Absentee Voting
This Absentee Voting By-Mail information applies to:
Early Voting,also known as Absentee Voting In-Person, applies to any Registered Voter who may vote in person at any Early Voting Site within Davidson County
Voting Absentee by Mail
Military and Overseas Voting
Davidson County Election Commission
P.O. Box 650
Nashville, TN 37202-0650
Fax: (615) 880-1729
IMPORTANT DATES FOR ELECTIONS
IMPORTANT DATES:
90 Days Prior to Election |
This is the first date the Davidson County Election Commission may receive request for absentee ballots to be voted by mail. |
7 Days |
This is the last possible date that the Davidson County Election Commission can receive a completed application and mail out an absentee ballot. |
Absentee Ballots, Questions and Answers
- What is absentee voting?
Absentee voting is a voting method that involves voting on a day earlier than the actual Election Day.
Tennessee has two forms of absentee voting:
- Absentee in-person, which is better known as Early Voting, and
- Absentee by-mail, which is commonly called By-Mail Voting.
- Who may apply to vote absentee?
To vote as an Early Voter, a registered voter may vote without giving a reason during the established Early Voting period. The Early Voting period typically begins twenty (20) days before an election and ends five (5) days before an election. In those instances in a city election where there is not ANY opposition on the ballot, Early Voting begins ten (10) days before the election.
- The voter will be outside the county of registration during the Early Voting period and all day on Election Day;
- The voter or the voter’s spouse is enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college or university outside the county of registration;
- The voter’s licensed physician has filed a statement with the county election commission stating that, in the physician's judgment, the voter is medically unable to vote in person. The statement must be filed not less than five (5) days before the election and signed under the penalty of perjury;
- The voter resides in a licensed facility providing relatively permanent domiciliary care, other than a penal institution, outside the voter's county of residence;
- The voter will be unable to vote in person due to service as a juror for a federal or state court;
- The voter is sixty-five (65) years of age or older;
- The voter has a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place;
- The voter is hospitalized, ill, or physically disabled and because of such condition, cannot vote in person;
- The voter is a caretaker of a person who is hospitalized, ill or disabled;
- The voter is a candidate for office in the election;
- The voter serves as an election day official or as a member or employee of the election commission;
- The voter’s observance of a religious holiday prevents him or her from voting in person during the early voting period and on Election Day;
- The voter possesses a valid commercial driver license and certifies that he or she will be working outside the state or county of registration during the early voting period and all day on Election Day;
- The voter is a member of the military or is an overseas citizen.
- What is the process for requesting the By-Mail ballot?
A registered voter may request a By-Mail ballot by simply writing to the voter’s local county election commission office and making such a request over the voter’s signature. The request may be mailed or faxed to the county election commission office. Upon receipt of the request, the local election commission will mail an application for ballot to the voter.
However, if the voter wants to expedite the application process, the voter may place the following information in the request for ballot:
- The name of the registered voter;
- The address of the voter's residence;
- The voter's social security number;
- The voter’s telephone number;
- The voter’s date of birth;
- The address to mail the ballot outside the county (this applies only when the reason for voting by mail involves that the voter will be outside of the county during Early Voting and on Election Day);
- The election the voter wishes to participate in. If the election involves a primary, the political party in which the voter wishes to participate;
- The reason the voter wishes to vote absentee; and
- The voter’s signature.
A request that contains this information will be treated and processed as an application for ballot, and a ballot will be mailed to the voter. You may also visit our website at www.nashville.gov/vote in the menu on the left-hand side, the last item Absentee Request Form may be downloaded and filled out.
- Is any additional information required for individuals who have registered to vote by mail?
Unless an individual, who has registered to vote By-Mail, is on the permanent absentee voting register, that person must appear In-Person to vote in the first election after the registration becomes effective. If a By-Mail registrant has already voted in person since the registration, then no additional information will be required to vote By-Mail - How can a person vote who possesses a valid commercial driver license and who will be working outside the county of registration during the early voting period and all day Election Day?
If the voter possesses a valid commercial driver license and does not have a specific out-of-county or out-of-state location to which mail may be sent or received during the Early Voting or Election Day hours, the voter may:
- Complete an application to vote absentee By-Mail at the voter's county election commission office; or
- Send a written request that contains the information discussed in question number 3;
- Provide the commercial driver license number on the voter's current commercial driver license;
- Provide the voter’s current residential address and any mailing address to which the ballot shall be mailed.
