Metro voters will select a new mayor, vice mayor, and 40 council members. Here's what you need to know before you cast your vote.
1. New voting machines
The Metro Election Commission will debut a brand new voting machine that creates a paper document of your vote. The new machines print a paper ballot that is used to scan in your choices, creating a paper trail in case of hacking or machine failure. The extra step in that process is likely to make the voting process a little slower, so if you vote in a busy precinct you may have a longer wait.
2. Another mayoral election so soon?
Don't worry, you're not imagining things. There was a mayoral election last year in the wake of the Megan Barry scandal. The charter didn't provide for appointing an interim so voters had to cast a vote for someone to fill the seat until this year's regularly scheduled election.
3. You may have to vote again
With ten candidates in the mayor's race and several council districts with three or more candidates it's a safe bet that Nashville will have to hold a run-off election. That's because the charter stipulates that a candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to hold office. While it seems likely that we're headed for a run-off, it should be noted that incumbent Mayor David Briley did win last year outright with 54% of the vote.
4. Who are all these people?
There are 109 candidates seeking office in Metro government this election. But don't worry, you don't have to know who all of these people are. Every voter will select a mayor, vice mayor, and five at-large council candidates but you won't have to know each and every council candidate's postitions. You will only have to vote in one council district race, depending on where you live. You can look up your council district here.
5. Know where your precinct is
You can find your precinct here by typing in your address. If you have moved within Davidson County and haven't updated your address, you will still need to go to the precinct assigned to your current address. Poll workers will be able to update your information there and take your vote.
6. Bring your ID
Tennessee's voter ID law means you have to present identification to vote. Accepted forms of ID include driver's license, a US passport, state or federally issued photo ID, US military photo ID, or a handgun carry permit that includes a photo.
