Exciting Changes Ahead for Memphis as Election Season Approaches

Exciting Changes Coming to Memphis with Upcoming Election!

Memphis residents, get ready! The Shelby County Election Commission has officially released the sample ballots for the upcoming November election, and it’s shaping up to be quite eventful. Not only will you see candidates vying for various positions, but you’ll also be faced with a series of important questions on the ballot that directly impact our community.

Key Dates to Remember

First things first: if you haven’t registered to vote yet, make sure to mark October 7 on your calendar as the last day to do so. It’s essential to make your voice heard!

What’s on the Ballot?

This year, Memphis voters will be presented with a total of **six referendums**, many of which contain multiple questions. One of the first things you’ll need to decide on is whether the current majority run-off provision in the city charter should apply to mayoral races. Right now, if no candidate for a single-member city council seat receives more than 50% of the votes, a run-off election is scheduled. Do you think the same should happen for the mayoral race?

Next, the ballots will ask if candidates for both the mayoral and city council positions should be at least **18 years old** and have lived in Memphis for a minimum of **two years** prior to the election date. This question is aimed at ensuring our leaders have proper roots in the community they serve.

Another important question involves the Memphis City Council’s ability to determine and approve salaries for key positions such as the mayor and appointed directors. Do you believe that the council should have a say in this financial matter?

And finally, we have some pressing questions about gun ownership in the city. Voters will need to weigh in on issues related to safe storage and the sale of machine guns within city limits. Initially, the Shelby County Election Commission was hesitant to include these questions on the ballot after state guidance, but a ruling from a Shelby County Chancery Court chancellor meant these crucial topics will stay.

National Attention on Gun Issues

This is especially timely given Memphis Mayor Paul Young’s recent presence at a signing event with President Joe Biden. On September 26, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at combating dangerous firearms including machine gun conversion devices and addressing the rise of 3-D printed firearms. It’s part of an effort to improve active shooter drills in schools and tackle emerging firearm threats. Young expressed his pride in attending the event, highlighting the urgency of addressing dangerous weapons in our streets.

Local Legal Matters: The Ouster Petition

Wanda Halbert is in the midst of a legal battle as Judge Felica Corbin-Johnson continues to review the ouster petition against her. During a recent court appearance, there was plenty of discussion about the legality of the petition, especially regarding who has the authority to file it. It looks like things might take a couple of weeks before a decision is reached, so stay tuned!

Changes in Democratic Leadership

Tennessee Democratic Party is undergoing a leadership change, as current chairman Hendrell Remus has decided not to seek re-election. As Memphis’ first elected Black chairman, Remus has worked to revitalize the party’s brand. The Shelby County Democratic Party is also shifting its leadership as we inch closer to early voting days.

Stay Engaged!

With so many questions and changes on the horizon, it’s crucial for Memphis residents to stay informed and engaged. If you have any questions about the upcoming November 5 General Election, feel free to reach out to the metro reporting team. You can send your queries via email or even give a call—your concerns matter!

And don’t forget, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners will be holding their committee meetings soon, so if you want to see local governance in action, make sure to attend or watch the livestream.

As we gear up for this exciting election period, let’s all do our part to ensure our voices are heard. Happy voting, Memphis!