Project Register

We are excited to launch Project Register, a nonpartisan initiative created by Congressman Jim Cooper and State Senator Steve Dickerson to increase voter registration where Middle Tennesseans work, live, learn and play. 

In 2015, the duo worked together to boost Nashville high school voter registration by 85%. Project Register expands that effort to businesses, nonprofits, neighborhoods, universities, and entertainment venues.

Why do we need Project Register?

Tennessee has one of the lowest voter participation rates in America. Although Middle Tennessee’s population is growing, civic participation is not.

• We rank 50th in voter turnout and 40th in voter registration.
• More than 838,000 Tennesseans are not registered to vote, and 60% are under the age of 45.
• More people voted in Nashville’s mayoral election in 1971 (110k) than in 2015 (105k), even though the city added 206k new people

Together, we can improve voter registration in Middle Tennessee. 

Why now? 

In 2016, the Tennessee legislature unanimously approved online voter registration. The Secretary of State unveiled the new online tool in September 2017, but many people are not aware of this user-friendly website. Now more than ever, it is easy to perform our civic duty.

To have your company participate in Project Register or for more information, call our office at 615-736-5295.

Highlights

• Project Register officially launched on December 11, 2017
• Participants include 208 companies and organizations representing 345,000+ employees (and growing!)
• Featured in The Tennessean, Nashville Public Radio, Nashville Scene, Tennessee Tribune and on WSMV Channel 4 and WTVF News Channel 5
• Registered 3,007 high school students in Nashville, Cheatham and Dickson schools in 2018
• Rep. Cooper and Sen. Dickerson named the first Champions of Civility by The Tennessean (1/14/18)

What others are saying:

“Voting is a civic duty and a right. Getting more people to register and then come out to vote should be, as Cooper put it, as “uncontroversial as puppies and rainbows. Cooper and Dickerson, two decent public servants, are absolutely right to pursue greater electoral participation. Their bipartisan approach is welcome.”
Alex Hubbard, The Tennessean

“Thank You Senator Dickerson, Representative Cooper and Mayor Barry for hosting and pushing Project Register forward! The Volunteer state should not be last in voter turnout! Preds are proud to support this non-partisan effort to get all Tennesseans registered and voting.”
Sean Henry, CEO, Nashville Predators

“We’re proud supporters of Project Register. Being able to cast a ballot is a great American freedom that we all have. Being able to get people out to the polls certainly protects the great democracy we all enjoy as United States citizens. That’s really why Project Register is so important for us and really key to our corporate responsibility.”
Tyson Moore, Nashville President, Bank of America

College Students & Voting Chart

Voting in Tennessee can be tough if you’re a recent high school graduate or college student. We hope this guide can help young voters in Davidson County navigate the process. If you run into a scenario we haven’t considered, let us know!

1. Are you registered to vote in Nashville?

• YES:
  • 2. Do you attend College in Nashville?
    • YES:
      • 3A. Will you be in Nashville anytime during Early Voting or Election DAY? (Oct. 17-Nov.1 or Election Day)
        • Yes:
          • Go to the polls during Early Voting (Oct. 17-Nov.1) or on Election Day (Nov. 6)
          • Don’t forget to bring your government-issued photo ID: Must be a Tennessee driver’s license or U.S. passport. College ID or driver’s license from your home state not accepted.
          • Find your assigned polling place for Election Day: tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup
        • NO:
          • Apply for an absentee ballot by Oct. 30
          • Download an absentee ballot www.nashville.gov/vote
          • Click on “Absentee Ballot Application”
          • Print out the form with your absentee address, sign it, and email back to: moaballot@nashville.gov
          • Mail ballot to:
            • Davidson County Election Commission, ATTN: Absentee Department, P.O. Box 650, Nashville, TN 37202-0650
          • Ballot must be received by Nov. 6! Mail no later than Nov. 1
    • NO:
      • 3B. Will you be in Nashville anytime during Early Voting or Election Day? (Oct. 17-Nov.1 or Election Day)
        • YES:
          • Go to the polls during Early Voting (Oct. 17-Nov.1) or on Election Day (Nov. 6)
          • Don’t forget to bring your government-issued photo ID: Must be a Tennessee driver’s license or U.S. passport. College ID or driver’s license from your home state not accepted.
          • Find your assigned polling place for Election Day: tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup
        • NO:

4. Did you register to vote in-person with an Election Commission official?
   • YES:
     • 5. Will you be studying abroad overseas?
       • YES:
         • Visit fvap.gov/Tennessee to get absentee ballot for guidance for overseas citizens
       • NO
         • Apply for an absentee ballot by Oct. 30
         • Download an absentee ballot www.nashville.gov/vote
         • Click on “Absentee Ballot Application”
         • Print out the form with your absentee address, sign it, and email back to: moaballot@nashville.gov
         • Mail ballot to: Davidson County Election Commission, ATTN: Absentee Department, P.O. Box 650, Nashville, TN 37202-0650
         • Ballot must be received by Nov. 6! Mail no later than Nov. 1

• NO:
  • You must change your voting status to vote absentee
  • Visit the nearest ROTC office on a college campus or military recruitment office
  • Request to change your voter status to “in person” by showing acceptable photo ID
    • NEXT: Apply for an absentee ballot by Oct. 30
    • Download an absentee ballot www.nashville.gov/vote
    • Click on “Absentee Ballot Application”
    • Print out the form with your absentee address, sign it, and email back to: moaballot@nashville.gov
    • Mail ballot to: Davidson County Election Commission, ATTN: Absentee Department, P.O. Box 650, Nashville, TN 37202-0650
    • Ballot must be received by Nov. 6! Mail no later than Nov. 1

• NO:
  • Visit vote.org/absentee-ballot to get absentee ballot rules for your home state