2021 Tennessee Code
Chapter 7 - Procedure at the Polling Place
§ 2-7-129. Unused Paper Ballots — Disposal

Immediately after the polls close and before any ballot box or voting machine is opened to count votes, the judges shall tear all unused paper ballots in half without tearing off the numbered stubs. The portion without the stubs may then be discarded, and the portion with the stubs shall be preserved.