MEMPHIS, Tenn. — When Shelby County residents head to the polls for early voting next week – or get their absentee ballots in the mail, keep this in mind… There will be much more on the ballot than the race for President.
Every voter will be choosing a new U.S. senator to replace the retiring Lamar Alexander and all Shelby County voters will also decide the outcome of contested Congressional races in the 8th and 9th district. Although the two incumbents, David Kustoff and Steve Cohen are heavily favored to keep their congressional seat. Depending on where you live, you will vote in races for the state House and Senate. Along with various races in the suburbs including school board seats.
That’s a lot to consider and every race is important. Yes, the presidential election has naturally consumed everyone’s attention. Because it is the most consequential election in our lifetime. But the old saying by the late House Speaker Tip O’Neill is true, “All politics is local. And it’s vitally important who serves in our state legislature and on boards of aldermen and school boards in Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland and Millington.”
The point is every serious candidate deserves serious consideration. So particularly for lesser known candidates, do a little homework. Check out their background and credentials. Voting is not just privilege. It’s a civic duty, so make a plan and then vote. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.