Shelby County is gearing up for a crucial election this November, and there are some exciting changes that voters should know about. From brand-new voting machines to important early voting dates, the Shelby County Election Commission is working hard to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Recently, Choose901 got a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening at the Commission, including an interview with Linda Phillips, the Shelby County Election Commission Administrator.
Early Voting: Mark Your Calendars
The early voting period in Shelby County starts on October 16 and runs through October 31. That means voters have plenty of time to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. For those who prefer to vote in person, early voting is a great way to avoid the Election Day rush.
According to Linda Phillips, “We’re really excited about early voting this year, and we’re hoping to see a good turnout. We’ve made it as easy as possible for voters to come in and cast their ballots early, and the new machines make the process quick and simple.”
Public Testing and New Voting Machines
One of the most significant updates this year is the introduction of new voting machines. On October 8, the Election Commission held public testing of the machines, giving everyone a chance to see the equipment in action and observe the process for ensuring everything works properly before Election Day.
Phillips highlighted the importance of the new technology: “These machines are incredibly user-friendly, even for people who aren’t as familiar with technology. And for voters with disabilities, we’ve made sure they can cast their ballots independently and privately with features like sip-and-puff technology and audio read-aloud options.”
Building Upgrades and Increased Security
While the Election Commission prepares for the upcoming election, they’re also working on major renovations to their facilities. This includes expanding parking, adding fire hazard prevention systems, and improving security with new fences and secure storage areas for ballots. Many changes are already in place to improve both safety and voter experience.
“The building was never meant to handle as many people and as much equipment as it does today,” Phillips said. “We’re working on major security upgrades, including secure storage for ballots and more security cameras. These changes help us ensure that the election is safe and fair.”
Voter Engagement: Focus on Younger Voters
This year, the Election Commission is seeing a rise in voter registration, especially among younger residents. “In September alone, 70% of our new voter registrations were from people under the age of 36,” Phillips shared. “But registering is just the first step. We really need these young people to show up and vote.”
With that in mind, the Election Commission has been hosting events across the county to demonstrate how easy it is to use the new machines. From public events to social media outreach, they’re doing everything they can to make sure everyone is prepared to vote.
Voting Accessibility for All
One of the Commission’s top priorities is ensuring that all voters, including those with disabilities, have equal access to the voting process. Every polling location in Shelby County is ADA-compliant, and the new machines come equipped with assistive technology that allows voters with physical disabilities to navigate the ballot independently.
“We want to make sure that everyone can vote, no matter what challenges they face,” Phillips explained. “Our machines can read the ballot aloud to voters, and they support technologies like rocker panels and sip-and-puff for those who need it.”
Getting Voter Ready
To be voter-ready, Shelby County residents need to bring a valid photo ID issued by the state of Tennessee or the federal government. If someone can’t obtain a photo ID due to financial reasons, they can request an affidavit of identity at the polling station. This lesser-known process helps make sure that everyone has a chance to vote, even if they can’t afford the required documents.
As Phillips put it, “Democracy works best when everyone has a voice. Our job is to make sure that every eligible voter can participate.”
Voting is Your Voice: Don’t Miss Out!
With the Shelby County Election Commission working hard to ensure a smooth and secure election, it’s up to the residents to make their voices heard. Early voting starts on October 16, so mark your calendars, get voter-ready, and remember: every vote counts!
For more details about early voting locations and how to use the new voting machines, visit the Shelby County Election Commission’s website or follow them on Instagram for updates.
