An intense federal election season in 2024 has given way to local election time across the state of Mississippi, with polls opening at 7 a.m. for municipal primary elections on Tuesday, April 1.
According to Secretary of State Michael Watson, the municipal election season is arguably more important than the 2024 cycle as it gives residents a chance to choose leaders who will govern on the ground floor.
“It’s easy to get focused on the federal level, but in all actuality, those local elections can affect your life much more quickly,” Watson said. “So, it’s important to go out and vote in these elections and not get overwhelmed by these federal elections that just passed. Remember, I have to live in this town, so I better make sure I have good leaders.”
What are my voting options?
If you’re a registered voter in Mississippi, you still have multiple options to cast your ballot. The deadline to vote absentee is Saturday, March 29. For those who can’t make it in person on Election Day, municipal clerk offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday and will be open 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday to cast absentee ballots.
For day-of voters, polls will be open statewide from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1.
Who can vote?
Any registered voter may participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary, as Mississippi voters do not register by party affiliation.
In the event of a primary runoff, which would take place on Tuesday, April 22, voters must stick to the party they voted for on April 1. Those who did not vote in the initial election will still be able to cast a vote in the runoff.
Where do I vote?
Click here to find where you’re supposed to vote. If you have any questions or want to confirm your polling location, call your circuit clerk’s office or local election commissioners.
What are the races to watch across Mississippi?
While municipal races will be held across the state with residents voting on positions ranging from mayor to aldermen to councilmen and more, there is an array of races capturing statewide attention.
Starting in the capital city, 11 Democrats are running against embattled Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. On the Republican side, a trio of candidates will vie to make it to the June 3 general election, where 4 independent candidates also await. City council races grabbing headlines are Ward 6 and Ward 7, following the decisions by Aaron Banks and Virgi Lindsay not to seek reelection.
Moving into the Jackson suburbs, Flowood will have its second-ever mayor with Gary Rhoads deciding to hang it up after 36 years. One of two Republicans, Kathy Smith or Greg Wilcox, will secure the office on primary day as no Democrats are running. In Brandon, incumbent Butch Lee is being challenged by state Rep. Fred Shanks on the Republican side. No Democrats there, either. Pearl Mayor Jake Windham will have one Republican challenger in Kevin Kimery, while Democrat Willie Robinson is unopposed.
Along the Gulf Coast, four Republicans are competing for mayor in Ocean Springs: incumbent Kenny Holloway, Alderman-at-Large Bobby Cox, Jon Hitchcock, and Dennis McGrevy. With Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes not seeking reelection, the door is open in the state’s second-most populous city, with former state Rep. Sonya Williams-Barnes and Ronnie Henderson competing on the Democratic side. Hugh Keating stands unchallenged on the Republican side.
In Pass Christian, Republican Jimmy Rafferty has his eyes set on a second term but will have to defeat Alderman Kenny Torgeson. The winner there will be mayor as no Democrats are running. Pascagoula Mayor Jay Willis does have a Republican opponent in David Bates, but the more interesting race is who will win a write-in contest for the late Johnny Walker’s seat on the city council.
In Starkville, incumbent Lynn Spruill will square off against Charles Yarbrough and Breanna Betts in the Democratic primary, with Republican Roger Bassett unopposed on the other side.
In Meridian, incumbent Jimmie Smith is being challenged by former mayor Percy Bland, Ward 5 Councilwoman Ty Bell, and Rita Jack in the Democratic primary. Stephen Boler is running unopposed in the Republican primary, while Jimmy Copeland awaits the general election as an independent.
In Cleveland, Mayor Billy Nowell is not seeking reelection as Alderman Paul Janoush and Adriann Steen-Brown will secure office at city hall in the Democratic primary.
How do I keep up with results?
To keep up with the latest election results here in Mississippi, tune in to one of the 48 stations across the state that carry SuperTalk Mississippi News.
