Every Student Matters, Every Vote Counts
The decisions made at the ballot box in 2026 will shape our classrooms for years to come – from funding and resources to the policies that determine whether every child gets a fair shot at success.
Your vote is more than a civic duty. It’s a direct investment in our students who depend on us to advocate for their opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. From school board and county commission seats to our state legislators and Governors, 2026 is a pivotal year to center public education.
Education is always evolving to prepare our kids for what comes next, and the leaders we elect this year will have the power to invest in policy solutions that provide our schools with what they need to keep up.
When we elect leaders who understand what students and schools need, it cultivates opportunities to work together on policy solutions that advance opportunity for every student. That’s the work EdTrust-Tennessee does every day: partnering with communities and policymakers and equipping them with the data and research to improve achievement and expand opportunities for underrepresented students across the state.
That work is powered in part by the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education, a network of more than 85 partner organizations equipping students, educators, advocates, and policymakers with the resources and support to influence education policy in Tennessee.
That’s why we’re bringing together election materials, information, and events from our Alliance partners across the state in one place. So, every community has what it needs to make education a priority this election year. Every student matters, and every vote makes a difference in shaping their future. Join the growing movement of Tennesseans who believe that public education must be a priority at the ballot box.
Key Dates for Tennessee’s 2026 Elections
Thursday, August 6, 2026 – Primary Election
- Early Voting: Friday, July 17 – Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – General Election
- Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Early Voting: Wednesday, October 14 – Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Saturday, October 24, 2026
For the full election schedule, visit: https://sos.tn.gov/elections/calendar
Voter Education Resources
Learn how elected officials shape funding, curriculum, school safety, and equity and obtain clear, nonpartisan information on how education policy connects to your vote.
Tools to Mobilize Your Community
Receive shareable content, talking points, and engagement strategies to help others vote with students in mind.
Connections to Local & State Partners
Get plugged into organizations in your community doing electoral work, advocacy, and outreach to ensure every student’s voice is heard.
Guidance for Staying Informed
Stay updated on candidate positions and legislative priorities that impact Tennessee’s schools.
Insights on Key Education Issues
Learn how elected officials shape funding, curriculum, school safety, and equity — and how your vote can influence those decisions.
Take the Pledge
This pledge is a commitment to informed, student-centered civic engagement rooted in the belief that for all students to thrive, we need education systems that support students and communities with accessible, rigorous, and affirming learning experiences; equitable funding and resources; diverse and effective educators; social-emotional and academic development; and access and success in higher education.
Every Student Matter, Every Vote Counts
I pledge to make my voice heard in the 2026 elections because I believe in the power of public education and will advocate for an education system in Tennessee that reflects my belief that education creates pathways to a more just Tennessee.
I understand that decisions made at the ballot box this year will shape our classrooms for years to come – from funding and resources to the policies that determine whether every student gets a fair shot at success.
I vow to:
Show up. If I’m eligible, I will vote in the 2026 elections, knowing that my vote is more than a civic duty. It’s a direct investment in our students who depend on us to advocate for their opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Stay informed. I will actively seek out trusted organizations and resources to understand the issues affecting students, stay updated on elections, and find concrete ways to get involved.
Put students first. I will support candidates who prioritize adequate school funding, equitable resources, and policies that give every child the opportunity to succeed – no matter their zip code, race, or income.
Spread the word. I will encourage others in my community to vote with public education in mind because every student matters and every vote makes a difference in shaping their future.
Advocate for Fair Education Policies. For all students to thrive, we need an education system that supports students and communities with accessible, rigorous, and affirming learning experiences; funding and resource equity; diverse and effective educators; social-emotional and academic development; and access and success in higher education.
From school board and county commission seats to our state legislators and Governors, 2026 is a pivotal year to center public education. Every student matters. Every vote counts. I’m in.
Every student matters, every vote counts, and this is my commitment to making sure every student is seen, supported, and set up to succeed.
