Absentee voting has been going on at the courthouse. This Saturday the county circuit clerks offices across the state will be open until Noon for in-person absentee voting as we head into the 2024 General Election Tuesday.
According to Secretary of State Michael Watson’s office as of Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 137,686 absentee ballots requested, 136,372 absentee ballots sent, and 119,818 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2024 November General Election.
It should be noted that the requested total reflects the number of Mississippi voters who have requested an absentee ballot through their local Circuit Clerk's Office. The sent total reflects the number of absentee ballots sent to voters from Circuit Clerk Offices. The received total reflects the number of completed absentee ballots returned to Circuit Clerk Offices.
History shows that these presidential elections generally have a higher turnout compared to midterm election years like in 2022. In Mississippi, in addition to the presidential race, one of the United States Senate seats will be on the ballot, U.S. House of Representatives, congressional, judicial races, and school board elections. They have a direct impact on taxes, infrastructure, school funding, healthcare, the judicial system, foreign policy, and a host of other issues that resonate from the nation’s capital to the street by your house. For example, I have called on the congressional delegation countless times to help with funding and constituent services for North Carrollton.
Also, here in Carroll County, the Town of Vaiden will have a two percent tourism referendum next Tuesday. Senator Lydia Chassaniol who is the chairwoman of the tourism committee in the senate has been instrumental in getting this funding for many cities and towns in this area. This source of funding is tremendous for municipalities in being able to make improvements that many times they could not otherwise afford. I recommend to Vaiden voters they pass this initiative; it will be an investment for generations to come for the town of Vaiden. It is worth noting that these initiatives require 60 percent approval from the voters.
For questions regarding absentee voting, contact your local circuit clerk’s office or the Mississippi secretary of state Elections Division at ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov. Polls are open on Tuesday 7 a. m. to 7 p.m.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors
