Republican Governor Tate Reeves and Democratic candidate Brandon Presley faced major disruptions during the Mississippi governor’s race as a result of voting chaos. Polling places in Hinds County, a key Democratic stronghold and the state’s largest county, experienced ballot shortages and long lines, leaving frustrated voters waiting for additional ballots that often ran out quickly. Election commissioners, all Democrats, underestimated the turnout and failed to ensure an adequate supply of ballots. The situation prompted judges to extend voting time for the entire county and certain precincts.
The incompetence displayed by the Hinds County election commissioners drew strong criticism. Perry Perkins, an organizer for Working Together Mississippi, a nonpartisan group involved in voter mobilization, called the situation a travesty. Credell Calhoun, a Democrat and Hinds County supervisor, expressed anger and frustration, emphasizing the significance of the race and the lack of preparedness for such an important event.
Both political parties, along with the nonpartisan group Mississippi Votes, petitioned for additional voting time due to the ongoing problems. While some additional ballots were provided, it appeared that the supply remained insufficient in many locations. For instance, one precinct in Clinton had only 14 ballots available for 100 people waiting in line. Another precinct in Byram had no ballots for two hours, and a third precinct ran out of ballots entirely, refusing to provide affidavit ballots as an alternative.
Mississippi is a conservative state, and Republicans have held the governorship for the past 20 years. However, Democrats saw an opportunity to secure a rare victory in a Deep South governor’s race by making an aggressive push. Brandon Presley, a state utility regulator, criticized Gov. Reeves for his refusal to expand Medicaid and his handling of government corruption. Reeves, in turn, highlighted the state’s progress in job creation, low unemployment, and improvements in education while warning voters about liberal out-of-state donors supporting Presley.
The voting problems in Hinds County drew significant attention and were described as an unprecedented level of incompetence. Despite the challenges, many voters remained determined to cast their ballots. Republicans ultimately dominated the state, with Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann winning re-election and Republican Attorney General Lynn Fitch securing a second term.
This news article highlights the disruptions and challenges faced during the Mississippi governor’s race due to ballot shortages and long lines in Hinds County, a key Democratic stronghold. The inadequate preparation and incompetence of the Democratic-led election commission resulted in frustration and extended voting time. Despite these issues, Republicans maintained their stronghold in the conservative state, securing victories in other key positions.
