Government by the Majority Who Participate: Understanding Candidate Voting Requirements for 2026

Voting is one of our most precious privileges as citizens. As Thomas Jefferson once said: "We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." Voting is ingrained in our Constitution and our heritage; it is a privilege our forefathers died for, and it is your civic responsibility to cast your vote in every election cycle.

Tennessee law recognizes political parties as the appropriate entities to set qualifications for candidates running under their banner. While you may have recently learned about the Republican Party’s voting requirements for candidates, the Democratic Party has similar standards—making this a rare non-partisan issue.

Voting history serves as an objective, black-and-white standard. The Republican Party’s current history standard has been in place for nine years. In the 15th Senate District—comprised of Cumberland, Jackson, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, and White counties—multiple presentations regarding these requirements have been conducted at Republican meetings. In Putnam County specifically, the topic was discussed in at least two meetings, and a candidate education forum was held in December.

Ultimately, it is the candidate’s sole responsibility to verify their eligibility. For the 2026 election cycle, the party is reviewing every candidate’s voting history prior to qualification in every county, using data derived directly from the Secretary of State in Nashville.

The rule states that candidates must have voted in three out of the last four statewide Republican primaries. In the 15th Senate District, 59 individuals were flagged as "non-bona fide" based on their voting history, with an additional seven candidates requiring further review due to relocation.

Candidates who do not meet these primary requirements may still choose to run as Independents. If they embrace the conservative values reflected in the Republican platform, they are welcome to present those values to the voters throughout their campaign.