Everything to know about the election, for first-timers and veterans

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time voter, it’s good to refresh yourself on the rules and find new places to learn about the candidates.
Polls will be busy on Election Day, and experts ask for your patience.
On election night, Tennesseans shouldn’t have to wait too long for results. Election officials say Volunteer State results should be available at about 11 p.m., but that varies, of course. Long lines at the end of the day will delay vote counting until everyone has cast their ballot.
Here’s what to know before you vote Tuesday.
When is the election? It is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team.
First, determine your polling location at sos.tn.gov/govotetn. You can search by your name or by address.
You can only go to your specific pilling location on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Here’s a list of Knox County locations.
Polls open at 8 a.m. ET and close at 8 p.m. ET.
In the central time zone in Middle and West Tennessee, the polls are open 7 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT.
Lines could be long on Election Day! As long as you’re in line before polls close, you’re allowed to cast your ballot and it will be counted. Stay in line to exercise your right to vote.
No, not in Tennessee.
No, that deadline has passed.
For those who have one, stamped absentee ballots can only be turned in to county election officials by mail. Voters can choose between USPS, FedEX and UPS, but hand delivery is not allowed.
Here’s a list of county voting office addresses.
Ballot drop boxes are not legal in Tennessee because absentee ballots must be sent through the mail (use a stamp!).
But on Election Day, there’s a last-minute option. Knox County voters who haven’t mailed in their ballots can bring them to two post offices by 4 p.m. Nov. 5.
Yes. If you forget to bring your ID or your registrational is questioned, you can cast a provisional ballot. You have two business days after Election Day to go to your local election commission office and show your ID or proper registration.
The Knox County Election Commission main office is at the Old Courthouse 300 Main St., Suite 229 in downtown Knoxville.
It’s a great idea to study your ballot before voting to avoid any surprises.
The Knox County Election Commission publishes sample ballots at knoxcounty.org/election.
Knox News sat down with the candidates to talk through their ideas and leadership styles. They’re all compiled at knoxnews.com (search for voter’s guide).
We’ve combined the federal Senate and Congress candidates into one package and the Tennessee Senate and House candidates in another.
If you need to learn more on Knoxville’s referendum on its election system, we’ve got you covered with an explainer.
It depends.
T-shirts or buttons that specifically promote a candidate or issue on the ballot are not allowed inside the polling place or within the 100-foot buffer zone.
For example, a voter cannot wear a MAGA hat because the slogan is so closely associated with former President Donald Trump.
Election Day:What to know when casting your presidential election ballot
Voters can use mobile devices to help them make decisions, such as if they wrote their slate of candidates in an electronic note, or if they have a question about a candidate. Election officials can require that the device is on silent mode.
No. Voters aren’t allowed to have telephone conversations or take photos or videos while in the polling place. That includes selfies.
Journalists can take photos and video.