In the second installment of her Voter Education series, Commissioner Henri E. Brooks returns to the microphone with a powerful reminder: “How you vote today is connected to your reality tomorrow.” In this episode of Lean In, Commissioner Brooks breaks down the critical mechanics of the upcoming May Primary and challenges voters to take ownership of their political power.

Voting as a Survival Issue

Commissioner Brooks emphasizes that voting is not an abstract political exercise—it is a survival issue. From healthcare access and policing strategies to education funding and blight remediation, every mark on a ballot influences the quality of life in your neighborhood.

“Voting is how you claim your power,” Brooks says. “It’s how you state what you want in your society and who you want to do it.”

Don’t Delegate Your Thinking: Do the Homework

With the May Primary approaching, Brooks urges citizens to move beyond social media posts and sample ballots. She encourages voters to:

• Vet the Agenda: Does the candidate’s plan align with your community’s needs?

• Invite the Candidates: Don’t wait for a forum. Invite those running for Mayor, Sheriff, or Commission to your churches, sororities, and community centers for a Q&A.

• Seek Independent Knowledge: Look at a candidate’s track record. “Did they just jump out of the society pages, or have they done the work?” Brooks asks.

What’s on the Ballot?

The May primary covers every level of county government. Key positions up for election include:

• Shelby County Mayor

• All 13 County Commissioners

• Sheriff, Trustee, and Register of Deeds

• Assessor of Property and various Court Clerks

• New for this year: For the first time, School Board races will feature Democratic and Republican primaries.

Essential Dates and Logistics

To ensure your voice is heard, Commissioner Brooks highlights several key dates for the election cycle:

• December 22nd: Candidates begin picking up petitions.

• February 4th: First day to request an absentee ballot (Note: First-time voters must vote in person).

• February 19th: Candidate qualifying deadline.

• April 26th: Final deadline to register to vote.

• April 15th – April 30th: Early Voting period (15 days).

• May 5th: Election Day.

Knowing the Rules: ID and Provisional Ballots

Brooks reminds voters that a state-issued ID (even if expired) or a passport is required to vote. Student IDs are not accepted. However, she offers a “don’t panic” tip: if you forget your ID on Election Day, ask for a provisional ballot. You then have seven days to provide your ID to the Election Commission to make your vote count.

As the episode concludes, Commissioner Brooks teases the next topic in the series: the often-overlooked issue of inmate voting rights and the role of the Sheriff in protecting the franchise for those who have not lost their right to vote.