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Mississippi Election Officials Made 71 Polling Place Changes Since 2020, MFP Finds

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Mississippi Election Officials Made 71 Polling Place Changes Since 2020, MFP Finds


Native Mississippi election officers have made 71 modifications to polling locations in dozens of counties because the 2020 election, a Mississippi Free Press examination has discovered. The modifications embrace 48 precinct relocations, 15 closures and eight new precincts. 

Statewide, there are actually 1,762 precincts, representing a internet lower of 12 because the final federal election. Three counties have skilled a internet improve in whole voting precincts since 2020, with DeSoto, Lamar and Newton counties every gaining one precinct total. Seven counties now have one much less precinct, together with Coahoma, Holmes, Prentiss, Rankin, Simpson, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. Two counties now every have 4 fewer whole precincts; Neshoba County’s whole precincts decreased from 27 in 2020 to at this time, whereas Webster’s whole fell from 17 to 13.

Mississippi voters can see the precinct modifications we recognized with the desk under, which features a search choice. These updates are the start of Part 2 of the Mississippi Trusted Elections Mission that tracks and updates precinct modifications in searchable graphics, and experiences voting-related information.

Challenges Figuring out Modifications

The State of Mississippi doesn’t present an up-to-date, complete checklist or database of voting precincts to the general public. To determine modifications, the Mississippi Free Press made a public-records request for a PDF copy of a Statewide Elections Administration System database report displaying the secretary of state’s checklist of voting precincts as they had been in April 2022 and in contrast it to the same report from October 2020.

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The reporters initially recognized greater than 50 modifications by evaluating the 2 SEMS experiences after first rigorously changing them into spreadsheets. Nonetheless, as a result of it’s as much as every of the state’s 82 counties to maintain their county precincts up-to-date in SEMS, not all had up to date their precincts within the database, and a few had made errors. 

The Mississippi Free Press made calls to circuit clerks and election commissioners in all 82 counties to confirm the modifications in addition to to uncover others that we couldn’t discover by checking SEMS alone. In a number of circumstances, election officers stated that what gave the impression to be modifications within the April 2022 SEMS report had been inaccurate entries and the precincts remained the identical as in November 2020.

As a consequence of congressional redistricting, some voters will arrive at acquainted polling locations for the June 7 celebration primaries with the modifications not obvious till they obtain their poll. In Jones County, voters in all 37 precincts previous to this yr had voted within the 4th Congressional District, which Republican incumbent Steven Palazzo presently represents.

Gail Welch, a Jones County election commissioner, instructed the Mississippi Free Press that voters in 4 Jones County precincts will now be within the third Congressional District, represented by Republican incumbent Michael Visitor. These precincts are the Sharon, Shady Grove, Matthews and Sandersville precincts.

Whereas voters in Jones County’s different precincts will be capable to select to vote in both a Democratic or Republican major, those that are actually in Visitor’s district will solely have the choice of voting within the Republican major this month as a result of Visitor has no Democratic opponents. Welch stated that the choice to separate Jones County between two congressional districts has added new complexities to getting ready for the June 7 primaries for native election officers. Congressional redistricting resulted in modifications for voters in different counties, too.

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Whereas the Mississippi Free Press Trusted Elections Mission 2022 workforce made vital efforts to determine and confirm precinct modifications since 2020 (in addition to offering an entire checklist of all precincts for the June 2022 primaries), voters ought to nonetheless name their native circuit clerk to confirm their polling place earlier than heading out to vote. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s web site contains contact info for all native circuit clerks.

The Mississippi Secretary of State’s web site does present a device voters can use to lookup their polling place utilizing their tackle, however the device can generally show inaccurate as a result of it attracts from the SEMS database, which isn’t at all times appropriate or up-to-date. Throughout the 2020 election, Secretary of State Michael Watson urged voters to confirm polling locations with native election officers.

Primaries on June 7, 2022

The primaries happen on June 7, 2022. Registered voters can select to vote in both the Democratic or Republican primaries of their congressional districts. Secretary of State Michael Watson has urged voters to confirm their vote registration is energetic by checking on-line at this hyperlink.

After they arrive on the polls on June 7, voters should convey a suitable type of photograph identification, equivalent to a driver’s license, state-issued photograph ID, U.S. passport, authorities worker ID card, scholar ID from a state college or faculty, firearms license, tribal ID or a Mississippi Voter Identification Card. Data on how residents can acquire a free voter identification card from their native circuit clerk’s workplace is on the market right here.

Voters are eligible to solid a poll in the event that they registered a minimum of 30 days earlier than the first or by Might 9, 2022. Extra info on voting is obtainable on the Secretary of State’s FAQ part and Voter Data Information.

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Editor’s Notice: The Black Voters Matter Fund supplied assist for the Mississippi Trusted Election Mission’s Part 2 precinct-change analysis.





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Mississippi

VIDEO: Jeff Lebby Pre-Ole Miss

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VIDEO: Jeff Lebby Pre-Ole Miss


It’s Egg Bowl week! Regardless of how the rest of the season has gone, Mississippi State has the opportunity to go into the off-season with some momentum and a win over bitter rival Ole Miss. The Rebels are 8-3 this season, but are coming off a 24-17 loss Saturday at Florida.

