Vote for Safety and Democracy!
GENERAL ELECTION: Tuesday, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
This November, Memphians will vote on SIX ballot referendums. The first three concern City election rules and salaries for City Officials. The last three propose changes to the City Charter that would increase safety from gun violence. The full referendum text makes the ballot look very long, so this guide will help make voting easier!
To vote to pass the referendums, select the choice that says “FOR THE AMENDMENT.” This is the same as voting “yes” or “supporting” each referendum.
The Ballot Referendums appear in the following order:
- Referendum 5884: Mayoral Runoffs – This change will make our local elections more representative of ALL by requiring the mayor to receive the majority (more than 50%) of the vote.
- Referendum 5893: City Salaries – Voting FOR this amendment gives the City Council, elected by the people, the power to set fair salaries for city officials. This change ensures accountability and helps manage the city’s budget responsibly.
- Referendum 5913: Mayoral Residency – Vote FOR this amendment to ensure that the Mayor and City Council members are local Memphians who understand our community. By requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old and residents for two years, we ensure that leaders are invested in Memphis and its future.
- Referendum 5908 (Question 1 of 3): Gun Permits – Support this referendum to help prevent accidents and gun thefts by requiring permits for carrying guns and making it illegal to leave guns unlocked in cars or boats. This measure is a step toward a safer Memphis.
- Referendum 5908 (Question 2 of 3): Ban Assault Weapons – Vote FOR this referendum to ban the sale and carrying of assault weapons in Memphis, with exceptions for law enforcement and military. This measure will help reduce the number of military-style weapons on our streets.
- Referendum 5908 (Question 3 of 3): Red Flag Laws – Vote FOR this referendum to allow courts to take guns away from people who are considered to be a danger to themselves or others. This measure would help prevent violence before it happens.
**If they pass, the three gun questions cannot override existing state laws. However, if state exceptions are made, these laws could take effect. Even though these referendums are non-binding, they’re our chance to send a powerful message to our City and State elected officials about the type of community we want to live in.
Helpful Voter Links
- Early Voting is October 16 – 31: Find a location near you!
- Election Day is Tuesday, November 5: Find your polling location
- Register to vote
- Check your district
ABOUT STAND’S ENDORSEMENT PROCESS
All elections impact public health, public safety, and education equity. When elections take place – whether for City Council, County Commission, School Board, or the Criminal Legal System – we have to determine whether or not to get involved. Our member-driven endorsement process helps us understand if a candidate is a leader who will work towards true public safety where everyone has what they need to survive and thrive, and who will stand up for what is best for youth in our community.
Not just anyone can be endorsed by Stand for Children. We run a rigorous endorsement process. By using surveys, forums, and candidate interviews, our members and supporters have the opportunity to ask tough questions of candidates to understand where they stand on key issues. From there, we decide who has what it takes to be a champion for education equity and racial justice.
Once we endorse a candidate, we want that candidate to win. To help them do so, we engage our members and supporters to assist us with:
- Virtual Organizing
- Phone/Text Banking
- Direct Mail
- And other tactics
Electing education equity and racial justice champions is a key part of building a future where we can all thrive. All together, we can create change.