There may never have been a more urgent time for Nashvillians to participate in the electoral process than right now. This year has seen major assaults upon the integrity and autonomy of the city of Nashville and Davidson county by the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee legislature.

They have attempted to overstep their authority by gerrymandering statewide and succeeded in carving up the 5th U.S. congressional district so that now the state is represented in Congress by eight Republicans and only ONE Democrat. They now hold both of our state’s seats in the US Senate. They hold a 27-6 majority in the State Senate and a 75-24 majority in the State House of Representatives. Also, they are seeking to control the Metro Council by cutting it in half, and are trying to take away the local control of our airport.

All this power is held in a state where, according to the Pew Research Center, only 48% are Republican/lean Republican; while 36% are Democrat/lean Democrat; and just 15% are No lean (don’t identify with either party). So, how is it that less than half the state totally dominates every chamber of government? Great question, but part of the answer lies in the vote. Please use yours.

On the ballot this summer are candidates for Mayor and Vice-Mayor, 35 Council districts, and five at-large council positions, along with a few special primary and general elections for displaced and deceased state legislators. The aforementioned state legislature attempted to slice the council in half, and had rigged, gerrymandered districts planned to carve up the city this year to elect a very Republican-oriented, non-representative council, but were stopped temporarily by the judiciary. 

Please check your voting status, and get out to vote. We need a strong Mayor and council and others who will resist this odious trend in government, as witnessed by the expulsion of Justin Jones, who will be on the ballot, and other actions not intended to share power and truly represent all of the people of Nashville.

You can confirm your Voter Registration anytime, 24/7, free, in one minute, on your phone, at: tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup    And get your sample ballot at: nashville.gov/departments/elections

Very importantly, even if you missed the July 5 deadline for the August 3 election, there will very likely be a Runoff election, especially for Mayor, and probably At-Large and maybe other Council seats, so if you find you are not registered, register now! Be ready to vote in the September 14 Runoff Election (If Necessary), which will also be for the TN House District 51 Special General Election.

On Friday, July 14, Early Voting Begins, and on Saturday, July 29 Early Voting Ends. there will like be no early voting for the September 14 Metropolitan Runoff Election (**If Necessary**)

The August 3 Metropolitan General Election is for candidates for Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Member At Large (5), Council Member (Districts 1 – 35), TN House District 51 Special Primary TN House of Representatives (Incumbent died in office), TN House District 52 Special Election TN House of Representatives (Incumbent Expelled by Republican supermajority). September 14 is the Metropolitan Runoff Election (If Necessary), and TN House District 51 Special General Election.

Remember: You must present an ID with your name and photograph to vote. The most commonly used photo ID is a Tennessee Driver’s License. You do not have to present the new REAL ID or your Voter Registration Card to vote. Other photo ID options include: U.S. Passport, Tennessee Department of Safety photo ID, U.S. Military photo ID (active or retired), Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit with your photo, Photo ID issued by the Federal or Tennessee state government

These photo IDs may be expired, unless you are voting in Davidson County for the first time.

NOTE: Student IDs, library cards, and photo IDs issued by cities, counties, and other states may not be used.

TN requirements to vote: You must be a U.S. Citizen; You must be a resident of Tennessee; You must be at least 18 years old on/or before the next election; If you have been convicted of a felony, your eligibility to register and vote depends upon the crime you were convicted of and the date of your conviction. If your conviction made you ineligible, you may regain your eligibility if your conviction has been expunged or if you have had your voting rights restored, unless you were convicted of a crime that rendered you permanently ineligible to vote.