- When may a registered voter apply to vote By-Mail?
A registered voter may request an application for By-Mail ballot no earlier than ninety (90) days before the election and no later than seven (7) days before the election. To be processed for the next election, the application must be received by the election commission no later than five (5) days before the election. - To be counted, when must the ballot be received by the election commission?
The county election commission must receive the ballot By-Mail no later than the close of polls on Election Day. Once the election commission issues an absentee By-Mail ballot to a voter, the voter can only vote by mail. - What if I do not receive or ruin my ballot and can no longer use it?
If a voter notifies the election commission that he or she has “spoiled” a ballot or has not received the ballot, the election commission shall note on the records that subsequent supplies have been sent and supply the voter with subsequent voting supplies. - What if I do not provide all of the information required on the By-Mail ballot application?
The county election commission will reject the application and return the application to the voter immediately by mail to be completed and returned again. - Can the ballot be hand delivered?
No. The By-Mail ballot must be received by the county election commission office through the postal mail.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR ELECTIONS
MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS
DATE EVENT
|
Once the election ballots are printed, and the Form 76 is received and reviewed by the Davidson County Election Commission, a ballot will be mailed to the voter.
Ballots will be mailed out no earlier than 45 days prior to the election date.
Completed ballots MUST be mailed back to the Davidson County Election Commission. Faxed copies are not accepted.
Completed ballot MUST be received by Davidson County Election Commission by the Close of the polls on Election Day.
- Who may apply to vote absentee as a military or overseas voter?
- MILITARY PERSONNEL: Persons who are United States citizens, residents of Tennessee and a members of the Uniformed Services (i.e., armed forces personnel) and their family members.
“Armed forces personnel” is defined as members of the navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, environmental science service administration, public health service or the United States, or members of the merchant marine of the United States, and their spouses and dependents.
- CIVILIANS OUTSIDE U.S.: Persons who are United States citizens, residents of Tennessee, and who are currently residing overseas.
- OVERSEAS CITIZENS: A United States citizen who resides outside the U.S. and but for living outside the U.S., would be qualified to vote in Tennessee.
- PERSONS BORN OVERSEAS: A person who has never lived in the U.S., but has a parent who is eligible to vote in Tennessee may vote in Tennessee if the same voting residence claimed by the parent.
- Must I already be a registered voter to vote in Tennessee pursuant to this provision?
No, if you meet the qualifications to register to vote in Tennessee but have not registered prior to requesting an absentee ballot and you fall into one of the above categories, your application to absentee ballot will be treated as an application for temporary registration. Normally, an individual who registers to vote by mail must appear in person in the first election the person votes in after such registration becomes effective. This provision is waived in the case of military personnel, their family members, or overseas citizens. However, since this is only a temporary registration, once you are no longer eligible to vote under this provision of the law, you must complete a voter registration form and submit the form to your local county election commission prior to voting in subsequent election.
If you are a registered voter prior to requesting an absentee ballot under this provision, the above information does not apply to you.
- When may a registered voter or individual who meets the above requirements apply to vote by absentee Ballot?
Applications may be received no earlier than January 1 of the year in which the election is to be held unless the election is to be held less than ninety (90) days after January 1 of the calendar year. In that case, the application may be received no earlier than ninety (90) days before the election and not less than five (5) days before the election.
- What is the process for requesting an absentee ballot?
An individual who meets the above requirements may request an absentee ballot by completing a Federal Post Card application, also known as a “Form 76 or FPCA”
The Federal Voting Assistance Program provides an online version of the Form 76 the voter may complete and send to the local county election commission, for Davidson County to go to our website at www.nashville.gov/vote and download the Form 76 application. Complete all required information and return by fax or mail.
- How do I submit the request of application to my local commission?
Since the form requires the voter’s signature, the form must be mailed or faxed to the local county election commission. A form may be faxed only if the election commission office has a fax machine physically located in its office.
The form may not be submitted via e-mail.
- To be counted, when must the voted ballot be received by the county election commission?
The voted ballot must be received By-Mail by the close of the polls on Election Day. Once an absentee ballot has been issued, the voter must vote By-Mail. If the ballot is rejected, the registered voter will be notified that the ballot was rejected and why the ballot was rejected.
- Must I submit an application for each election in the upcoming year?
No, pursuant to the Help America Vote Act, request for absentee ballots made after January 1, 2004 receive absentee ballots for the next subsequent election for Federal offices in the State through the next two general elections. General elections are held every two years in even years in November.
Example: If a registered voter requests an absentee ballot April 2004, the registered voter will receive absentee ballots for all elections through November 2006.
Note that it is the voter’s responsibility to keep the local county election office informed of any change of address. The ballots will be mailed to the address that is originally submitted to the local county office until further notice from the voter.
- What if I do not receive or ruin my ballot and can no longer use it?
If a voter notifies the election commission that he or she has “spoiled” a ballot or has not received a Ballot, the election commission shall note on the records that subsequent supplies have been sent and supply the voter with subsequent voting supplies.
After requesting an official absentee ballot, Armed Forces personnel and overseas voters who feel that there may not be a sufficient amount of time to receive and the return the voted ballot may also use a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB).
Instructions for completing an FWAB is located:
http://www.fvap.gov/onlinefwab.html
To obtain a FWAB see your voting officer or you may print the ballot from: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/ofwab.pdf
For return ballot envelope:
http://wwwfvap.gov/pubs/returnenvelope.pdf
Note: If both ballots are received prior to the close of the polls on Election Day, the county election commission will count the official ballot it provided the voter.
- What if I do not provide all the information required on the By-Mail ballot application?
The county election commission will reject the application and return the application to the Voter immediately By-Mail to be completed and returned again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am a resident of Davidson County, where do I mail my Voter Registration Form in order to register by mail?
A: You should mail your completed form to:
Davidson County Election Commission
P. O. Box 650
Nashville, TN 37202
Q: Why do you have to choose a political party before you can get to vote on election day?
A: The only time a voter is required to indicate the party he/she wishes to vote for is during a primary election. A primary election is an election held for a political party for the purpose of allowing members of that party to select a nominee or nominees to appear on the General Election Ballot. Therefore in order to vote in a primary, you must declare that you wish to vote as a member of that political party.
Q: What are the general rules for running for an elected position?
A: Rules for appearing on a ballot as a candidate for an office vary depending on whether the office is local or state. Generally, a candidate must be (1) a resident of the county/district/state in which he/she wishes to run for office (length of residency varies depending on the office); (2) a registered voter; and (3) a member of the political party for which he/she wishes to run (unless the candidate is seeking a non-partisan office or is running as independent). Some offices require a minimum age, i.e. State Representative/21 years; State Senator/30 years. See the Candidate Requirements page for more details.
Q: What is the electoral college and how does one become an elector?
A: The electoral college is a body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution to select the president and Vice-President of the United States. Electors are chosen for a state proportional to its combined number of senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress. One elector is selected for each legislative district in a state plus two at large electors for that state. For Tennessee, that number is 11. Political parties nominate electors who are then selected by the voters. Once confirmed, electors cast their ballots for candidates of their own political party.
Q: What is a delegate?
A: Delegates are local party representatives at local area caucuses according to city council districts. These delegates will then help in the formation of the party's agenda and they also elect the local party officers; voting members of a party on matters of party leadership which may include participation in state and national conventions or caucuses.
Q: What is an Executive Committee person? What are the duties and terms of office?
A: Tennessee law requires that each political party have a State Executive Committee which represents the primary board for the party. Members of the State Executive Committee for each party are elected at the regular August Primary proceeding the election of Governor. In each party's primary, its voters in each senatorial district elect (1) man, (1) woman as members of the State Executive Committee for terms of (4) years beginning on September 15th following their election.
Q: Can a politician keep all the money that he/she raises?
A: At the close of financial reporting periods for each election, a candidate may transfer any remaining funds over to a new campaign account, but a candidate may not keep funds for his personal use.
Q: What are normal campaign expenditures?
A: Currently, there are no limits to the maximum amount a candidate may receive as financial contribution nor on spending toward his/her campaign.
Q: How long are these terms: Mayor, Governor, Senator and Representatives?
