Early Voter Interest Emerges in Shelby County Mayor’s Race
Early voter interest is rising in the Shelby County mayor’s race, ahead of the May primary. This is a notable shift compared to prior elections. However, many voters admit they have limited knowledge of the candidates.
Candidate Landscape
According to Shelby County Commission records, there are currently eight Democratic candidates and four Republican candidates slated to appear on the ballot for the May 5 primary. The qualifying deadline for candidates is February 19.
Voter Engagement and Insights
To assess voter engagement, residents were surveyed at Shelby Farms Park. Though many expressed uncertainty about specific candidates, they shared their expectations for the future county mayor. Some mentioned candidates like Marie Feagins, JB Smiley, and Mickell Lowery. Yet, most voters confessed they had not extensively researched the field.
- Dominic Thordarson from East Memphis noted his preference for Marie Feagins.
- Danzel McKinley-Lewis indicated support for Rusty Qualls, a candidate he knows personally.
- Robert King expressed interest in both JB Smiley and Mickell Lowery.
- One voter was unaware of the upcoming race entirely.
Top Priorities for Voters
Despite limited candidate awareness, several key priorities emerged among voters for the next county leader:
- Education: Many voters emphasized the importance of the school system. McKinley-Lewis highlighted the need for candidates to understand Memphis’s educational challenges.
- Crime Reduction: Safety remains a critical concern. Gracelyn Falco called for more community-friendly environments, while Janis Donaville stressed the need to address repeat offenders.
- Other Concerns: Voters also mentioned immigration enforcement and healthcare reform as important issues.
Low Turnout History
Historically, county elections have experienced low voter turnout. During the last county primary, only 11 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. As the May primary approaches, candidates must work to engage voters effectively.
