What is an open primary?

Tennessee does not register voters by party

When you register to vote in Tennessee, you do not pick a party. There is no "registered Democrat" or "registered Republican" on your voter record. The state simply lists you as a registered voter.

What happens on primary day

Because voters are not registered by party, Tennessee uses an open primary system. On primary day you walk into your polling place and tell the poll worker which party's ballot you would like: Democratic or Republican. You will receive that party's ballot and vote only in that party's primary.

You may vote in only one party primary in a given election.

Choosing a ballot is not joining a party

Asking for a party's primary ballot does not:

• Register you with that party.
• Sign you up for that party's mailings or membership.
• Prevent you from asking for the other party's ballot in a future primary.

It is a one-time choice for that election.