Live Theater Production Entertains North Nashville Voters

By Dulce Torres Guzman, Tennessee Lookout

November 8, 2022

By 9 a.m., more than 100 people had voted at Cathedral of Praise in the North Nashville community of Bordeaux, one of Davidson County’s largest polling locations and one which consistently draws steady voter turnout.

Poll worker Robert Taylor said the area’s reliable 30 to 35% voter turnout means he often sees familiar faces in each election.

One was Elisheba Mrozik.

“I always vote,” Mrozik said. “My ancestors said that they fought and died to vote and I want to make sure my vote is counted on a local level.”

Of concern this year was slavery, said Mrozik, referring to proposed Amendment 3, which removes language allowing for involuntary servitude for convicted criminals in the Tennessee Constitution. The new language would not prohibit an inmate from working when convicted of a crime.

Another regular voter expressed concern about reports of voters being given the wrong ballots during early voting.

“There’s always some shenanigans afoot, so yes I have a right to be concerned that people’s right to vote is being subverted in the state of Tennessee,” said Lora Manson.

Kenneth Phillips, a 50-year resident of Bordeaux, repeated concerns heard nationwide of inflation, rising gas prices and grocery prices.

“The biggest issue is the economy,” said Phillips.

“Everybody is complaining about it. The way that Tennessee is going. It’s not family friendly at all anymore,” he added.

Redistricting also loomed over voters. Floyd Murrell, a poll worker at the Kennie Playhouse Theater, said an issue in which some voters got the wrong ballots in Davidson County was concerning.

“A lot of people think it was done intentionally, because of the redistricting,” said Floyd Murrell, adding that 125 people had voted within three hours.

And while voters cast their ballots, seniors had the opportunity to enjoy a theater production of “The Dance on Widow’s Row.” Director Kenny Dozier said the play was intended to combat COVID-19 fatigue for seniors but having the play on Election Day was not planned.

Now more than ever, tough and fair journalism is important. The Tennessee Lookout is your watchdog, telling the stories of politics and policy that affect the people of the Volunteer State.