Tennessee has once again claimed the top spot in the Heritage Foundation’s Election Integrity Scorecard—marking a historic fourth consecutive year as the nation’s leader in secure and trustworthy elections. No other state has achieved the distinction of being ranked #1 four years in a row since the scorecard’s inception.
The Heritage Foundation’s comprehensive evaluation of all 50 states cited Tennessee’s robust voter ID laws, rigorous voter registration list maintenance, and bipartisan election oversight as key factors in its continued success. The scorecard assesses a wide range of criteria, including absentee ballot management, vote counting procedures, and transparency in election administration.
Secretary of State Tre Hargett praised the recognition:
“This ranking reflects the tireless work of our county election commissions and the General Assembly’s commitment to protecting the ballot box. In Tennessee, it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat—and that’s exactly how it should be.”
Mark Goins, Coordinator of Elections, emphasized the role of local officials:
“This recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of election officials across all 95 counties. We work year-round to ensure every vote is counted accurately and securely, and it’s gratifying to see that effort acknowledged nationally.”
DeLaina Green, Administrator of Elections added:
“Every Tennessean deserves rock-solid confidence in our elections. Tennessee doesn’t just participate—we lead. And we’ll keep raising the bar, setting the gold standard for the entire nation.”
Secretary Hargett concluded with praise for legislative leadership:
“Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Chairman Richard Briggs, Chairman John Crawford, Chairman Tim Rudd, and the Tennessee General Assembly deserve immense credit for working with us to craft and pass some of the strongest election integrity laws in the country. Their commitment to voter ID, transparent ballot procedures, and secure registration practices has made Tennessee a national model.”
Tennessee’s consistent top ranking underscores its role as a national benchmark for election integrity. The state remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can cast a ballot with confidence—and that every vote is protected.
Photo: Henry County Elections Administrator DeLaina Green and Deputy Ragan Wood hard at work. Shannon McFarlin photo.