Tennessee Code Title 2. Elections § 2-19-143

Current as of January 02, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) The following provisions govern the exercise of the right of suffrage for those persons convicted of an infamous crime:

(1) A person who has been convicted of an infamous crime, as defined by § 40-20-112, in this state shall not register to vote or vote at an election unless:

(A) The person has been pardoned by the governor and the person's right of suffrage has been restored as prescribed by the law of this state for each felony conviction; or

(B) The person's right of suffrage has otherwise been restored as prescribed by the law of this state for each felony conviction;

(2) A person who has been convicted in federal court of a crime or offense which would constitute an infamous crime under the laws of this state, regardless of the sentence imposed, shall not register to vote or vote at an election unless:

(A) The person has been pardoned by the president of the United States and the person's right of suffrage has been restored as prescribed by the law of this state for each felony conviction; or

(B) The person's right of suffrage has otherwise been restored as prescribed by the law of this state for each felony conviction; and

(3) A person who has been convicted in another state of a crime or offense which would constitute an infamous crime under the laws of this state, regardless of the sentence imposed, shall not register to vote or vote at an election in this state unless:

(A) The person has been pardoned by the governor or other appropriate authority of such other state and the person's right of suffrage has been restored as prescribed by the law of this state for each felony conviction; or

(B) The person's right of suffrage has otherwise been restored as prescribed by the law of this state for each felony conviction.

(b) The right of suffrage is restored by operation of law on May 2, 2025 to a person who forfeited the right of suffrage only because of a felony conviction prior to January 15, 1973.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code

Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Tennessee Code Title 2. Elections § 2-19-143 - last updated January 02, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-2-elections/tn-code-sect-2-19-143/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Did FindLaw Help You Understand This Legal Issue?

Make It a Preferred Google Search Source

Add to Google

Latest Blog Posts

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)