Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, September 22nd, to choose new legislative leaders. The special election will also give officials a chance to work out COVID-19 processes and procedures ahead of the November 3rd General Election.
Tuesday, voters will choose who will fill the vacancies in two House districts and two Senate districts.
House District 66, in Hinds County, was held by Jarvis Dortch who resigned in early July. Dortch was later named as the Executive Director of the ACLU in Mississippi.
The candidates vying for the House District 55 seat include Gregory L. Divinity, Robert C. ‘Bob’ Lee Jr., Fabian Nelson, Kathryn Orey Perry, De’Keither A. Stamps, and Calvin B. Williams.
House District 37, which covers Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties, was previously held by Gary Chism of Columbus, who retired on June 30th. Chism had served in the legislature since 1999.
David Michael Chism, Vicky Rose, and Lynn Wright are competing for House District 37.
Senate District 15, which includes portions of Oktibbeha, Choctaw, Webster, and Montgomery counties, was held by Gary Jackson of French Camp. Jackson, who left the Senate in late June citing health concerns, had served for 17 years.
The candidates vying for Senate District 15 include Bricklee Miller, Levon Murphy Jr., Bart Williams, and Joyce Meek Yates.
Senate District 39, which encompasses Copiah, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Walthall counties, was held by Sally Doty of Brookhaven until she resigned in mid-July. Doty was then appointed by Governor Tate Reeves as Executive Director of the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.
There are nine candidates in the running for Senate District 39. They include Jason Barrett, Beth Brown, Cindy S. Bryan, Mike Campbell, Josh Davis, Ben Johnson, Michael Smith, Prentiss Smith, and Bill Sones.
Here are a few important reminders:
The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., but if you are still in line when the polls close, you will be able to cast your ballot.
If you have moved, or this is your first time voting, click here to locate your polling place.
Have your ID with you because all Mississippians voting at the polls are required to show a photo ID card.
According to the Secretary of State’s Office, all voters are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, abide by social distancing recommendations, and practice good COVID-19 hygiene. Click here for more information about voting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
