Early Voting Kicks Off Soon in Memphis, Tennessee!
Exciting news, Memphis! The countdown has begun because early voting is set to start in less than a week! Yes, that’s right—the early voting period will kick off on October 16 and run through October 31. If you’re eager to cast your vote but want to avoid the crowds on Election Day, this is your chance!
Why Early Voting is Important
Unfortunately, not everyone in Shelby County has taken advantage of early voting in the past. In the recent primary elections, only 13% of eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot. So, let’s make a change! The more people who participate, the better our elections reflect the will of our community. In contrast, during the presidential election in 2020, Memphis saw a significant turnout, with more than 383,000 voters making their voices heard. It’s a great reminder of how impactful each vote can be!
Current Voter Registration
As of October 1, there are 551,692 active registered voters in Shelby County. If you’re among this group, make sure you’re ready to join the fun! One of the great things about early voting is that if you reside in Shelby County, you have the flexibility to vote anywhere in the county during the early voting period. So whether you’re in Bartlett, Memphis, Arlington, or Germantown, you can drop by any early voting location and cast your ballot.
What’s at Stake This Year
This election cycle is particularly thrilling, especially with the presidential race heating up. It will feature a showdown between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. That’s right—this election promises excitement!
But that’s not all folks! Tennesseans will also be voting on various crucial local races, including a pivotal Senate race. Candidates include Marsha Blackburn, Gloria Johnson, Tharon Chandler, Pamela Jeanine “P.” Moses, and Hastina Robinson. It’s going to be a competitive race, so be sure to read up on them and what they stand for!
What to Bring to Vote
Planning to vote early? You’ll need to bring a valid ID to ensure you can cast your ballot. Don’t worry if your driver’s license is expired because Tennessee allows expired IDs issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or by state and federal agencies. Keep in mind that student IDs from Tennessee colleges or universities cannot be used to vote, so plan accordingly!
Sample Ballots are Available!
Want a sneak peek of what you’ll be voting on? You can check out a sample ballot through the Shelby County Election Commission or through local voter guides. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the candidates and measures, so you can make informed choices as you head to the polls!
Mark Your Calendars!
The only day left to vote will be on Election Day, November 5. So, if you can’t make it during the early voting phase, be sure to set aside time to vote on that day!
We can’t stress enough how important this is. Your voice matters, and participating in elections is one of the best ways to express it. Let’s ensure that our community has the highest turnout possible this year. Happy voting, Memphis!
