The presidential election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. Everyone is encouraged to cast their ballots on that day. The deadline to register for the general election passed on October 5.
Circuit Clerk Witt Fortenberry previously said there is no reason to vote by affidavit or absentee ballot, other than the normal circumstances that would cause a voter to do so. Election Day will carry on as planned, and everyone is encouraged to practice social distancing as much as possible. Fortenberry said it will be difficult to keep everyone six feet away from each other and still have the necessary staff to work a precinct, but the plan is to do their best.
He explained that the poll workers will have cleaning materials and other equipment available to ensure that all precincts are thoroughly cleaned.
Simpson County voters will be casting their ballots to help determine the next President of the United States. The ballot will feature Republican incumbents President Donald Trump and Vice President Michael Pence. The Democrat nominees are former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala D. Harris. For the Third Congressional District, Democrat Dorothy Benford will face Republican incumbent Michael Guest. Also Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith will face Democratic nominee Mike Espy for the second time, and Libertarian candidate Jimmy Edwards.
Mississippians will also vote on the new state flag design. Initiative Measure 65 and Alternative Measure No. 65A both concerning the use of medicinal marijuana will also be on the ballot.
According to Secretary of State Michael Watson Initiative Measure 65 proposes to amend the Mississippi Constitution to allow qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions, as certified by Mississippi licensed physicians, to use medical marijuana. This amendment would allow medical marijuana to be provided only by licensed treatment centers. The Mississippi State Department of Health would regulate and enforce the provisions of this amendment.
Alternative Measure 65A is proposed as a legislative alternative measure to Initiative Measure No. 65 and would establish a program to allow the medical use of marijuana products by qualified persons with debilitating medical conditions.
A full sample ballot will be published in next week’s newspaper as well as more information concerning Initiative Measure 65 and Alternative Measure 65A.
For more information on how to register or any other election questions contact the Circuit Clerk’s office at 601-847-2474.
