JACKSON, Tenn. — As early voting begins across West Tennessee, the state is inviting residents to pair their ballot with a personal tribute through the Tennessee Honor Vote Program. The initiative lets registered voters officially dedicate their vote to a veteran or active-duty service member and receive a free commemorative button.
How the program works
To participate, voters complete a simple online sign-up that collects basic contact information and details about the person they wish to honor. Required fields include the voter’s name, mailing address and phone number, along with the honoree’s name, branch of service and rank. There is also space to note highlights from the service member’s record.
- Sign-up: Online, free of charge.
- Information needed: your name, mailing address, phone number; honoree’s name, branch and rank; optional service highlights.
- Button: Participants will be mailed a commemorative button recognizing America’s 250th birthday.
Sign-ups may be completed either before or after casting a ballot during the early voting period.
Key dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Early voting period | Now through August 1 |
| Election Day | August 6 |
Secretary of State Tre Hargett encouraged participants to wear the button throughout the early voting period as a visible way to honor someone and to spur conversation about the program.
"On election day when you go to vote, I would love for you to wear it the entire early voting period, so you can tell others about your loved one that you’re voting in honor of and also encourage others to participate in our elections," said Hargett.
The commemorative button is free and will be mailed to participants. Organizers describe it as a small token meant to prompt gratitude for military service and to foster engagement at polling places.
Community impact and practical notes
For many voters, the Honor Vote Program provides a way to connect civic participation with personal gratitude. County election offices continue to manage early voting locations and schedules; the state’s sign-up is separate from the act of casting a ballot and is intended solely as a form of recognition.
Voters who want to participate should visit the state’s Honor Vote web page to complete the form. The program does not affect ballot content, voting procedures or voter eligibility; it is an add-on recognition service that preserves voters’ privacy and voting choices.
As Tennesseans head to the polls in the coming weeks, the program offers a way to publicly honor military service while taking part in local and statewide elections.
