JACKSON – As of Sunday, October 18, 2020, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 120,253 absentee ballots requested, 115,848 absentee ballots sent, and 89,499 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2020 General Election.
Secretary Michael Watson poses for a picture with winners of the 2021 Promote the Vote essay contest during an awards ceremony at the Two Mississippi Museums.
JACKSON – Our office recently published a list of all candidates for the Statewide or Legislative Office who failed to file a campaign disclosure report by the dates specified in Section 23-15-807(b).
Senate Bill 2818 exempts both the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) from crucial state laws regarding public purchasing, state contracts, and the development of regulations. These laws are necessary to protect the public’s best interest, increase transparency, and prevent corruption.
Historically, the authority to assess campaign finance civil penalties has rested with the Secretary of State’s Office. In 2017, the legislature transferred the penalty assessment authority to the Ethics Commission. While done with the best intentions, the transfer of authority has created more problems than solutions.
Over the past few days, our office received numerous questions regarding a social media post and comments alleging our Statewide Election Management System (SEMS), which stores all voter registration information, is housed and operated in Ukraine. Simply put, this claim is absolutely false. The information and hardware that make up our election system have always been housed safely within the State of Mississippi, and that safeguard will remain in place as long as I’m Secretary of State.
Our office was notified today of a possible theft at the Hinds County Election Commission headquarters earlier this week. We are communicating with the Hinds County Election Commission and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office to gather concrete details.
Protecting the integrity of every legal vote cast is paramount, and I will do everything within my power to ensure our elections are safe and free of fraud.
JACKSON – The polls are officially open for today's September 22nd special election runoff for Senate District 15, Senate District 39, House District 37 and House District 66. While polling places close at 7 p.m., any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot. Eligible voters include those in Choctaw, Clay, Copiah, Hinds, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lowndes, Montgomery, Oktibbeha, Walthall and Webster Counties.
JACKSON – Today, the Secretary of State's Office will host our fifth and final public hearing regarding Initiative Measure No. 65 and Alternative Measure No. 65A (medical marijuana). The hearing will take place at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the public hearing will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. All media outlets are invited to attend.
(October 13, 2020 Special Runoff Elections)
JACKSON – In accordance with Mississippi Code Section 23-15-817, the Secretary of State’s Office is required to publish a list of all candidates for the Statewide or Legislative Office who failed to file a campaign disclosure report by the dates specified in Section 23-15-807(b).
Individuals who failed to timely file their campaign finance report by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, and still have not filed their report to date include: