Tennessee Voters to Decide on Amendment Three in November

State residents will head to the polls on November 3 to vote on a constitutional amendment regarding victim rights.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Criminal Justice

Tennessee Voters to Decide on Amendment Three in November

Live Poll

Should states expand constitutional rights for crime victims at the potential risk of due process?

Tennessee voters will decide the fate of Amendment Three, known as Marsy's Law, on the ballot this November 3. The proposal seeks to amend the state constitution by expanding the number of rights afforded to crime victims.

Why it matters

Proponents argue that the measure will keep families of crime victims better informed, while opponents contend that adding these specific protections could undermine constitutional due process.

The ballot measure seeks to codify an expansion from 8 to 13 total constitutional rights for victims in Tennessee. Passage of the amendment is currently subject to the state's upcoming election results.

The players

Savannah Copeland

She was a victim in a stabbing death case in Powell whose death has been referenced during the debate over victim rights.

The details

The initiative specifically addresses the legal framework for how victims and their families engage with the criminal justice system. Debates surrounding the amendment have referenced local cases, including the 2024 stabbing death of Savannah Copeland in Powell.

November 3, 2026 is the date for the statewide election where voters decide the amendment.
October 23, 2026 is the date of this report regarding the ballot measure.
2024 is the year Savannah Copeland was stabbed to death.

Legal Context

This amendment, known as Marsy's Law, follows a national trend of states enshrining victim rights into their constitutions. Tennessee is currently considering the adoption of this framework to expand existing constitutional protections for victims.

The passage of Amendment Three would directly alter the constitutional rights available to residents involved in the criminal justice system. Voters must mark the ballot for or against the proposal to determine if these changes will be added to the state constitution.

The takeaway

Voters should review the full text of the proposed amendment to understand how it changes current victim protections before heading to the polls. Familiarizing yourself with the ballot language ensures an informed choice on the expansion of constitutional rights.