HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann announced today the he will have monitors at all fourteen (14) precincts in Hattiesburg for the Mayoral Special Election next week.
His observers will also be on hand at City Hall when the votes are counted after the polls close.
“The reports from the previous election are troubling, to say the very least,” said Secretary Hosemann, in a press release. “We are going to have an election conducted by the election commissioners, not a circus. While we are not the election police, we will be watching in every precinct. Any voting irregularities observed by our Staff will be immediately forwarded to the Attorney General and the local District Attorney.”
“I want to thank Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann for his attention to the issues our community is facing related to the previous mayoral election and the upcoming special election,” said Forrest County District Attorney Patricia Burchell. “The citizens of Hattiesburg deserve a fair and clean election on September 24th. Secretary of State Hosemann’s presence in Hattiesburg and the presence of his designees at our polling places next Tuesday will help assure our community that the special election will be properly conducted.”
Challenger Dave Ware lost the office to incumbent Mayor Johnny Dupree by just under 40 votes, but sued claiming voting irregularities. After a mistrial, a judge ordered the special election. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm next Tuesday.
Hosemann’s office also has an election hotline you can call with any questions or for information. The toll free number is 1-800-829-6786. This number is staffed 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every weekday and 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day.
