How Kamala Harris could impact Nashville transportation vote

Vice President Kamala Harris has already provided a jolt for Democrats in the presidential race, and backers of Nashville's $3.1 billion transportation funding plan are banking on her to do the same here.

Why it matters: Voter turnout is always significantly higher for presidential elections compared to other years. That's one reason transportation organizers chose to put the referendum on the ballot this November.

The intrigue: The general malaise that plagued Democrats with having President Biden at the top of the ticket has reversed under Harris.

• According to a recent poll from Monmouth University , 85% of Democratic voters are enthusiastic about the presidential race compared to just 46% in July.

The big picture: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell tells Axios that Harris' "entrance into the race has energized and excited many voters across the country and here in Nashville."

• "Any time people are more engaged in our democratic process, that is a good thing for America."
• "We all benefit from a more engaged electorate, and regardless of who else is on the November ballot, I think when Nashvillians evaluate our Choose How You Move plan, they will decide it delivers a better, more connected Nashville."

Zoom in: Lisa Quigley, the longtime chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, tells Axios the data suggests Harris is ratcheting up enthusiasm among two groups the pro-transportation campaign is also courting.

• "In Nashville, we really need to count on younger voters and Black voters to show up at their strength, and Harris has put the wind beneath their wings."

By the numbers: The 2020 presidential election saw 64.9% of registered voters, 312,113 in total, cast ballots in Davidson County.

Between the lines: Jeff Morris, executive director of the group backing the transportation plan, tells Axios the "calculus for the November election changed in late July" when Harris replaced Biden.

• "At its core, this plan is about reducing traffic and making our city more accessible, that's something every Nashvillian can agree is the right direction for our city," Morris tells Axios.
• "With that said, I believe any version of added voter excitement and motivation only benefits our campaign to promote transportation improvement in our city."