A: Office terms (and limits) are as follows:
- President - 4 years (2 terms)
- Governor – 4 years (2 terms)
- U. S. Senator - 6 years (unlimited)
- U. S. Representative – 2 years (unlimited)
- State Senator – 4 years (unlimited)
- State Representative - 2 years (unlimited)
- Mayor - 4 years (2 terms)
- Vice-Mayor – 4 years (2 terms)
- At-Large Council Members – 4 years (2 terms)
- District Council Members – 4 years (2 terms)
Q: How are votes counted?
A: The method of counting votes depends on the method of voting. If electronic voting machines are used, the cartridge inside the machine records each vote and provides a running total of votes entered on that machine. At the conclusion of an election, these cartridges are removed from the voting machine and, 1-5-1, inserted in a counting device that totals the votes from all machine cartridges. If paper ballots are used, these ballots are manually counted. The Davidson County Election Commission has a "scanner" available for the counting of paper ballots used in elections. This process is similar to voting on paper ballot, except the ballot will be printed on specially prepared paper and the voter will mark the ballot with a pencil. The scanner will then "read" the vote from the ballot and keep a count of the total votes casts for each candidate.
Q: What is a run-off election?
A: A run-off election is a special election held when candidates in a preceding general election fail to get sufficient votes to win an election. For example, a race for mayor or a district Metro Council seat requires the winner to receive "50% + 1 of the total votes cast". The two candidates who receive the largest number of votes, but fail to get the required "50% + 1" must run against each other in a run-off election. Council-at-Large elections require winners to receive 20% of the aggregate number of votes cast for that office.
Q: What does the Election Commission do?
A: A county election commission has the statutory responsibilities of registering voters and conducting elections.
Q: What is voter apathy?
A: Voter apathy is the refusal of a citizen to cast his/her vote, usually as a result of frustration over government inefficiency.
Q: How do I register to vote? Is it free?
A: Voter registration is free. Qualifications to register to vote: You must be at least 18 years old (or 18 on or before the next scheduled election day); a U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen; a resident of Tennessee; and your voting privileges must not be restricted because of a conviction as a felon. Registration may be in person (at the county election commission office) or by mail (post card registration forms are available at area libraries and post offices). After January 1, 1995, you will be able to apply for voter registration at the same time you apply for a driver's license. You will also be able to apply for registration at the office of the County Clerk, the Register of Deeds, Department of Veterans' Affairs, and local branches of the Armed Forces.
Q: How can you make a politician keep his/her promises?
A: Voting is one effective way of keeping office holders accountable for their promises. Districts that have high voter turn outs have representatives that respond to what its constituents want; districts that have low voter turn outs usually have non-responsive politicians that stay in office election after election.
Q: How is the Director of the Election Commission decided upon?
A: The "Director of the Election Commission" is statutorily referred to as "Administrator of Elections". That position is appointed by the county election commissioners. Davidson County has (5) commissioners. Three of those commissioners are selected from the party of the majority in the General Assembly of the Tennessee Legislature. The remaining two are representatives of the minority party.
Q: What does suffrage mean?
A: Suffrage is the right to vote. There have been many movements in the United States to extend the right to vote.
Q: What does veto mean?
A: Veto comes from the latin "to forbid". The power of a veto is used by certain government officials to prevent, temporarily or permanently, a bill from becoming a law.
Q: When is a vote count official?
A: The vote count is official once it has been certified by the election commission.
Q: What should I do if I have changed my address?
A: If you are going to stay in the same county, you may change your address by making the change of address on the back of your voter registration card and mailing it to your county election commission office or by completing and sending in a change of address form. If you are moving to another county or state, you must re-register in the county of your new address. The election commission in the county to which you are moving can give you further information on registration procedures there.
Q: What are committees in the General Assembly?
A: Committees are small groups of legislators that are designed to allow more detailed study and consideration of issues that will come before the entire legislative body without the necessity of long complicated meetings of that full body. When the committee makes its reports and recommendations to the full body, each member will have the opportunity to discuss and consider the matter prior to voting on the issue. Currently, there are 21 committees in the General Assembly of Tennessee.
Q: Can I vote if I've been to prison?
A: The privilege of voting may be denied if you are convicted of a felony. Also relevant is when the conviction occurred and under what circumstances. For further information, please see Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) 2-2-139, 40-29-101, and 40-29-105. All felons should be directed to the Absentee/Early Voting Coordinator.
