- 2025, Elections
Requires party registration for voters and protects the integrity of primary elections.
HB 886 / SB 777
Bill Description
Bill Sponsors
Rep. Chris Todd
Sen. Adam Lowe
Bill Co-Sponsors
House: Grills, Powers, Zachary, Moon, Davis, Bulso, Lynn, Warner, Barrett, Reeves, Burkhart, Baum, Bricken, Marsh, Martin B, Hicks T, Moody, Capley, Hill, Maberry, Fritts, Reedy, Butler, Terry, Keisling, Jones R, Hurt, Farmer, Reneau, Cepicky, Kumar, Doggett, Scarbrough, Rudd
Senate: Hensley, Johnson, Taylor, Hatcher, Jackson, White
TLRC Statement on Bill
SB 777 / HB 886 strengthens election integrity in Tennessee by closing party primaries, ensuring that only registered party members can vote in their respective primary elections. This bill prevents Democrats from voting in Republican primaries and vice versa, reinforcing the principle that party nominees should be chosen by their own party members, not by outside influences.
A key provision of this legislation is that voters must register or update their party affiliation before candidates pull petitions to run for office. This means that individuals who wish to switch parties must do so without knowing who will be on the ballot, ensuring that strategic party-switching to manipulate election outcomes is not possible.
Currently, Tennessee’s open primary system allows non-Republicans to vote in Republican primaries, diluting the voice of actual Republican voters and enabling Democrats and independents to influence Republican nominations. This practice disenfranchises conservative voters by allowing those who do not share the party’s values to have a say in selecting its candidates.
By passing SB 777 / HB 886, Tennessee takes a crucial step in protecting the integrity of party primaries, ensuring that nominees reflect the will of their party’s voters, and preventing outside manipulation. This bill reinforces fair elections and secures the nomination process for true party members.
