Davidson County, TN, October 25, 2025
News Summary
A recent report reveals that Davidson County purged 80,170 voters from its rolls between December and June, ahead of a forthcoming special election. Of those, 66,460 were inactive voters, raising concerns about electoral participation. The total number of active voters is now 442,852. As preparations for primary and general elections continue, voting laws require photo ID and impose strict registration deadlines.
Davidson County Sees Major Voter Purge Ahead of Congressional Election
Davidson County experienced a significant voter purge, resulting in the loss of 80,170 voters between December 1, 2024, and June 1, 2025. This reduction in the voter rolls was detailed in a report published by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett on September 3, 2025. The report highlights the timing and scale of the purge, particularly noting that a major drop occurred between February 3 and March 3, 2025, decreasing the number of total eligible voters from approximately 530,000 to 460,000.
The majority of those purged—66,460—were classified as inactive voters, while 13,710 active voters also lost their registrations. This action has generated concern as the purged numbers in Davidson County are higher than any other county in Tennessee during this time frame.
Following the voter purge, the total count of active voters in Davidson County stands at 442,852, with an additional 18,134 voters now classified as inactive. These changes come amidst preparations for a special election to fill the seat of U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July 2025. The special election, which has garnered national attention, is set to include candidates from both major parties.
Voting Context in Davidson County
Despite the significant number of individuals recently purged, only about 55% of eligible voters, totaling 293,514, participated in the November 4, 2024, presidential election. The voter purging protocols in Tennessee allow for the removal of voters who fail to respond to confirmation letters, do not update their registrations, and do not vote in two consecutive November elections.
The upcoming election cycle includes a primary election scheduled for October 7, 2025 and a general election set for December 2, 2025. Early voting locations will be available in Nashville, including the popular Nashville Public Library’s Edmondson Park Branch. As per Tennessee law, all voters must present an ID with both a name and photograph; however, college student IDs are not acceptable for voting purposes. Additionally, strict voter registration deadlines are in place, requiring registrations to be completed 30 days prior to any election for eligibility. Individuals wishing to register can do so either online or by submitting a paper application by mail or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Total Voters Lost: 80,170 (66,460 inactive and 13,710 active)
- Current Active Voters: 442,852
- Election Dates: Primary on October 7, 2025; General on December 2, 2025
- Voter ID Requirements: Required; college IDs not acceptable
- Registration Deadline: 30 days before the election
Frequently Asked Questions
How many voters were purged in Davidson County?
Davidson County lost 80,170 voters between December 1, 2024, and June 1, 2025.
What was the breakdown of the purged voters?
The majority of the purged voters (66,460) were classified as inactive voters, while 13,710 active voters were also purged.
When are the upcoming elections in Davidson County?
The primary election is set for October 7, 2025, with the general election scheduled for December 2, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Nashville Scene: Davidson County Voter Purge
- Tennessee Lookout: Darden Copeland Enters Democratic Primary
- TN Tribune: Metro Council Meeting for Special Primary Election
- Tennessean: Is It Too Late to Register to Vote in Tennessee?
- Wikipedia: Voter Registration in the United States
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
