As the political season heats up, voter enthusiasm stays cool

By Tribune StaffIn a Presidential election season that feels a lot like déjà vu, many voters are expressing discontent with the frontrunners on both sides and tuning out heavily contested local races as well. That’s forcing some candidates to work overtime to share their message around key issues and build coalitions in hopes of encouraging voters to get to the polls.According to Pew Research Center, Black Americans are projected to account for 14% of eligible U.S. voters. While Black voters have historically turned the tide in some elections, including the last match up with Biden and Trump, this election cycle is finding some less than enthusiastic sentiment around voting due to lackluster results for the Black community. However, there is still a push to get folks to exercise their right to vote.The clock is ticking on candidates who want to get their messages across to voters. Early voting in Nashville started July 12 and ends July 27. The primary election will be held Aug. 1. In Tennessee, voter turnout lingers below 50%. According to some candidates, with voter fatigue a growing concern, energizing the Black voter bloc is critically important.“I know candidates say it all the time, but if we...