AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Tennessee on Election Day

Tennessee voters are set to elect federal and state leaders on Election Day. The Associated Press (AP) Decision Team will monitor key facts and data points throughout the voting process. While Tennessee spans two time zones, all polls, whether in the Eastern or Central time zones, close at 8 p.m. ET. The AP will report on U.S. Senate, governor, U.S. House, statewide ballot measures, state Senate, and state House races.

In the 2022 gubernatorial election, roughly 1.7 million votes were cast in Tennessee. Early and absentee ballots accounted for about 51% of the total votes in that election. Advance vote totals for Tennessee can be accessed via the AP’s advance vote tracker. Most counties are expected to release results from mail and early in-person voting during the first post-election report, followed by in-person Election Day results.

The AP does not project winners but will declare a winner only when it's clear no trailing candidate can close the gap. If a race isn't called, the AP will report on significant developments, such as candidate concessions or victories. However, it will make it clear that a winner hasn't been officially declared. In Tennessee, recounts are only held upon a court challenge and losing candidates cannot request them.

The AP may declare a winner in a race subject to a recount if the lead is too significant for a recount or legal challenge to alter the outcome.