Some voters reporting problems at polls; news conference scheduled

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Democrats have scheduled an "emergency news briefing" Thursday after they say they have received reports of problems at the polls.

Representative G. A. Hardaway, chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Caucus, says constituents have contacted elected representatives telling them that their votes have defaulted to a different candidate than the one they voted for at different polling places.

Voters brave long lines on first day of early voting

WREG has been contacted by voters of both parties about this issue, and is looking into it for a story tonight.

Residents from Arlington, Bartlett and Memphis near Mississippi Boulevard are all reporting that when they use the electronic voting machines, the machine switches their vote to another option.

The election commission is claiming this may be "user error," saying it is impossible.

Hardaway will be joined by Shelby County Election Commissioner Venecia Kimbrow to explain what to do if voters run into an issue.

The Shelby County Election Commission posted a video demonstration Thursday afternoon on how to properly use the touch-screen voting machines.

They said voters should make sure to press in the center of the box, on top of the selection.

You can use your finger, or a stylus, which is available at all polling places, they said.

ELECTION GUIDE: Presidential, state and local races

Early voting for the Nov. 5 election opened Wednesday in Tennessee.

This story will be updated.