Additional candidates, including Victor Michael Read for Position 1, file for offices in Bartlett municipal elections. 

Most of the votes were cast on Friday, which was opening day. A coalition of nonpartisan groups called Shelby County Voters Alliance are planning poll parties for next Saturday at two of the early polling sites.

Democrats have raised more money, but GOP candidates are spending faster and have more cash on hand. That’s due in large part to Brent Taylor’s largely self-financed state Senate campaign.

The City Council sponsor of the partisan primaries ballot question will be watching to see how the August term limits referendum fares before deciding whether to call for a vote. 

The Lakeland election season is picking up speed, with new candidates and incumbents pulling petitions.

The “big ballot,” which comes once every eight years in Shelby County politics, features 163 races with 344 candidates. Here’s what to expect on the ballot and what has changed for voters.

Related story:

Ballot Basics: Early voting is July 15-30

Here is everything you need to know about Shelby County’s early-voting process, which begins Friday, July 15.

Reaction to a third term bid by Mayor Jim Strickland was muted Wednesday, with a lot of questions about whether Strickland will even get the chance to run.

The referendum extending the number of consecutive four-year terms from two to three will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot. Early voting begins Friday, July 15.

Related story:

Memphis mayor potentials recalculate after Strickland announces possible third term

Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr., Nashville-based critical-care physician Jason Martin and Memphis activist Carnita Atwater touted their qualifications for Tennessee governor.

Amy Weirich, the incumbent Republican District Attorney, and Democratic challenger Steve Mulroy discussed truth in sentencing, gun theft, violent crime and more.

Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner said Regional One Health saved his life following a horrific car wreck. Before he terms out, he hopes to see progress in the ambitious plan to replace the aging hospital buildings. 

The 1-cent-per-dollar tax on prepared foods at places like restaurants and grocery delis has the potential to radically change the quality of recreation in the DeSoto County city.

The Shelby County Election Commission is seeking poll workers for election day, Aug. 4, with an eye toward having a proper mix of Democrat and Republican workers.

Janeen Gordon reported that her opponent in the primary elections, Stephanie Gatewood, stole a campaign sign and later posted a photo of the sign on Facebook. 

Shelby County Elections Administrator Linda Phillips and Ian Randolph of the Shelby County Voter Alliance join the On The Record podcast to discuss the August and November elections.

Bobby Simmons has decided not to run for mayor of Bartlett as more candidates emerge for the three alderman seats on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The deadline to register to vote the August “big ballot” is Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Here are details and links on how to register to vote. Also included are some details about what the Shelby County base of voters looks like.

Secrecy. Dark money. Anonymous billionaires. Nonexistent contracts. All affecting our kids’ education. What are the Chiefs for Change doing?

The two contenders for Shelby County District Attorney met on “Behind The Headlines” for a discussion on local enforcement of the state’s abortion trigger law, balancing reform with accountability, murder convictions overturned on appeal and dueling campaign ads.

Republican incumbent Amy Weirich is in a fierce battle with Democratic challenger Steve Mulroy as she seeks to hang on to the job of Shelby County’s top prosecutor for another eight years.

The three-judge panel, selected by the Tennessee Supreme Court, will oversee Moses’ case to challenge the constitutionality of her permanent disenfranchisement due to a guilty plea to a felony charge in 2015.

Five candidates have submitted their names for consideration to fill the Position 2 alderman’s seat vacated by Emily Elliott.

Republican U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty spoke Tuesday, June 28, at the Memphis Rotary Club during a visit to the city that included a defense of former President Donald Trump and a prediction that 2022 midterm elections will produce a “sea change” in Washington. He also visited with the Republican nominee for Shelby County mayor.

The roundup includes the contenders for county mayor clashing over PILOTs and other economic development incentives, reaction to the Roe v. Wade repeal and early-vote strategies.