Activists Launch Memphis Get-Out-The-Vote Campaign

Stuart Mitchell and Jim Paley are mailing 5,200 postcards to drive turnout amid recent legislative redistricting.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a mailbox against a geometric brick wall, symbolizing civic action in a political context. — Civil rights activists Stuart Mitchell and Jim Paley are mailing 5,200 postcards to Memphis voters to counteract recent congressional redistricting in Tennessee. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Civil rights activists Stuart Mitchell and Jim Paley are sending 5,200 postcards to potential voters in Memphis to encourage participation in the upcoming election. This effort aims to counteract the Tennessee Legislature’s decision to split the majority-Black District 9 into three Republican-majority districts.

Why it matters

The campaign seeks to preserve the influence of Black voters following significant changes to congressional district boundaries in West Tennessee. By targeting historically Democratic neighborhoods, organizers hope to boost participation in a key battleground.

Early and absentee voting in Shelby County has reached 77,000 ballots, a 60% increase over the 2022 election cycle. The campaign has mailed 5,200 postcards to potential voters in targeted Memphis neighborhoods.

The players

Stuart Mitchell

He is an 82-year-old activist who previously participated in the West Tennessee Voters Project in 1965.

Jim Paley

He is a 79-year-old activist who has been involved in regional civil rights and voting efforts for decades.

Justin Pearson

He is the Democratic nominee for the district following the recent legislative redistricting.

Brent Taylor

He is the Republican nominee for the district currently represented in the new legislative map.

Tennessee Legislature

This state government body is responsible for the recent redistricting that split Memphis' majority-Black District 9.

The details

The postcards feature photographs taken by Ernest Withers and a quote from John McFerren to inspire local participation. This initiative follows the legislative redistricting that divided the once unified majority-Black District 9 among three Republican-majority districts.

Stuart Mitchell and Jim Paley worked for the West Tennessee Voters Project in Summer 1965.
Activists completed the mailing of approximately 5,200 postcards by October 22, 2026.
More than 77,000 residents had voted early or by absentee ballot in Shelby County by October 26, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the current redistricting argue that the division of District 9 dilutes the voting power of Memphis residents. This effort faces pushback from supporters of the new map who maintain the legislative changes were necessary to balance district representation.

Residents in the newly split congressional districts may see shifts in their local representation and advocacy priorities. Voters should check their updated polling locations and district assignments before heading to the ballot box.

The takeaway

Voters can ensure their voice is heard by verifying their district changes and participating in the remaining early voting period. Engaging with local turnout initiatives can provide citizens with the resources needed to navigate a changing electoral map.