NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 2022 midterm elections in Tennessee saw the lowest voter turnout in the country, with less than 40% of registered voters casting a ballot. This data comes from ThinkTennessee’s 2022 Election After Action Report, which analyzed data from the Secretary of State’s Office.
One reason cited for the low turnout was the lack of competitiveness in the races, with over half of state legislative races being uncontested. ThinkTennessee’s report revealed that only 18% of the races in the August 2022 primaries had more than one candidate running.
Erin Hafkenschiel, president of ThinkTennessee, highlighted the need for more voter engagement to break the cycle of low turnout and lack of competition. The group suggested legislative changes, such as allowing voters to submit absentee ballots in person, expanding the voter registration window, and implementing more Convenience Vote Centers to improve access.
The report also tracked calls to the National Election Protection Hotline, with around 60% of callers seeking information and 40% reporting challenges like missed registration or absentee ballot deadlines.
Tennessee’s voting laws, including requiring absentee ballots to be mailed in and having a shorter voter registration period compared to other states, may also be contributing to lower voter turnout. ThinkTennessee urged the state to consider these factors and make changes to improve access to voting.
Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of voter engagement, competitive races, and legislative changes to increase voter turnout and ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
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