In a word: the Shelby County Election Commission. Yep, I expected lines like the ones in the photo — taken at the Agricenter on one of the first early voting days. But Friday at 5:30, I pretty much waltzed right into the Election Commission offices downtown at the corner of Poplar and Second. Plan to spend some time figuring out what you think of the Charter Commission recommendations; the rest of the ballot is pretty straightforward. Though my cell phone rang as I was voting, and I immediately felt like a criminal … several of the poll workers began shouting at me to turn it off, turn it off!

But no matter how long it takes, and no matter how decided you think the races you’re voting on are, it couldn’t be more important that your voice be heard. VOTE!