Q: Is it against the law not to register to vote?
A: There is no law requiring citizens to register to vote.
Q: Why are there so many candidates? Is there a limit to how many people can run for one office?
A: There is no limit to the number of candidates who may run for office. Any person who meets the statutory or municipal qualifications may appear on the ballot if they file their nominating petitions by the specific deadline. For more information on "nominating petitions", see T.C.A. 2-5-101.
Q: Are elected officials supposed to endorse candidates?
A: There is no law prohibiting elected officials from endorsing the candidate of their choice.
Q: What is a paper ballot and when are they used?
A: Paper ballots are separately printed ballots on which names of qualified candidates are used. They are for Absentee Voting and Provisional Voting. They may also be used when a voter's right to vote is challenged by an official and it becomes necessary for that vote to be decided upon by the Absentee Counting Board. Finally, a paper ballot may also be used when a voter requires the assistance of another person in order to vote (i.e., a visually impaired voter).
Q: What is redistricting?
A: Redistricting is the process of redrawing legislative lines to correspond with any shifts in populations as evidenced by the Federal Census Report.
Q: Is it possible to vote for a Democrat for one office and a Republican for another?
A: One may vote for a candidate of one party seeking an office and a candidate of another party seeking a different office during a general election; however, during a primary election, a voter must select the party in which he/she wishes to vote and vote for candidates that appear on that party's ballot.
Q: What is a primary election?
A: A primary election is a nominating process. Candidates who emerge from a primary appear on the General Election ballot even if there is no opposition in the General Election.
Q: What is Absentee Voting?
A: Prior to the August 4, 1994 election, voters who could not vote on Election Day were permitted to vote during the Absentee Voting period. In order to vote absentee, the voter had to apply for a ballot and state the reason why he/she would not be available to vote on the next scheduled Election Day. With early voting, any voter may vote "early" and not need to provide a reason for wanting to vote early. Active voters may cast their vote during this period of early voting at either the county election commission office or one of its satellites.
Q: Can I change my vote after I've voted in the voting machine?
A: A vote cannot be changed once the voter has "voted". A voter should be certain of their choices before pressing the "green" button on the voting machine.
Q: How old must you be to vote?
A: In 1971, the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age across the nation to 18. This means one must be at least 18 years of age on or before the next election day to vote.
Q: When did women get to vote in Tennessee?
A: Tennessee became the 36th state to allow women the right to vote on August 20, 1920. Tennessee then became the final state needed for the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave all women age 21 and older the right to vote.
Q: When did black Americans get the right to vote?
A: The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed in 1870 following the Civil War. This amendment guaranteed the right to vote to all men age 21 and older regardless of race or ethnic background.
Q: What is a referendum?
A: Referendum is a means of getting public concerns on the ballot. Generally, getting a referendum on the ballot requires petitioners to get signatures for 10% of voters from the previous general election and such petitions are also subject to deadlines presented to the Metro Clerk/State Legislature on a certain deadline before an election.
Q: When do I have to register to vote?
A: You may register at any time but must register no later than 30 days before the election in which you wish to vote.
Q: I just moved here. Can I register right away?
A: Yes, you can register as soon as you become a resident of Tennessee.
Q: How will I know if I'm a registered voter?
A: You will receive your voter registration card about two weeks after your form has been processed by the county election commission and at that time you will be a registered voter. If you have registered by mail, you must vote in person either at your appropriate polling place or the county election commission office the first time after you register.
Q: How can I find out where to go vote?
A: The address of your polling place is listed on your voter registration card. Voters may directly contact the facility to get directions to their voting location.
Q: I won't be able to vote on election day. What can I do?
A: From the 20th day to the 5th day before the election, you can vote at the county election commission office or its satellite locations. This is called "early voting" and applies to all voters. Call your county election commission for places and times for early voting.
Q: I'll be out of town both during early voting and also election day. How can I vote?
A: Not more than 60 days and no later than 7 days before an election, you may request an absentee ballot from the county election commission in person or by mail. Your request must include your name, address, Social Security number, the address to which you wish the ballot to be mailed, the election or elections in which you wish to vote, and the reason you wish to vote absentee. You must mail the absentee ballot which you will receive in time to reach the election commission on or before election day.
