May 2026 Newsletter Updates

Democracy Is Not A Spectator Sport

Just as early voting in the Davidson County local primary was wrapping up last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a historic ruling weakening the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. This ruling opened up the entire nation to racist redistricting, aimed solely at getting more Republicans elected to the House of Representatives.The SCOTUS vote is the most recent blow to free and fair elections.  We’ve already seen numerous voter suppression efforts, ranging from photo ID restrictions to blocking the votes of college students and married women, to fewer polling locations in “anti-GOP” neighborhoods, to strangling voting by mail.

Now, our "very own" Senator Blackburn and Governor Lee colluded with Trump, and called the TN legislature back into session on May 5 -- all three of them brazenly posting on social media their intent to redraw district lines with the aim of removing the last standing "blue" district in our state: Memphis. (For those who don't already know, Nashville too was "blue" until the districts were ruthlessly gerrymandered here in 2022.) Taxation without representation, anyone? Alas, the GOP is not the biggest risk to our voting rights. The biggest risk is that we will read the dismal headlines and give up in despair. That’s exactly what a dictator’s playbook desires – that good people feel helpless and stop fighting. But we will not let them win. Study the facts behind the headlines; educate others on the details. If we stay strong and united in our opposition, we can ensure a free and fair election in November, when it really counts. And the tides are turning -- ever-increasing grocery and gas prices have turned even the most hardcore MAGAts against their leader.  RALLY 5/5

Also in the news, after Trump's damaging tariffs were ruled illegal back in February, also by the Supreme Court, this month the administration began paying back those tariffs to the tune of $166 million -- paid to importers, not American consumers.

Although just a week ago, the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ dinner already feels like ancient history. One agent was shot -- most likely as a result of Secret Service friendly fire -- before the suspect was contained. Video footage revealed RFK Jr. deserting his actress wife as Secret Service whisked him away to safety, while Trump ensured GOP pundit talking points were aligned on socials: this is why Trump needs his $400 million ballroom.All this, while the illegal war in Iran rages on, Trump put his face on U.S. Passports, and ICE has already murdered 15+ people so far in 2026. If you feel like you're getting whiplash trying to keep up with the headlines, you're not alone. This is by design. Every new horror is like a flash bang designed to distract from the last (and the next) thing our fascist leaders do not want to be held accountable for...By the way, whatever happened with those Epstein Files?

 Monthly Community Meeting

Sunday, May 17 join us for our monthly Community Meeting - a welcoming space for all our members (brand new and returning) to get updates, ask questions, and plug into meaningful action.

2:30-4p

Belmont United Methodist Church2007 Acklen Ave, Nashville 37212

Everyone is welcome! RSVP and More InfoPlease note: this is a new date & location than previously announced

This month we are asking for donations for "mama kits." Each month Elmahaba Center distributes kits to families in South Nashville. Donations need to be new and include items like, bottles, pacifiers, bibs, gender neutral onesies, blankets, toys, baby wipes, etc.

Upcoming Events

 Davidson County Primary Election Day - 5/5

Calling all residents of Davison County - if you weren't able to make it to Early Voting, Tuesday May, 5 is your final opportunity to VOTE in the local Primary election.

Election Info & Sample Ballot

RALLY for TN Voting RIGHTS - 5/5 at 12p

Stand up for your right to vote and protest the corrupt TN government's actions to kill off the last remaining "blue" district in TN (remember when this happened to us in 2022?). Meet at The State Capitol at 12p (and make sure vote in the Davidson County local primary before or after).

RSVP & More Info

Nashville Indivisible Virtual Open House - 5/6

Want to get involved, but "virtual" is more your style? Our monthly Nashville Indivisible Virtual Open House happens this Wednesday, May 6 from 6:30-7:30pm. Learn who we are, understand what we do, and explore where you might fit in. You’ll meet committee members, longtime volunteers, and new faces—all ready to share their experiences and answer your questions.

RSVP & More Info 

You can also visit the event calendar on our website

The Davidson County Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 5. If you weren't one of the 22,000 people who early voted, this is your last change to have your voice heard. These offices shape how justice works in our community, who oversees our children's schools, and how our courts are run day to day.

What's on the Ballot?

Contested Races:

Criminal Court Judge, Division III -- Presides over felony trials and sentencing. These decisions determine who goes to prison and for how long. Candidates: Dawn Deaner, Ronald Jamar Dowdy, Jim Todd

Circuit Court Judge, Division III -- Decides child custody, divorce, and domestic cases. Few rulings affect families more directly. Candidates: Audrey Anderson, Bethany Peery Glandorf, Corletra Mance

General Sessions Judge, Division VI -- Handles evictions, misdemeanors, and small claims. This is the court most Nashvillians will ever actually see. Candidates: Jodie Ann Bell, Michael RobinsonCircuit

Court Clerk -- Manages all court records and filings. The office that keeps the justice system running behind the scenes. Candidates: Joseph P. Day, Howard Jones

County Clerk -- Oversees vehicle registrations, marriage licenses, and business licenses. The administrative backbone of county government. Candidates: Sharon W. Hurt, Pam Murray, Freda Player

School Board -- Sets policy, hires the superintendent, controls the budget. The board decides what public education looks like in Nashville.

District 4 (Donelson, Hermitage, Old Hickory) Candidates: Jennifer Bell, Berthena Nabaa-McKinney

District 6 (Southeast Nashville, Antioch, Cane Ridge) -- Candidates: Fran Bush, Cheryl D. Mayes, Mary Bernice Polk

Uncontested Races:

Public Defender -- Represents people who cannot afford an attorney. One of the most consequential offices in the justice system. Candidate: Martesha Johnson

County Trustee -- Manages and invests county funds, collects property taxes. Candidate: Erica S. GilmoreSheriff -- Oversees the county jail and law enforcement operations. Candidate: Daron Hall

Criminal Court Clerk -- Manages records for the criminal courts. Candidate: Howard Gentry

Juvenile Court Clerk -- Manages records and filings for juvenile court proceedings. Candidate: Lonnell Matthews, Jr.

Register of Deeds -- Records property transactions and legal documents. Maintains the official record of who owns what. Candidate: Karen Johnson

School Board -- Sets policy, hires the superintendent, controls the budget. The board decides what public education looks like in Nashville.

District 2 -- Candidate: Rachael Anne Elrod

District 8 -- Candidate: Erin O'Hara Block

How To Vote

• Find your Election Day polling location HERE (Unlike early voting, on Election Day 5/5 you must vote at your assigned polling location)

• When you arrive, you will be asked which primary you want to vote in, Democrat or Republican (since this is a primary, you will only be able to vote for candidates in your chosen party)

• Unsure who to vote for? The Nashville Banner has covered the races and candidates for this election (with no paywall!). Search their site for even more content on the races.

• Polls are open: 7am - 7pm 

• Bring your photo ID (Federal or State are accepted)

Join Us!

There are dozens of ways to get involved with Nashville Indivisible, from attending our monthly Community Meetings to volunteering at an event, to joining a committee. Check out all the ways you can transform your feelings into action.

Calling All Band Musicians!

We are looking for musicians who can play basic marching band songs at rallies and events. Music will be used to lead cheers, entertain attendees, and diffuse tense situations if they arise. Check out "Tubas to the Rescue" to see how you can really help in the unlikely event it becomes necessary. Email info.nivolunteers@gmail.com to learn more.

We appreciate you taking the time to read our monthly newsletter. If there are topics you would like us to cover or an article you would like to contribute yourself, please send us an email at NashvilleIndivisible@gmail.com. For your Action of the Day, why not forward this email to a friend or suggest they sign up for our newsletter here.