✶ Voting While Disabled in Nashville
Disabled voters in Nashville have multiple options for voting safely, comfortably, and legally.
This guide covers accessibility features, important dates, curbside voting, absentee rules,
transportation tips, and what to expect at Tennessee polling places.
✶ 2026 Tennessee Election Dates
- Registration Deadline: October 7, 2026
- Early Voting: October 14–29, 2026
- Absentee Request Deadline: October 29, 2026
- Election Day: November 3, 2026
Official election calendar:
Davidson County Election Commission
✶ Ways Disabled Voters Can Vote
Early Voting (Most Accessible)
Early voting sites in Nashville typically have shorter lines, more parking, and more staff
available to help. This is the easiest option for many disabled voters.
Election Day Voting
- Every polling place must have an ADA-compliant voting machine
- You may request curbside voting
- You may bring someone to assist you
- You may request to skip the line if you cannot stand
Absentee Voting
Tennessee allows absentee voting for voters with temporary or permanent disabilities.
Request your ballot here:
Tennessee Secretary of State – Elections
Permanent Absentee List
Voters with permanent disabilities may apply once and automatically receive ballots for
every election. Requires a doctor’s note.
✶ Accessibility Features at Nashville Polling Places
Curbside Voting
If you cannot enter the polling place, a poll worker will bring a ballot to your vehicle.
No medical proof required.
Assistance Inside
You may bring a caregiver, friend, or family member to help you read or mark your ballot.
Poll workers may also assist.
Accessible Voting Machines
- Audio ballots
- Large print
- Tactile buttons
- Adjustable height
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed in all polling places.
✶ What You Need to Bring
Tennessee requires a photo ID for in-person voting.
- Tennessee driver’s license
- Tennessee state ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
- Tennessee handgun carry permit
Absentee voters do not need photo ID.
✶ Transportation Options
WeGo AccessRide: Door-to-door paratransit service.
Note: AccessRide requires an application and an in‑person or phone evaluation to determine eligibility. Approval is not immediate, so apply early.
https://www.wegotransit.com/ride/transit-services/access/
Uber WAV availability varies by neighborhood.
✶ Your Legal Rights as a Disabled Voter
- You cannot be denied curbside voting
- You cannot be denied assistance
- You cannot be denied priority access if you cannot stand
- Polling places must be accessible under the ADA
If you experience discrimination, report it to the Davidson County Election Commission:
https://www.nashville.gov/departments/elections
✶ Quick Voting Checklist
- Check your registration status
- Choose early voting, Election Day, or absentee
- Arrange transportation
- Bring your ID
- Request curbside voting if needed
- Ask for the ADA machine
- Bring a caregiver if you want assistance