In the latest episode of the Lean In podcast, Commissioner Henri E. Brooks sat down with Mr. Simon, Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party, to discuss the critical work being done ahead of the upcoming May primary. With early voting approaching and a crowded field of candidates, the conversation focused on one central theme: the difference between being a registered voter and being an informed, active voter.

The “Cake Mix” Analogy: Beyond the Pretty Box

When evaluating candidates, Chairman Simon suggests a kitchen-table approach. “When you go to the grocery store to make a cake, you don’t just grab a box because it’s pretty,” he explained. “You look at the ingredients to make sure it will make the cake you want.”

He urged voters to apply this same scrutiny to political platforms. Attending forums and asking tough questions is the only way to “kick the tires” on a candidate’s promises. Relying solely on sample ballots or digital ads isn’t enough; true voter education requires engagement and firsthand knowledge.

Shifting from Registration to Execution

One of the most striking points of the discussion was the gap between registration numbers and actual turnout. In previous elections, Shelby County saw roughly 600,000 registered voters, yet only 351,000 cast a ballot.

“Registration is like signing your kid up for school,” Mr. Simon noted. “It doesn’t mean anything if they don’t show up on the first day.” To bridge this gap, the Party is moving toward a “District Caucus Model,” designed to keep the community engaged year-round, ensuring that voters don’t just feel the “mad rush” right before an election, but remain empowered and informed at the precinct level.

The Voter as the Employer

Commissioner Brooks reminded listeners of a fundamental truth: elected officials are employees, and the voters are the employers. “When you go in that voting booth and push that button, you have employed them,” she said. This mindset shift is essential for holding officials accountable. Both Brooks and Simon emphasized that “bonafide” candidates must align with the party’s values to ensure that, once elected, they truly represent the majority that put them in office.

Protecting Your Vote

Addressing concerns about voter intimidation and suppression, Chairman Simon announced that the Shelby County Democratic Party is implementing new tools to protect the electorate. This includes:

• A dedicated Help Line/Hotline for reporting irregularities.

• QR Codes available at churches and civic organizations to report issues instantly.

• Active monitors on the ground during early voting and on Election Day (May 5th).

The Bottom Line

As Commissioner Brooks concluded, your vote is too important to give away lightly. Whether it’s researching the “ingredients” of a candidate or showing up at a forum to ask, “What are you going to do for me?”, the message is clear: Get off the couch, get informed, and make your voice heard this May.