🗳️ Your guide to the Aug. 1 election in Nashville

🛼 How to Roller Skate in Nashville

Interested in learning more about Nashville’s roller skating scene? Asphalt Beach Skate Shop owner Steve Larios chats with City Cast Nashville podcast host Grace Fuisz about everything you need to know about skating in Nashville. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🚧 Dirt from New Stadium Could Be Dumped in Bordeaux

Construction on the new Nissan Stadium has produced over 340,000 cubic yards of dirt. Some of the dirt could be dumped in Bordeaux’s long-closed landfill, and Metro Councilmember Joy Kimbrough, who represents the area, is not happy about it, saying Bordeaux isn’t “the city’s trash can.” [Nashville Banner]

🌊 Securing the Cumberland River

33-year-old tourist Alexandria Chmiel of New Jersey fell into the Cumberland River recently and was thankfully found safe. This incident has local leaders calling for additional security measures around the river, with Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin pushing for a guardrail. [WKRN]

🖼️ Check Out Art, Literally, at These Library Branches

The Metro Arts Lending Library has expanded to five additional library branches: East Nashville, Green Hills, Hermitage, Old Hickory, and Donelson. They also added 53 new pieces to their collection. The program allows Nashville Public Library cardholders to check out art pieces. [WPLN]

Thursday Aug. 1 is Election Day for the 2024 state and federal primary, as well as the general election for Davidson County and the city of Oak Hill. If you missed the early voting period, it is your last chance to make your voice heard on everything from U.S. Senate and House candidates to local school board members.

🗳️ The Basics

Tennessee does not have same-day voter registration. If you did not register on or before July 2, you cannot vote in this election. You can still register for the Nov. 5 state and federal general election, but you must do so on or before Oct. 7.

• Register to vote here.
• Check your voter registration here.
• Find information on requesting an absentee ballot for future elections here. First-time voters cannot vote absentee.

On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling location. Find your assigned polling location here. If you are a registered Davidson County voter and you have moved within our county, but not updated your address, you must go to your new voting location on Election Day to change your address and vote.

• You are required to bring photo ID to vote in Tennessee. Learn what types of IDs are acceptable here.
• Poll hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line to vote at 7 p.m., they must allow you to vote.

✅ What’s On the Ballot

There are several non-partisan voter guides available in Nashville, where you can get specific information about each and every candidate in the following races. We recommend TN Voter Guides, as well as the guide compiled by the Nashville Scene in collaboration with the Nashville Banner.

U.S. Senate — Primary

On the Republican side, Sen. Marsha Blackburn has a primary challenge from local political analyst Tres Wittum. There are four Democrats vying to face off with Sen. Blackburn in the fall, among them Marquita Bradshaw — who was the Democratic Senate nominee in 2020 — and Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is one of the Tennessee Three.

U.S. House of Representatives — Primary

Since Nashville was gerrymandered into three congressional districts by the TN GOP in 2022, our U.S. House representatives have all been Republican. Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05) is the only incumbent facing a primary challenge, from Metro Council Member Courtney Johnston.

On the Democratic side, Metro Human Relations Commissions chair Maryam Abolfazli is running unopposed for TN-05, while former Nashville mayor Megan Barry is the lone candidate for TN-07. Three Democratic candidates are on the ballot for TN-06.

Tennessee State Legislature — Primary

There are no contested races in Davidson County for Tennessee State Senate, but TN House District 60 (Old Hickory, Donelson, Hermitage area) has multiple candidates on both sides of the ballot running for the empty seat formerly held by Democratic Rep. Darren Jernigan. Chad Bobo and Christopher Huff are vying for the Republican nomination, while Shaundelle Brooks and Tyler Brasher compete on the Democratic side. (John W. Parrish has withdrawn from the race.) In TN House District 56, incumbent Rep. Bob Freeman is being challenged by Nick Forster-Benson.

State Executive Committee Members

Both the Tennessee Republican Party and the Tennessee Democratic Party are electing new executive committee members. These members are chosen via State Senate districts, and make political party decisions.