Research & Publications

Restoring your voting rights in Tennessee got easier in 2026. State Sen. Raumesh Akbari and State Rep. Karen Camper led the charge in the legislature to remove some of the biggest barriers standing between formerly incarcerated Tennesseans and the ballot box. The Campaign Legal Center and Free Hearts, a Tennessee nonprofit led by formerly incarcerated women, have been on the ground helping people navigate this process and pushing for a fairer system. For eligibility requirements and step-by-step petition instructions, read the guide from Free Hearts and the Campaign Legal Center.

With new districts and proposed constitutional amendments, Tennesseans have a lot on the line when they vote this November. The ACLU of Tennessee is working to make sure voters have what they need to stay informed with our 2026 Voter Guide. The free nonpartisan resource covers voter registration, key dates, constitutional amendments, your rights as a voter, and more. Whether you're voting for the first time or the hundredth time, use this guide to make a plan and show up informed.

State Representative Jody Barrett (R-69) recently sent a letter to Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada demanding answers about the botched execution attempt of Tony Carruthers. The state attempted to execute Mr. Carruthers in May despite the ACLU's continued push for DNA testing that could prove his innocence. The execution team spent more than an hour trying to establish an IV line while Mr. Carruthers groaned in pain before Governor Lee issued a one-year reprieve. Barrett's letter raises the same questions ACLU has pressed since that day. In his July 1 letter, the State Representative gives Commissioner Strada until July 20 to explain what went wrong, what recent changes have been implemented, and why Tennesseans should trust the department to carry out the execution of Darrell Hines, scheduled for August 13. Barrett writes that "public confidence cannot exist without public accountability." Read the full letter here.

The ACLU of Tennessee is producing a storytelling series to help formerly incarcerated Tennesseans understand the voting rights restoration process, and we're looking for real people with real experiences to share.

Though many voters are focused on the presidential election, other races on the ballot – including the state house race – will have a crucial impact on our day-to-day lives, from education to healthcare to public safety and much more.

Learn more about the 2022 Shelby County DA candidates.

Redistricting plays a vital role in our communities and affects the daily lives of all Tennesseans. The drawing of district lines can dictate not only who runs for public office and who is elected, but also how financial resources are allocated for schools, hospitals, roads and more.

Under Shelby County’s current, unconstitutional pretrial system, a person can be held for weeks or longer without a bail hearing with counsel, and ability to pay is not considered when bail is set, leaving those who cannot afford to pay detained indefinitely, even if they are not a flight or safety