By Commissioner Henri E. Brooks

Memphis and Shelby County, lean in. We are approaching a truly historic moment in our local democracy. The May 2026 Primary is right around the corner, and if you haven’t started your election plan yet, now is the time.

Recently, I sat down with Linda Phillips, the Administrator of Shelby County Elections, to discuss what she calls an “abnormal” and “historic” number of candidates. From the County Mayor and all 13 County Commissioners to the Trustee and numerous Court Clerks, virtually every office in county government is on this ballot.

The Importance of the Primary

Many people say, “I’ll just wait for the General Election in August.” Do not wait. In Shelby County, most races are decided at the primary level. With seven Democratic candidates and four Republican candidates for County Mayor alone, this is where your choice matters most. If you procrastinate, your preferred candidate might not even make it to the August ballot.

Registration: The April 5th Deadline

The deadline to register for this primary is Monday, April 5th. Even though that Monday is a county holiday, the Election Commission offices will be open specifically to ensure every citizen can get on the rolls.

Important Note on “Inactive” Status: If you haven’t voted in four years or have moved recently, your status might be listed as “inactive.” Don’t panic. This doesn’t mean you can’t vote; it just means the commission needs to verify your address. To fix it, you simply need to show up and vote, or visit shelbyvote.com to verify your information now.

Your Early Voting Strategy

I am a huge proponent of early voting. It gives you a “cushion” just in case there is a hiccup with your paperwork or location.

  • The Early Voting Advantage: During early voting, you can go to any open polling site in the county.

  • Election Day Restriction: On May 5th, you must vote at your specific assigned precinct.

If you go to the wrong place on Election Day, the poll workers can redirect you, but don’t wait until 6:55 PM to find out you’re in the wrong line!

Absentee and Nursing Home Voting

We must ensure that our homebound citizens, college students, and seniors have a voice.

  • Absentee Ballots: If you meet one of the 14 legal reasons (disability, out of town for work, etc.), you can apply for an absentee ballot now. The deadline for the commission to receive your application is 10 days before the election.

  • Nursing Homes: The commission sends bipartisan teams (Republicans and Democrats) to every nursing home and associated assisted living facility in the county starting about 27 days before the election to ensure every senior can vote securely.

Paper or Machine?

I’ll admit it—I’m old-fashioned. I like my pencil and my paper ballot. Many voters don’t realize they have a choice. When you sign in, the poll workers are trained to ask if you prefer a paper ballot or a machine.

  • The Machine Advantage: The machine won’t let you “over-vote” (choosing too many candidates) and will warn you if you “under-vote.”

  • The Verification: Regardless of your choice, you will receive a printed record of your votes. Look at that paper. Ensure it reflects your intent before you drop it into the scanner. Once it drops, your vote is cast and cannot be changed.

Final Thoughts: Get Your Plan Ready

Don’t wait until May 5th to realize you have questions. Use your phone or laptop to visit shelbyvote.com today. If you need help, call the Election Commission at 901.222.1200.

Make your plan, know your location, and most importantly, take someone with you to the polls. Let’s make our voices heard.