I got the call last week about a special meeting of the Mississippi Republican Party State Central Committee for this Friday via Zoom. The purpose is to certify the candidates elected in the August 5, 2025, Republican primary special elections for certain legislative districts here in the Magnolia State. I couldn’t help but think about how the federal elections for United States senate and representatives will be next year with qualifying less than six months away, and a year from this January will be qualifying for county and state races.
Leading up to these races brings those memorable moments during the campaigns as we head into the counting of votes on election night. There are countless citizens who share memories and have a story to tell about the election night counting of ballots from in front of The Conservative office at 706 Lexington Street in Carrollton. For years before voting machines and the instant technology of today, many from all over Carroll County would gather on the sidewalk in front of the newspaper office to watch the tally of election returns. These tallies were posted on a board, and would change as the results came in. This would last well into the early morning hours with the suspense to learn who would be declared the winner of local races from sheriff to supervisor.
These gatherings of people coming to the courthouse square in Carrollton is a historic event. While the technology of today speeds up the actual counting, it is still a good time to meet and visit with friends. The Carrollton square is a place that speaks volumes of these election nights spanning many decades. I was reminded about the continuation of this election night watch party like has taken place in the past on a hot August Tuesday night. Eudora Welty once said, “A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.” It’s the tradition of southern hospitality and democracy at its best on election nights at the courthouse square.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors, and serves as the North Central Mayor’s Association president.
