assigned precinct and polling location.
Tennessee’s GoVoteTN system allows voters to look up their voter information, assigned precinct, legislative districts and other election details.
Visit GoVoteTN.gov or use the Tennessee voter lookup at https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/.
You can also contact the Shelby County Election Commission directly at 901-222-1200 if you have questions about your voter information.
If you recently moved, changed your name or have not voted in several years, checking your information before Election Day can help prevent confusion when you arrive.
Early Voting Makes It Easier to Plan
Early voting in Shelby County begins Wednesday, October 14, and continues through Thursday, October 29.
During early voting, registered Shelby County voters can vote at any designated early voting location in the county, regardless of their assigned Election Day precinct.
That flexibility means you can choose a location near your home, workplace or another convenient destination.
Voting hours vary by date. The Shelby County Election Commission has published a list of early voting sites, addresses and operating hours.
Find early voting locations and hours:
https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/earlyvoting/Shelby
For those who work during traditional business hours, early voting includes evening and Saturday opportunities.
Where Do I Vote on Election Day?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.
Unlike early voting, Election Day voters must go to their assigned polling location.
Your polling place is determined by your registered residential address, and it may have changed since the last election.
To find your correct location, visit GoVoteTN.gov and search by your voter information or address.
Do not assume that the location where you voted previously is still your assigned precinct.
The Shelby County Election Commission can also help confirm your location.
Know What’s on Your Ballot
One of the most useful things you can do before voting is review your sample ballot.
Depending on where you live in Shelby County, your ballot may include federal, statewide, legislative and municipal contests.
Among the offices appearing in the November election are:
- United States Senate
- United States House of Representatives
- Tennessee governor
- Tennessee Senate, in districts holding elections
- Tennessee House of Representatives
- Municipal offices in participating communities
- Any applicable ballot questions
Not every Shelby County voter will see the same candidates or local contests.
Your congressional district, Tennessee legislative districts and municipality determine which races appear on your ballot.
Find your personalized sample ballot:
https://web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov/
Reviewing a sample ballot in advance allows you to learn about the offices, research candidates and read ballot questions before entering the voting booth.
Focus encourages readers to consult multiple reliable sources, including official candidate websites, public records and nonpartisan voter information organizations.
What Identification Do You Need?
Tennessee generally requires voters to present a federal or Tennessee state government-issued photo ID when voting in person.
Acceptable identification includes:
- Tennessee driver’s license with a photograph
- United States passport
- Federal or Tennessee state government-issued photo identification
- United States military photo identification
- Tennessee handgun carry permit with a photograph
An expired qualifying photo ID may be accepted. A REAL ID is not required.
College student IDs, identification issued by other states and city-issued photo IDs are not accepted under Tennessee’s standard voter ID requirements.
Certain exemptions apply, including for eligible voters with religious objections to being photographed and voters who cannot obtain identification without paying a fee.
If you arrive without the required identification, ask a poll worker about casting a provisional ballot and the steps required for it to be counted.
For complete identification requirements and exemptions, visit the Shelby County Election Commission at https://www.electionsshelbytn.gov/voter-id-requirements/.
Voting With a Disability or Accessibility Needs
Voting should be accessible to eligible voters, including people with disabilities.
Shelby County provides accessible voting equipment and voting procedures designed to accommodate different needs.
Voters who have difficulty seeing, reading, marking a ballot, standing for extended periods or accessing a polling location should contact the Election Commission before voting to learn about available accommodations.
Voters with disabilities may also have the right to receive assistance from a person of their choice, subject to applicable legal restrictions.
If you need assistance at a polling location, tell a poll worker what accommodation you need.
Voters who qualify for absentee voting because of age, disability or other circumstances should review Tennessee’s eligibility rules and application deadlines.
For accessibility questions, contact the Shelby County Election Commission at 901-222-1200.
What If Something Goes Wrong at the Polls?
Questions and problems can arise, even for experienced voters.
You may discover that your voter information is incorrect, your name does not appear on the precinct list or your identification raises a question.
If that happens, ask a poll worker or election official for an explanation before leaving.
You can contact the Shelby County Election Commission for help confirming your voter information and polling location.
Nonpartisan voter assistance organizations also provide information about voting rights and election procedures.
The Election Protection coalition operates a national voter assistance hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
If you believe you are eligible to vote but are told you cannot cast a regular ballot, ask about your options, including whether a provisional ballot is appropriate.
Why Local Elections Matter
National races often receive the most attention, but decisions made at the state and local levels also affect daily life in Memphis and Shelby County.
Elected officials make decisions involving public services, transportation, education, economic development, public safety and other issues that affect residents.
For LGBTQ+ residents and families, understanding how government works can also be useful when evaluating issues involving health care, employment, housing, education and civil rights.
These issues may be addressed by different levels of government, making it important to understand which responsibilities belong to each office.
Voting is a personal decision. Focus does not endorse candidates through this guide or tell readers how to vote.
Our goal is to provide information that makes it easier for readers to participate in the election process and make their own informed decisions.
Voter Resources and Assistance
Shelby County Election Commission
Official election information, sample ballots, polling locations, absentee voting and election assistance.
Website: https://www.electionsshelbytn.gov/
Phone: 901-222-1200
GoVoteTN
Official Tennessee voter information, personalized sample ballots and polling locations.
Website: https://web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov/
Election Protection
Nonpartisan voter assistance for questions about voting procedures, identification requirements and problems at the polls.
Website: https://866ourvote.org/
English: 866-687-8683
Spanish: 888-839-8682
Disability Rights Tennessee
Advocacy and information about accessible voting, accommodations and the rights of voters with disabilities.
Website: https://www.disabilityrightstn.org/
Phone: 800-342-1660
Be Informed. Vote.
Whether you vote early or on Election Day, preparation can help make the experience more straightforward.
Review your sample ballot. Confirm your polling location. Bring the required identification. And if you need assistance, know that resources are available.
Democracy depends on access to information and the opportunity for eligible voters to participate.
