Early voting for the Aug. 6 election begins today, July 17 and runs through Aug. 1. And voters will make big decisions for Memphis, six suburban communities, Shelby County, the state and the nation. Some voters’ uncertainty about candidates’ backgrounds and policy platforms makes voting anxie ty-inducing. Many hope or assume the contenders on the ballot will represent their interests and improve the quality of life for all constituents. But votes are often cast for candidates whose signs were most visible or slogans were most memorable. ...read more read less