Election reform remains a significant talking point in the wake of one of the most engaging election cycles in U.S. history. The obstacles of 2020 forced numerous election procedures and policies into the national spotlight, prompting states across the country to take a closer look at their overall election system. While no election is perfect, Mississippians can take pride in knowing we conducted a clean, safe, and fair 2020 General Election. We saw the highest voter turnout in state history and celebrated more than 113,000 newly registered voters.

JACKSON – Our office published an awareness advisory on our website to help investors better understand the potential threats to their online financial accounts and how to protect themselves from cybercriminals.

As financial technology has evolved, it has given consumers the ability to shop, save, and invest online using their phones, tablets, and computers. These modern financial conveniences, however, come with risks. Scammers always look for new ways to get into a consumer’s pocketbook, electronically or otherwise.

JACKSON – The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office, other state regulators, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission recently filed a joint civil enforcement action against Metals.com, Tower Equity, Chase Metals, Barrick Capital, and other associated parties. We accused the defendants of perpetrating a fraudulent precious metals investment scheme.

JACKSON – Secretary of State Michael Watson honored the winners of the 2020 Promote the Vote (PTV) program during an awards ceremony at Two Mississippi Museums Tuesday. PTV is the Secretary of State's Office's comprehensive K-12 voter education program consisting of a statewide mock election, an essay contest, and an art contest.

JACKSON – Today, Secretary Michael Watson joins his National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) colleagues in the newly launched #BizSchemeSOS education effort. The initiative encourages the public, business owners and future entrepreneurs to keep the Secretary of State's Office as the primary, trusted contact for all business-related needs to avoid business schemes and other fraudulent practices or activities.

JACKSON – Time is winding down for Mississippians to voice their opinion on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. The public commenting period closes tomorrow, June 3, 2021 at 11:59 (MT). 

Below is an overview of the purpose of the DEIS from the National Park Service.

JACKSON – Mississippi’s Municipal General Election Day is now less than one week away. Polls will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, and close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Our office recently received reports and video footage of what appears to be an individual publicly offering cash prizes to encourage voter participation in Tuesday’s municipal election in Tupelo. We’ve also received numerous reports of local churches promoting cash prizes to encourage absentee voting in the same area.

JACKSON – One hundred and ninety-one of Mississippi's 297 municipalities will participate in Mississippi's Municipal General Election Day on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m., and as always, any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot. Voting precincts for municipal elections often differ from voting precincts for county elections, so it is essential voters double-check their polling place with their local Municipal Clerk's Office prior to Election Day. 

JACKSON – General Election Day is officially underway for nearly 200 municipalities across Mississippi. So far, calls to our Election Hotline have been steady, with most calls relating to poll observer conduct and campaigning. As a reminder, it is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place unless on private property. Additionally, all poll observers are advised to follow the conduct guidelines listed here on our website.