Technology (Elections)

SB 159 prohibits most voters from casting ballots using voting machines or equipment connected to the internet, amending Tennessee election laws to ban internet-based ballot transmission. The bill directly affects all Tennessee voters except military personnel and citizens living overseas, who retain existing internet voting options under current law. Key provisions add a new rule requiring voting equipment to block internet ballot transmission, except for authorized military and overseas voters. This change aims to restrict internet voting access for the general electorate while preserving existing exceptions.

SB 645, a Tennessee legislative bill that was withdrawn on March 25, 2025, would have made three key changes to voting rules. It would have banned online voting for most voters (except military and overseas citizens who already have specific provisions), prohibited using post office boxes for voter registration or voting addresses, and required voters who moved counties within Tennessee to vote based on their current residence without needing to update registration. The bill directly affected all Tennessee voters by altering how they register, establish residency, and cast ballots. It amended Tennessee Code Annotated Title 2, specifically sections on voting equipment, address requirements, and residency voting rules.