Early voting is set to begin in Shelby County on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and our coverage of the election will be free to all of our readers. We start out with the basics of how to vote in the 2024 general election and include coverage of the U.S. Senate seat campaign as well as the three gun-control questions facing Memphis voters. 

Our “Point of Impact” series began with a look at Tennessee’s gun laws, how Memphis’ elected officials voted on them and the experience of trauma center workers as they face an increase in gun violence. This series will run throughout October in advance of the November election.

In other news, Mayor Paul Young cleaned house at the Memphis Area Transit Authority, xAI will lease land in Southwest Memphis, the superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County School said “all options are on the table” for Memphis’ 200 school buildings, and the Shelby County DA’s office will begin providing more information for bail setting. We also took a look at a new law designed to protect health care workers as well as what is driving Memphis Police Department officers to leave the force. 

— Alys Drake, for metro editor Jane Donahoe

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The most popular election cycle in Shelby County politics moves into high gear Wednesday, Oct. 16, with the start of early voting ahead of the Nov. 5 Election Day.

Shelby County tops 600,000 voters as registration deadline nears By Bill Dries

Johnson, Blackburn campaign in Shelby County for U.S. Senate seat By Bill Dries, Samuel Hardiman

Here are the 3 gun laws on Memphis' upcoming ballot By Bill Dries

Mayor Young replaces MATA board amid overhaul of transit authority By Samuel Hardiman

Council gets first look at new MATA board By Bill Dries, Samuel Hardiman

'Last-minute' change shifts Monday Juvenile Court hearings to virtual By Julia Baker

County Commission weighs Juvenile Court changes By Bill Dries

Will a new law protecting health care workers make a difference? By Aarron Fleming

Steady decline: What's driving MPD officers away from the force By Julia Baker

XAI approved to lease 552 acres in Southwest Memphis for expansion By Sophia Surrett

Shelby County DA's Office to provide more information for bail setting By Aarron Fleming

‘All options are on the table’ for Memphis schools' 200 buildings, superintendent says By Laura Testino

How have Memphis' elected officials voted on state gun laws? By Bill Dries, Kelsey Bowen

A closer look at Tennessee's pivotal gun laws By Julia Baker

Trauma center workers see increase in gun violence first-hand By Samuel Hardiman

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