VOTE FOR OUR GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Early voting starts Wednesday, October 16, and ends Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Look up early your voting location and hours of operation, sample ballots, election day poll location and other useful info HERE.
Make sure to support candidates who support our great public schools!
Early voting is open now through October 31. Plan to vote early as every educator vote plays a critical role in shaping the future of public education and the strength of our profession. From Memphis to Mountain City, communities depend on their public schools to provide the best education for their children regardless of their zip code. This election is a great opportunity to advocate for the educational needs of our children and the schools where we work.
Make a Plan to Vote!
- The State and Federal Elections will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. To participate you must have been registered to vote by October 7, 2024. The opening of polling places varies but all polls in Tennessee close at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST
- You may request an absentee ballot under certain circumstances up to seven days before election day (October 29, 2024). To request an absentee ballot, go to: https://sos.tn.gov/elections/guides/guide-to-absentee-voting
- Early voting starts on October 16th and runs until October 31st. You can find your registration and polling information by using the Secretary of State website: https://sos.tn.gov/govotetn and the voter lookup tool: https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/
- If your county has been impacted by Hurricane Helene you can find important elections updates here: https://sos.tn.gov/elections/guides/helene-recovery-and-voting
Why your Vote Matters
- Impact on Educational Funding: Federal, state and local officials determine school funding. These decisions impact everything from teacher salaries to classroom resources. Your vote can help ensure that education receives the financial support it deserves.
- Opposing Vouchers: Governor Lee has vowed to bring back his unpopular school voucher scheme when the legislative session starts in January. Voucher programs divert funds from public schools to private institutions, often benefiting out-of-state investors. These programs undermine the quality of education in public schools by siphoning off critical resources. By voting for candidates who oppose vouchers, you help protect our public education system and ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students. Make sure to vote for candidates who will say NO to Governor Lee’s statewide voucher proposal.
- Addressing High-Stakes Testing: The emphasis on high-stakes testing has created a narrow focus in education, often at the expense of a well-rounded curriculum. Your vote can support leaders who prioritize meaningful assessments over excessive testing and those who treat educators as highly trained professionals.
Make an Informed Vote
- Research Candidates’ Education Policies: Take time to understand where candidates stand on education issues. Look for those who prioritize funding, curriculum innovation, and equity in education.
- Engage Your Community: Share information about the importance of voting and education with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to educate themselves and participate in the electoral process.
- Attend a candidate event: Ask them questions about how they will support students, educators, and communities.
- Volunteering: You can help get the word out for candidates who align with your values on education. Whether it’s canvassing, phone banking, or hosting events, your efforts can amplify their message and reach more voters.
- Voting Record: If the candidate is an incumbent, look up past votes they took on education issues.
- TEA is here to help: Reach out to the Tennessee Education Association about the candidates in your area: Information@tnea.org.
Your VOTE Decides
In this election, let’s focus on the critical role our votes play in shaping the future of public education. Your participation is vital to advocating for a robust and equitable education system that benefits all students. Given how many decisions affecting our communities, our schools, and our classrooms are made by lawmakers, educators cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
