MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Early voting began Wednesday in Tennessee and, if the long lines and unusually large number of a absentee ballots were an indication, turnout could be at record levels. There was a long line of eager voters at Second Baptist Church in East Memphis as the first day of early voting got underway Wednesday morning. "They're all important, but this one more so because it's such a close race, and I think everybody, no matter who it's for, needs to be voting this year," said early voter Leslie Mann. ELECTION GUIDE: Presidential, state and local races, Nov. 5, 2024 Dr. Indurani Tejwani said he thinks it's very important for our democracy to make your feelings heard and make your voice heard. That's why he was cvoting early. Races for U.S. Senate, state Representatives and, chief among them, the presidential race were on voters' minds.  "We've got to have a voice in our government," voter Jerry Thomason said. "I'm retired military, so it means a lot. We need to protect our Constitution." Wesley LaRue said he was excited to vote in this election. "I wasn't excited previously but with the change of Democratic candidate for President I'm very excited to vote for Kamala Harris today," LaRue said. Another issue impacting Memphis voters is the lengthy gun control referendum, requiring a yes or no on handgun permits, possession and sale of assault rifles and Red Flag laws. "It needs to be on the ballot," Bernie Johnson said. "There's too much violence." At Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where lines also were long, the gun control referendum was a snap.  "I'm a gun owner, but I'm about safety and all about people being legally able to have it," DeSiree Smoke said. "Legally and mentally stable if they're going to have guns."