WATSON: Get Ready to Vote, Mississippi

Submitted by Secretary of State Michael Watson

New voting machines, elevated Election Assist funding heading to counties.

Whereas Mississippians throughout the state are gearing up for the following college yr, our workplace is making ready for the fast-approaching November basic election. It’s an essential time for our state with all 4 congressional seats on the poll in addition to a number of judicial positions; furthermore, this yr’s midterm elections are important throughout the nation.

Once I was elected, I swore an oath and was entrusted with making certain our elections are protected and safe. Through the 2022 Legislative Session, we have been in a position to work with our state legislature to cross key laws, taking further steps in safeguarding Mississippi elections. I need to make you conscious of some of the adjustments you could discover as you head to the polls in November.

We have been in a position to safe funding for brand spanking new voting machines statewide which you’ll quickly see in your counties when you’ve got not already. These new machines should embody a voter verifiable paper poll, not simply an digital vote, and can’t have the aptitude of connecting to the web.

Each county will even be receiving a 25% enhance from the Election Assist Fund (ESF). These funds could also be spent by counties on administering elections, strengthening their cyber safety, coaching native officers, repairing tools, and so on.– all of that are essential elements to defending the integrity of our state’s elections.

Lastly, after I ran for this workplace, I dedicated to creating certain solely United States residents voted in our elections. We labored exhausting to get laws handed the earlier two classes however fell brief each years. Fortunately, we have been profitable this yr. My staff and I are proud to have delivered on that dedication by serving to with the passage of laws to require proof of citizenship. This laws ensures that solely United States residents who’re residents of Mississippi are eligible to register to vote in our state by using a system of checks and balances at each the state and federal degree.

Sadly, Mississippi noticed traditionally low voter turnout through the June 2022 main election with solely 11% of registered voters voting. We will and should do higher than this, Mississippi! Keep in mind: your vote is your voice, so get out and vote on Tuesday, November 8, and train one in all your best civil liberties. If you’ll be out of the county on election day, make plans to forged your absentee poll upfront.

I’m proud to say we’ve got labored diligently to keep up and strengthen your confidence and belief within the Mississippi elections course of. Be part of us in honoring the courageous women and men who’ve sacrificed a lot to safe our freedom and skill to vote. Let’s get able to vote, Mississippi!

###

Submitted by Secretary of State Michael Watson