Voting is Power 901 (VIP901) is a joint campaign between the NAACP Memphis Branch and the National Civil Rights Museum to increase knowledge about the voting process in Shelby County and the increase voter turnout during elections. The goal of this program is to empower communities of color throughout Memphis by not only connecting them to voter resources but also to connect them to their current political leadership and candidates running for office through forums and discussions.

In 2018, VIP901 will hold several forums around the city to allow voters who express their concerns and ask questions of those running for office. The forums are free, child-friendly and from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday or Thursday nights. All are welcome.

Event: The Voting Process in Shelby County
Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Location: Pursuit of God Transformation Center (3171 Signal Street, Memphis, TN 38127)
Speaker: Linda Phillips

Event: Shelby County Mayor’s Candidate Forum
Date: March 22, 2018
Location: National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103)
Moderators: WREG News Channel 3 Anchors Alex Coleman and April Thompson

Event: Shelby County Sheriff’s Candidate Forum
Date: March 27, 2018
Location: Aspire Hanley Elementary School, 680 Hanley St, Memphis, TN 38114
Moderators: Tri-State Defender’s Newspaper Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher, Dr. Karanja Ajanaku

Event: Shelby County Commission Candidate Forum
Date: March 29, 2018
Location: Faith Temple Church of God in Christ (5191 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, TN 38116)

Event: Shelby County Mayor’s Candidate Forum (Post-Primary)
Date: July 10, 2018
Location: National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103)
Moderator: Wendi Thomas (freelance journalist & Harvard Neiman fellow)

Event: Law & Justice Forum
Date: July 12, 2018
Location: National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103)
Moderator:

Resources:
For more information on voting visit https://www.shelbyvote.com/.

Important Voting Dates:
County Primary Tuesday, May 1, 2018
County General and State Primary Tuesday, August 2, 2018
State General Tuesday, November 6, 2018