Brookhaven, Miss. (Daily Leader) – A representative from the Secretary of State’s office will be in Brookhaven Friday to answer any election questions for the public.
Kim Turner from secretary Delbert Hosemann’s office will be the guest speaker at a $15-a-plate “Lunch and Learn.” The nonpartisan workshop, “GoTV: Absentee Voters, The Difference Between Victory and Defeat,” will be hosted by the Lincoln County Republican Women at 11:30 a.m. at the Brookhaven Country Club. The lunch buffet opens at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. To RSVP for the luncheon email lcrwms@gmail.com or call 601-757-4331 by 6 p.m. today.
Turner will also be available from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday in Circuit Clerk Dustin Bairfield’s office to answer questions about the upcoming elections in Lincoln County.
Hosemann said Turner’s second stop at the circuit clerk’s office is planned for anyone who may have questions but can’t make it to lunch at the Lincoln County Republican Women’s event.
“We just want to make sure we cast a very wide net here,” he said.
Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, will join Turner to speak at the organization’s lunch. They’ll be sharing information about 2018 election cycle and upcoming 2019 county elections.
One topic of conversation for sure will be the primary election June 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on that day. If a run-off election is required, it will be June 26.
The general election will be Nov. 6 and includes winners from the primary elections and independents, Lincoln County School Board members for District 1 and District 2 (six-year terms) and a special election for Lincoln County School Board member for District 5 (4-year term).
The general election will also decide races for Lincoln County Chancery Judge, Lincoln County Circuit Judge for Post 1 and Post 2 and the special election for U.S. Senate.
A run-off election, if needed, is set for Nov. 27.
Today is the deadline for chancery and circuit judges to qualify.
Cindy Moore, president of the Lincoln County Republican Women, said this will be the first Lunch and Learn the group has organized.
“The objectives of our Lincoln County Republican Women’s chapter include educating the public about the election process,” she said. “We believe the Lunch and Learn program is a great tool to disseminate that information to our residents. We will be emphasizing the importance of voting in every election, how one vote can make a difference, and the importance of having a high voter turnout in the June 5 primary and Nov. 6 general elections, as well as any potential runoff elections.”
One of the most talked about races is for U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper’s replacement for 3rd District congressman — or congresswoman. Brookhaven’s Sen. Sally Doty, R-Brookhaven, is in the running for that seat.
“Those primaries will determine, most likely, the top two individuals who will be on the November ballot,” Hosemann said.
Hosemann believes a runoff will be needed in the 3rd Congressional District, which contains 460,557 active registered voters.
Only about 21 percent of the people voted in 2014 in the primary. In the 2010 primary about 32 percent (voted), he said.
“Every time you go to cast a ballot you may be casting a ballot for three or four other people,” he said.
He expects slightly more turnout because of Harper’s popularity and his long time in office — nine years.
“Whoever we get elected will end up voting on taxation, education, military, everything. They’ll be one of 400-something people who can cast that ballot, so it’s very important,” he said.
Moore said voting is a duty and a privilege.
“The outcomes of our 2018 elections are critical in determining the future course of our county, state and nation, as well as the legislation which will affect the daily lives of our residents,” she said. “Lincoln County Republican Women want to help ensure qualified Republican candidates are elected to office, candidates who will be our voice and help better our community.”
She encourages absentee voting for anyone who will be away from the polls on Election Day.
“Absentee ballots are important because they have the potential to change the outcome of an election,” she said. “Considering that many voters will be on vacation in June and the statistic that only 30 percent of individuals who vote in a primary will vote in a runoff election, it is critical that everyone cast their vote at the voting precinct or by absentee ballot to ensure the most qualified candidates are elected to represent the people of Lincoln County.”