Q: If I have to move to another state just before a Presidential Election, does that mean that I will lose my vote?
A: No, you will not lose your vote in a national election if you move to another state less than 30 days before an election day. You can vote either by Absentee Ballot or return to the county where you are registered and vote there in person. Remember, this does not apply to state or local elections. See T.C.A. 2-2-103.
Q: I'm a college student. Can I vote in the community where my school is located?
A: Yes, you can register and vote in the precinct in which your school is located. Just follow the registration procedures and vote at the place indicated on your voter registration card. If you are a full-time student, but in a county other than where you live, you may want to vote by Absentee Ballot.
Q: How many government districts are there in Tennessee?
A: Two U.S. Senators each represent all the voters in Tennessee, and there are nine districts in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Tennessee General Assembly is divided into the Senate with 33 districts and the House of Representatives with 99 districts. In addition, your local county and municipality may also be divided into districts. Davidson County includes four (4) main state senate districts and ten (10) state representative districts.
Q: How can I find out in which of those districts I live?
A: The district numbers of your Tennessee Senate, Tennessee House, and any applicable county or municipal representatives are listed on the front of your voter registration card. If you have not yet registered or cannot find your voter registration card, call your county election commission and they will advise you of your district representatives.
Q: How can I find out who my representatives are in each of those districts?
A: You can call your county election commission, your public library or your local League of Women Voters for help. Their numbers may be found in your local telephone directory.
Q: What are the dates of election?
A: Elections for President, Vice-President, U.S. Senators and Representatives, Governor, General Assembly Senators and Representatives, and Public Service Commissioners are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.
Elections for judicial and county officials and state primary elections are held on the first Thursday of August of every even-numbered year. Referendums and other municipal elections may also be held on one of those dates.
Not every office has to be filled every year. For instance, the President runs for office only every four years, not every even-numbered year.
Q: How can I find out who is running for office this year?
A: Your best source of information is your local newspaper and radio or television news casts. Political party headquarters and county election commission also may answer brief questions and in some cases, may have printed lists of candidates. A sample ballot usually appears in the newspaper a few days before the election. Your local League of Women Voters may also be able to help you.
Q: Can I write in the name of someone who is not on the ballot?
A: Yes, provisions are made for write-in votes at every polling place. Just ask for a "write-in" ballot when you sign in.
Q: Where can I find out something about the candidates?
A: Newspaper stories about the candidates and announcements of public forums and debates will be published several weeks before an election. You may call or write the headquarters of any of the candidates for further information on their backgrounds and positions. Candidate addresses and telephone numbers may be obtained from directory assistance, the county election commission or from your local League of Women Voters.
Q: After I've registered and voted, will I have to register again before each election?
A: All registered persons may vote in all future elections if their registration is not purged by a county election commission for one of the following reasons:
- The request of the voter.
- Change of name except by marriage.
- Not having citizenship rights restored as required by law after being convicted of a crime which is a felony. Residential address changes should be made in order to vote in state and county elections.
Q: I have a fax machine. Can I use that instead of the mail when I vote?
A: In the latest change of election laws, provisions were made to allow voters to apply for Absentee Ballot by fax mail from those county election commissions which have one located in their office. Call your local county election commission to find out about the availability of fax service for its voters. See T.C.A. 2-6-202(3).
Q: I'm a senior citizen. Are there any special provisions stating where I may vote?
A: On Election Day, you may vote in the precinct in which you are registered. During early voting, you may vote at any early voting satellite location in the county. Or if you are 65 years of age or older, you may request an Absentee Ballot by mail.
Q: What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A: The 1974 campaign finance reform laws directed that group contributions of $5000 or less to any single candidate be contributed to campaigns through political action committees. PAC(s) may be corporate, labor, trade, or private interest.
Q: How does a bill become a law?
A: Bills may originate in either House, each bill will generally have a companion bill in the House opposite from its origination. A companion bill is simply an identical bill to the original bill but sponsored by a member of the opposite House. For example, if a member of the House of Representatives introduces a bill in the House, this is the origin of that bill. In order to assure that the bill will be considered in a timely manner by both the House and the Senate, a member of the Senate will introduce an identical bill in the Senate and this will be the companion bill.