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Despite COVID-19, voting is crucial – now and especially in November

Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on the upcoming August election.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Election season is once again upon us – with early voting set to start tomorrow for the August 6th state and federal primaries in Tennessee. But in case you haven’t noticed, this will be an election like none other because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Voters will be choosing Democratic and Republican nominees for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by longtime Senator Lamar Alexander. Tennessee Congressional seats will also be on the ballot – as will races for the state senate and house. In addition, voters will decide local races for General Sessions Court clerk and Shelby County School Board seats.

But looming heavily over this election is COVID-19, which continues to show up in hundreds of county residents each day. The outbreak also has led to a highly contentious – and I say unnecessary court fight – over expanding absentee voting for the primary. State Republican leaders, from the governor on down, have done everything they could to block voting by mail for anyone who is fearful of voting in person and being exposed to the virus. A Nashville Chancery Court judge has repeatedly ruled against the state’s effort to limit absentee voting.

So starting Friday, there will be 14 days of early voting leading up to primary election day. And remember, all absentee ballots must be turned in by July 30th.

COVID-19 is making things difficult. But voting is crucial – now and especially in November. And that’s my point of view.

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