What time do polls open in Tennessee? Where's my precinct? What to know for the Aug. 1 election

On Thursday, Aug. 1, Tennessee will be holding its state and federal primaries. Across the state, Tennesseans will also be voting in a series of county and municipal general elections. Voters in Tennessee will be casting ballots in primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the state legislature.

On the ballot this year is a battle for the U.S. Senate , a position which is currently held by U.S. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee. She is seeking a second six-year term and is expected to easily defeat her Republican primary opponent, Tress Wittum.

On the Democratic side, state Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, and Memphis activist and 2020 Democratic Senate nominee Marquita Bradshaw are running for the chance to take on Blackburn in November. Also in the Democratic race are Lola Denise Brown and Civil Miller-Watkins.

Another notable race is the 5th Congressional District Republican primary, where U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, is seeking reelection . Ogles is facing challenger Courtney Johnsto n, a Metro Nashville council member.

Here's everything to know.

Am I registered to vote in Tennessee?

You can use the state's voter registration information lookup website to determine if you're currently registered to vote in Tennessee.

Check your voter registration by visiting https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/

Tennessee Voter Guide: Republican and Democratic primaries for US Senate

Is it too late to register to vote for the Aug. 1 primary?

Yes. The voter registration deadline for the Aug. 1 primary was July. 2.

How can I register to vote in Tennessee for the next election?

If you're not currently registered, you can head over to the the Secretary of State's website at sos.tn.gov and register online. You can also download a voter registration application to mail to your county election commission.

Tennessee Voter Guide: The competitive primaries for US House on Aug. 1

Do I need to bring a photo ID to vote in Nashville, Tennessee?

Yes. Voters in Tennessee must bring a valid photo identification card, which can include a driver's license or photo ID issued by the state of Tennessee, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military photo ID or a Tennessee handgun carry permit that includes a photo.

College student IDs, city- or county-issued IDs, and out-of-state photo IDs are not accepted.

You do not need to bring your voter registration card to vote.

Tennessee Voter Guide: The key Middle Tennessee state House races on Aug. 1

What ballot will I have?

You can request either a Republican or Democratic ballot, and poll workers will ensure you have the correct ballot.

A new state law passed in 2023 requires that signs be posted in polling places noting that voters are required to be "bona fide" members of the party whose primary they're voting in, and that voting outside one's party primary is "punishable as a crime."

State law does not define "bona fide," nor does it define consequences for crossover voting. Tennessee primaries remain open. The new state law is currently the subject of a legal challenge .

Tennessee Voter Guide: Key competitive state Senate races on Aug. 1

What time do polls open?

Polls open at 7 a.m. CT and close at 7 p.m. CT.

What happens if I don't bring a photo identification?

You will have to cast a provisional ballot. You will then have two business days to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo identification. After that, you'll have to sign an affidavit, and a copy of your ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.

Can I leave work to vote?

Employers are required to give their employees paid time off to vote provided they have been given notice.

Where can I find my polling location?

Go to GoVoteTN.com to find your current election day polling location.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What time do polls open in Tennessee? Where's my precinct? What to know for the Aug. 1 election