Seven months into the new presidential administration, Americans are able to easily identify the numerous laws and changes the Trump Administration has enacted. Whether you're a fan or not, the restoration of law and order and emphasis on America and her people highlight the underlying theme of this Administration's efforts.

However, whether there is a Republican or Democrat in the White House, my goal has, and will always be, to follow the law.

When President Trump signed Executive Order 14248 in March to "preserve and protect the integrity of American elections," I was extremely pleased to see the prioritization of free and fair elections. In the hours and days following its release, I realized there was much work needed to ensure the protection of state-run elections.

Thankfully, due to our diligent efforts to strengthen the integrity Mississippi's elections, my team was asked by the Trump Administration to invite a few other Secretaries for a visit with White House officials to share safeguards we have implemented and discuss the President’s focus on election integrity across the country.

As the state's Chief Elections Officer, it was rather refreshing to have federal officials not only ask for our input but to truly listen.

If you have heard me speak over the past year and a half, you have probably heard my experience and frustration with the Biden Administration's Executive Order 14019 (EO 14019). Not only was EO 14019 a weaponization of the federal government on state-run elections, but Biden Administration officials would not even engage in transparent dialogue or provide documentation from discussions or implementation.

While both EOs needed review and input from state election officials, knowing our current White House Administration is seeking input is invaluable and the premise on which our country was founded.

Further, Mississippians should be proud to know our state is leading the way in election integrity. Having recently climbed 15 spots on an election integrity scorecard, I am confident the vote one casts, is the vote which is counted!

MICHAEL WATSON
Secretary of State
State of Mississippi