Coach Jeff Lebby spoke with members of the media Monday, to talk about where Mississippi State is heading into the Egg Bowl on Black Friday.



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Burford Electric Service expanding in Lowndes County | Mighty Mississippi

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Burford Electric Service expanding in Lowndes County | Mighty Mississippi


  • Electromechanical repair company creating 14 jobs
  • Project represents corporate investment of over $3.5 million

Jackson, Miss. (November 25, 2024) – Burford Electric Service is expanding in Columbus. The project is a $3.55 million corporate investment and will create 14 jobs.

Founded in 1959, Burford Electric Service is a third-generation family-owned Mississippi business that specializes in electromechanical repair and replacement solutions, including electric motor repair and pump repair, for customers in the Southeast. For the expansion, the company is constructing 15,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space with larger crane capacity to meet an increase in customer demand for large industrial needs.

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Lowndes County and the city of Columbus also are assisting with the project.

Burford Electric Service expects to fill the 14 new jobs over the next five years.

QUOTES

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“It is always exciting to see long-standing Mississippi companies grow right here at home. Burford Electric Service’s expansion is another example of how Mississippi’s business climate and pro-business policies encourage companies not only to remain in Mississippi, but also to invest in our state and in our people. I wish the Burford Electric team another 65 years of success in Lowndes County.” – Gov. Tate Reeves

“In Mississippi, we are committed to maintaining a favorable and supportive business environment that empowers our homegrown businesses to grow. Burford Electric’s expansion exemplifies that commitment. Mississippi has had a tremendous year for economic development, with billions of dollars invested and thousands of jobs created in our communities. Burford Electric’s growth in Columbus continues that trend while letting other companies know Mississippi is a top place for business.”  – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork

 “We’re honored to expand our footprint in Columbus and build on the foundation my grandparents Tolbert and Margaret Burford established in 1959. As a third-generation family-owned business, this $3.55 million investment reflects both our commitment to serving the Southeast and our dedication to carrying forward the values that have sustained us for over 60 years. The additional 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space and increased crane capacity will allow us to meet the growing needs of our industrial customers while creating 14 new jobs in the community. We’re grateful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority, Golden Triangle Development LINK and the city of Columbus, which has made this expansion possible. This is an exciting step forward for Burford Electric, our family and the communities we’re proud to serve.” – Burford Electric Service President/Owner Jonathan Robinson

 “It’s great to see a family-owned, local business like Burford Electric Service expanding right here in Lowndes County. Their growth is a direct response to the increase in industrial activity in our area, and it shows how our local companies are rising to meet new demand. Burford’s investment in Columbus is a testament to the strength of our community and workforce. We’re excited to see the impact this expansion will have.” – Joe Max Higgins, CEO, Golden Triangle Development LINK

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Special season comes to an end for Mississippi State soccer team in Sweet 16

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Special season comes to an end for Mississippi State soccer team in Sweet 16


For a second-straight season, Mississippi State’s soccer team found itself in position to make more history with a trip to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the season ended right there again.

Notre Dame’s offensive attack overwhelmed one of the country’s best defenses on Sunday night with two goals in the first 30 minutes of action on the way to a 2-0 win. It ended what was the best season in Bulldog history.

“Every single player was just so skilled on the ball. Their movement was sophisticated and they’re a physical team as well,” coach James Armstrong said. “I was thoroughly impressed with them (Sunday). We knew they were a special team but seeing them live is different. They’re a special team and I think they’ll go a long way throughout the tournament.”

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From early on, the Irish were the aggressors. State was on its heels in the early going and began to see things go heavily into Notre Dame’s favor at the 24th minute. Izzy Engle got a breakaway and sent it through the left side of the goal past Maddy Anderson for a 1-0 lead.

Just a couple of possessions later, Grace Restovich scored off the top right of the goal from the left foot to quickly put State in a hole. Both goals were scored by freshmen and continued what’s been an amazing year for coach Nate Norman’s squad. A large portion of the contributors were freshmen with 13 on the roster.

After being dominated 11-1 with shots on the offensive end, State had to find some aggression on the offensive side in the second half. The Bulldogs still couldn’t find the openings with seven shots in the final 45 minutes and Notre Dame would hold that lead.

The loss was a disappointing cap on the year, but Armstrong’s team left with heads held high. State finished 19-3 as the team set the school record for wins and had a perfect 10-0 SEC record. The squad won the first SEC Championship in program history and were 12-1 in games at the MSU Soccer Stadium.

State fans came out in droves to support this team as the Bulldogs had eight of the top 10 crowds in school history. The last two set the school record, including Friday night’s largest attended game at over 4,000. It was a season to remember but those inside the program believe it’s just the beginning.

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“It’s amazing to have been a part of,” Hodge said. “From the first year to now, the sisterhood to now and I truly think that it translates. I think it’s special having that belief and love translate to the community and become a part of that inner circle. It’s been as rewarding as being on the field has been.

“I think we’ve set the standard and every year it’s gone higher and higher. The younger girls know what’s expected and I’m sure they’re going to keep it trending in the right direction.”



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