While Mississippians across the state are gearing up for the next school year, our office is preparing for the fast-approaching November general election. It’s an important time for our state with all four congressional seats on the ballot as well as several judicial positions; moreover, this year’s midterm elections are significant across the country.
When I was elected, I swore an oath to ensure our elections are safe and secure. During the 2022 legislative session, we were able to work with our state Legislature to pass key legislation, taking additional steps to safeguard Mississippi elections. I want to make you aware of a few of the changes you may notice as you head to the polls in November.
We were able to secure funding for new voting machines statewide, which you will soon see in your counties if you have not already. These new machines must include a voter verifiable paper ballot, not just an electronic vote, and cannot have the capability of connecting to the internet.
Every county will also receive a 25% increase from the Election Support Fund. Counties may spend these funds on administering elections, strengthening their cyber security, training local officials, repairing equipment and more—all of which are crucial components to protect the integrity of our state’s elections.
Finally, when I ran for this office, I committed to making sure only United States citizens voted in our elections. We worked hard to get legislation passed the previous two sessions, but fell short both years. Thankfully, we were successful this year.
My team and I are proud to have helped with the passage of legislation to require proof of citizenship, delivering on that commitment. This legislation utilizes a system of checks and balances at both the state and federal level, ensuring that only United States citizens who are residents of Mississippi are eligible to register to vote in our state.
Sadly, Mississippi saw historically low voter turnout during the June 2022 primary election with only 11% of registered voters voting. We can and must do better than this, Mississippi!
Remember: Your vote is your voice, so get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, and exercise one of your greatest civil liberties. If you will be out of the county on Election Day, make plans to cast your absentee ballot in advance.
I am proud to say we have worked diligently to maintain and strengthen your confidence and trust in the Mississippi elections process. Join us in honoring the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to secure our freedom and ability to vote.
Let’s get ready to vote, Mississippi.
Visit the secretary of state’s voting information page here.
This MFP Voices essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an essay for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to azia@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
