Here is The Daily Memphian’s guide to who is who in the 31 contested judicial races, including endorsements and polling by the city’s two bar associations.

These eight county general election races aren’t the contests many voters are watching. Still, the offices control some basic yet complex business operations within county government. Here’s what the races look like.

Three alderman positions and three Arlington Community Schools (ACS) board seats are up for election this year. Early voting runs until July 30.

The endorsements come as other progressive district attorneys nationwide have faced problems. 

The pews of Germantown Presbyterian Church were filled with spectators Thursday evening as 60 judicial candidates took to the podium, making their case for election to general sessions, circuit, criminal and environmental courts.

In their separate campaigns, Worth Morgan and Lee Harris have offered vastly different visions of what the county mayor should prioritize. Each has criticized the vision of the other.

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?