MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Its your voice, your vote!

Hundreds of Memphians took to the polls Friday as early voting got underway for top city official jobs, including mayor, city court clerk and nine city council seats.

“The stakes are too high for our city to not come out and vote,” said Memphis voter Melvin Jackson Friday morning.

Jackson didn’t wait until October 8 to cast his ballot for who he thinks should lead the city of Memphis.

On Friday he was at a precinct on Riverdale Road in East Memphis.

He said he’s always an early voter.

“I always make it a point to come out because anything can happen on the actual Election Day, so you don’t want to have any excuse or any reason why you can’t come out,” he told WREG.

Shelby County Elections Administrator Richard Holden said Jackson wasn’t alone.

He said a lot of people vote early because it’s more convenient.

With early voting you can go to any of the 16 polling spots thought Memphis, not just the one in your neighborhood.

“More than half of the voters typically vote early and the other little less than half vote on Election Day, but on Election Day you have to vote in your neighborhood precinct,” explained Holden.

Something new this election go round is you can take your phone with you when you cast your vote.

“You may use the applications on your cell phone. You just can’t use it as a communication device,” said Holden.

Holden said an important note for voters is they wont just be voting for a city council member for their district but three other council members as well.

Jackson said with so many names on the ballot and so much at stake, take the few minutes to let your voice be heard.

“Vote because that the most important thing of all,” he said. “Come out and vote folks.”

Early voting ends October 3.

Don’t forget you need a government issued photo ID.