More people encouraged to vote ahead of National Voter Registration Day

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - National Voter Registration Day comes ahead of a big election here in Memphis.

Early voting continues for the Memphis Municipal Election on the day people are encouraged to register to vote.

Tennessee law requires people to be registered to vote at least 30 days before an election, so Memphians who weren’t registered by September 5 cannot vote in the Memphis Municipal Election, but they have plenty of time to register for the next election in March.

Early voting will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

As of Saturday, more than 5,000 Memphians have voted early for the Memphis Municipal Election taking place on October 5.

That number has likely risen since early voting began.

In May of this year, the SCEC reported more than 545,000 registered voters in Shelby County.

But officials say historically, 60% of registered voters are coming out to the polls.

They’re looking for that number if not a higher percentage for the upcoming election.

The Memphis mayoral race and races for all city council seats are on the ballot.

You can check your voter registration status here and also view a sample ballot here.

The early voting period came just one day after a mayoral forum hosted by Action News 5, the Commercial Appeal and the League of Women Voters of Memphis-Shelby County.

Six out of 17 candidates were there, answering multiple questions about their candidacy, including why they believe they’re the best person for the job.

Former Mayor Willie Herenton was not at the forum, declining the invitation.

Herenton says he does not believe he needs to participate in a mayoral forum for voters to get to know him.

Early voting will wrap up on September 30.

You do not need to vote at your designated precinct throughout the early voting period.

The March 5 election will be the primary election for presidential and Shelby County races.

People looking to vote in that race must be registered by February 5, 2024.

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