When are the 2026 Elections in Sumner County, TN?
2026 is an election year—with local, state, and federal offices on the ballot. Elections in Sumner County will take place on:
May 5
August 6
November 3
Especially when it comes to local elections, it can be difficult to know when to show up, what you’ll be voting for, and why it matters. Below, find an overview of each election, what will be on the ballot, and why it matters to show up and cast your vote.
May 5, 2026
Sumner County Primary
The Sumner County Primary Election is when voters determine who they want their party’s candidates to be for local offices. The candidates who win the primary will go on to face their opponents in the general election, which is held in August.
For example, if two Democrats are running for the same school board seat, you would vote for the candidate you’d rather see run against the Republican opponent in August.
What’s on the Ballot
County Commission
School Board (Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11)
County Mayor
Sheriff
County Clerk
Road Superintendent
And more
Find the full list on the Sumner County Election Commission website.
Why It Matters
This is your chance to determine who represents your chosen party in the general election. Typically, people use the primaries to vote for the candidate that best aligns with their values and/or the candidate they think has the best chance of winning in the general election.
August 6, 2026
County General Election + Federal and State Primary
This election will include both the county general election and the federal and state primary. That may sound confusing, but we’ll break it down below so it’s easy to understand.
Sumner County General Election
What It Is
The Sumner County General Election is when you vote for the candidates you want to represent you for local office. Your choices will be between Democratic, Republican, and any third-party or Independent candidates for a variety of local positions.
For example, you’ll vote for which county commissioner you want to represent your district, who you want the county mayor to be, etc.
What’s on the Ballot
County Commission
School Board (Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11)
County Mayor
Sheriff
County Clerk
Road Superintendent
And more
Why It Matters
Local elections often get overlooked, but they have a direct impact on everyday life.
For example, the Sumner County School Board makes important decisions about public education in our county. Remember the bill from last year that would’ve allowed public schools to charge tuition or deny enrollment to undocumented students? If that had passed, it would’ve fallen to individual school districts to decide whether or not to implement these measures. When it comes to decisions like these, wouldn’t you want a school board representative who shares your values?
Another example is the county commission. The Sumner County Commission makes important decisions for the county, including appointing members to the Sumner County Library Board. The library board has spent much of the past year trying to ban all “transgender and gender confusing” materials from our public libraries. A few months ago, the county commission signaled its support for the divisive book ban by appointing a controversial, anti-trans activist to the library board. It’s decisions like these that often fly under the radar, but end up having a real impact on our community.
2026 gives us the chance to elect local leaders who will influence the future of our county. Local elections are typically low turnout, meaning your vote can make a real difference in the outcome. Many Democrats in our area sit out local elections because they believe Republican wins are inevitable. But they’re only inevitable if Democrats don’t show up!
Federal and State Primary
What It Is
This is when voters determine who they want their party’s candidates to be for state and federal offices. The candidates who win the primary will go on to face their opponents in the general election, which is held in November.
For example, if two Democrats are running for governor, you would vote for the candidate you prefer and want to see face off against the Republican candidate in November.
What’s on the Ballot
Governor
Tennessee House of Representatives 35th District
Tennessee House of Representatives 44th District
Tennessee House of Representatives 45th District
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives 6th Congressional District
And more
Why It Matters
This is your chance to determine who represents your chosen party in the November elections for important state and federal offices. You can use your voice to vote for the candidate that best aligns with your values and/or the candidate you think has the strongest chance of winning in the general election.
November 3, 2026
Federal and State General Election + Municipal Elections
This election involves important state and federal positions—along with local offices within Sumner County.
Federal and State General Election
What It Is
This is when you vote for which candidates you want to represent you for state and federal office. Your choices will be between Democratic, Republican, and any third-party or Independent candidates for a variety of positions.
For example, you will vote for who you want to be governor, who you want to represent you in Congressional District 6, and more.
What’s on the Ballot
Governor
Tennessee House of Representatives 35th District
Tennessee House of Representatives 44th District
Tennessee House of Representatives 45th District
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives 6th Congressional District
And more
Why It Matters
This is an opportunity to choose who represents you at the state and national level. Midterm elections typically have lower turnout than years when there is a presidential election. That means turning out can make a big difference!
Sumner County Municipal Elections
What It Is
Municipal elections involve voting for local officials at the city level. Sumner County residents in Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Millersville, Mitchellville, Portland, Westmoreland, and White House will vote for local leaders like mayor and alderman.
What’s on the Ballot
City Mayor
Alderman
City Recorder
And more
Why It Matters
These local officials make important decisions that impact everyday life, from city services to property taxes. Local races like these often have small margins, meaning your vote can have a real impact on the outcome.
How to Prepare
To make sure you’re ready for this year’s elections, register to vote or check your registration status. You must be registered 30 days before an election takes place in order to be eligible to vote.
Be sure to mark the election dates on your calendar and make a plan to vote! If you have further questions, check out our voting FAQs or visit Go Vote TN.
Note: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, this content is for informational purposes only. Please consult the Sumner County Election Commission or Go Vote TN websites to verify laws, requirements, and official guidance.