What’s keeping Tennesseans from voting? Plus, Jerri Green and a Christa Pike execution update

Why don’t Tennesseans vote at the same rates as people in other states?

The Center for Politics breaks turnout down by congressional district, and the map tells a striking story: Tennessee, along with Alabama and Mississippi, trails much of the country.

We’ll hear from some of you, plus Vanderbilt pollster Joshua Clinton and felony voting-rights restoration advocate Rahim Buford.

First though, we start the hour with a Christa Pike execution update and then Democrat Jerri Green, who joins us live to talk about her campaign for governor and the voters she’ll need to turn out on Election Day.

This episode was produced by Blake Farmer and Mary Mancini.

RSVP now for the live panel discussion “Does My Vote Even Count?” with Nashville Public Radio on Oct. 6, 2026.

Guests:

• Rahim Buford, founder, Unheard Voices Outreach
• Dr. Josh Clinton, co-director, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions (Vanderbilt poll)
• Jerri Green, Democratic Party nominee for Governor

Further reading:

• Gov. Lee halts execution, orders third-party review following Pike’s failed lethal injection [WPLN]
• Christa Pike’s influence from Tennessee’s death row [WPLN]
• Americans are confused and worried about elections. Will that impact turnout? [WPLN]
• Tennessee Dem calls for independent to drop out of governor’s race over Andrew Jackson video [WPLN]
• In Tennessee, Democratic voters outpace GOP in early voting growth [WPLN]