Democracy & Voting

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. ACLU-TN works to ensure that all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast a ballot that will be counted; to make voting as easy and accessible as possible; and to make sure that all votes are counted equally.

A voter registration application, a pen, an American flag, and a pair of glasses

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. ACLU-TN works to ensure that all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast a ballot that will be counted; to make voting as easy and accessible as possible; and to make sure that all votes are counted equally. Highlights of our voting rights work include defending ballot secrecy, educating the public about voting rights, challenging barriers preventing people with prior felony convictions from restoring their right to vote, and combatting burdensome photo ID and other restrictive laws.

The Latest

Press Release
Placeholder image

ACLU of Tennessee Demands Mason Officials Halt ICE Detention Contract, Cites City’s Failure to Approve Contract

ACLU-TN sent a letter to Mason officials demanding they immediately stop all actions related to contracts with CoreCivic and ICE to operate an immigration detention facility. The letter states that the town failed to approve the ICE contract according to the terms of its charter.
Press Release
banner for litigation with logo, "Tennessee, we'll see you in court," "Filed" stamp, and gavel

ACLU-TN Files Lawsuit Challenging Criminalization of Local Officials’ Votes on Immigration Policies

News & Commentary
Donald Trump graphic

How the ACLU Will Fight Four More Years of Trump

During the first Donald Trump administration, the ACLU fought his unlawful policies more than 400 times. We’re even more prepared now.
Know Your Rights
know your rights: canvassing

Know Your Rights: Canvassing

Court Case
Jun 24, 2025

Capp et al. v. Funk et al.

Court Case
Nov 04, 2022

League of Women Voters of Tennessee et al. v. Davidson County Election Commission et al.

Court Case
May 15, 2020

Lay v. Goins

With the 2020 elections taking place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC recommended mail-in voting to inhibit the spread of the virus. Unlike other states, Tennessee restricted mail-in-voting with limited exceptions. This forced Tennesseans to either risk their health or to not vote at all.
Court Case
May 09, 2019

League of Women Voters of Tennessee v. Hargett

Tennessee saw a surge in voter registrations during the 2018 midterms. Lawmakers passed a measure that creates criminal and civil penalties against those who submit “incomplete” applications. The threat of penalty will chill registration efforts and make ours the only state with such penalties.