Today is Election Day.
My election is not even on the ballot, but I want you to vote.
This election is our State and Federal General, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville Municipal Elections.
There are four state constitutional amendments on the ballot.
89,563 Nashvillians voted early. That's fewer than any state/federal election since 2014.
Tennessee generally ranks near the bottom of voter turnout among states.
Why?
I'm not convinced we share enough information about why it's important to vote.
Here are a few reasons I think it's worth voting today:
- We have the option to end slavery in the state constitution today. Yes, there's an exception, and we should end it.
- We should prevent the codification of decades-old long laws that are still on the books in the constitution, especially ones that pit workers against one another.
- Republicans split Nashville's single congressional district into three districts that spill into areas well beyond Nashville as part of a national strategy to increase the number of Republicans in Congress. I think it's important to have at least one Nashvillian representing our city's interests federally. This choice is on the ballot.
- Abortion and climate are on the ballot. Every young person I've talked to this year cares deeply about these issues. We make or lose progress during elections.
- The major parties are more sorted than ever before, and a partisan supermajority in the state legislature is routinely ignoring the preferences of Nashvillians, who are Tennesseans, too. We have a close race in HD59. It would be in Nashville's best interests to hold the line against a larger Republican supermajority.
I have lost count of the times that I've managed to make a difference in public policy or just help someone that are a direct result of the trust and confidence voters had in me. Elections have consequences.
I hope you made a plan to vote. Regardless, if you receive this email, I hope you show up to your precinct and cast a ballot today.
A few things to remember:
- There was an outrageous error that stemmed from an outrageous redistricting plan that impacted Nashville that led to some voters being given ballots in the wrong district. The Election Commission has posted important information about this situation. Do not let this keep you from voting!
- Under Tennessee state law, all employees are allowed up to 3 hours to vote without any penalty or pay reduction. Do not let your work schedule keep you from voting!
- Polls are open till 7pm. If you arrive before 7pm, stay in line! Don't let other people excited to vote keep you from voting!
- Basically, if you want to vote, don't let anything stop you! If you encounter any issues at the polls, you can call the national voter protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). This is a non-partisan hotline intended to help everyone know they can vote with confidence.
Happy voting!
--
Freddie O'Connell
Metro Council, District 19
Mayoral Candidate, 2023
http://www.readyforfreddie.com
https://twitter.com/freddieoconnell
https://www.facebook.com/FreddieForNashville
615-260-0005
