Despite COVID-19, Mississippi election officials predict a high voter turnout for Tuesday’s Nov. 3 general election.
Ballots of voters statewide will feature races for U.S. president, Senate and House of Representatives, state Supreme Court positions and measures impacting the election of candidates for state office and deciding the legalization of medical marijuana, as well as a referendum on the adoption of a proposed new Mississippi state flag design.
In Tallahatchie County, voters also will decide the fate of district candidates for election commissioner and one school board seat.
On Election Day, polls will open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Circuit Clerk Daphane Neal said voters are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering. She said a limited supply of face masks will be available to voters who show up without their own.
While mask-wearing is urged, voters are not required to wear a mask and cannot be turned away or denied the right to vote if they do not.
Poll workers will have special protective gear, and hand sanitizer will be available at each precinct. Voters will be encouraged to practice social distancing at the polls.
Although the full ballot on Page 13 lists nine candidates for president, along with their running mates for vice president, the race really boils down to a two-ticket contest between incumbent Republican President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and vice presidential nominee Kamala D. Harris.
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Mike Espy and Libertarian Jimmy Edwards.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, a Democrat, is challenged for re-election in House District 2 by Republican Brian Flowers.
In a nonpartisan race for Mississippi Supreme Court Northern District, Position 3, incumbent Josiah Dennis Coleman is opposed by Percy L. Lynchard.
Two of five positions on the Tallahatchie County Election Commission are up for grabs this year, and voters in those districts will find those races on their ballot.
In District 1, where incumbent election commissioner Kelly W. Standard is stepping down after 20 years, Margaret McIntyre Simmons, 56, of 173 Curtis Dr., Charleston, is facing off against Brenda J. Walton-Willis, 60, of 270 N. Sarah Ave., Charleston.
In District 2, incumbent election commissioner Dennis Brown, 62, of 501 Murphy Road, Charleston, faces LaSuna “Chell” Curry, 44, of 1113 Elm Circle, Charleston, and Earnest Braxton, 67, of 3415 Sharkey Road, Charleston.
In Education District 5, a seat on the West Tallahatchie School District Board of Trustees, incumbent Cora B. Hooper, 64, of 1377 Apex Dr., Glendora, will be tested by Ikema “Ike” Olive, 40, of 5986 Sharkey Road, Charleston, among voters at precincts within the boundaries of the education district.
The three ballot measures to be decided Tuesday are:
» Ballot Measure 1, regarding the legalization of medical marijuana, features two possible initiatives.
Initiative 65, sponsored by Medical Marijuana 2020, resulted from a statewide petition drive that obtained enough signatures to have it placed on the ballot.
Initiative 65 would provide:
• Medical marijuana could be prescribed by physicians for 22 specified diseases and conditions like cancer, chronic pain, seizures, tremors and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Possession would be limited to 2.5 ounces every 14 days, although that limit does not apply to ingredients used to prepare edible or topical products, ointments, oils, tinctures or other products.
• A medical marijuana ID card would be required at a cost of up to $50.
• Medical marijuana could be provided only at licensed “treatment centers.”
• Those centers cannot be located within 500 feet of a school, church or licensed child care facility.
• Public smoking of medical marijuana is banned, as is driving under the influence.
Initiative 65A is the Mississippi Legislature’s alternative to provisions in 65.
Initiative 65A would provide:
• The “appropriate” state agency would consult with medical professionals to develop a medical marijuana program.
• No medical conditions are specified, other than medical marijuana would be limited to “qualified persons with debilitating medical conditions.”
• Licensed physicians, nurses and pharmacists would provide treatment.
• Only terminal patients would be allowed to smoke marijuana. Those who aren’t terminal would use other forms like pills.
• Limits would be set on the number of state-licensed medical marijuana manufacturers.
• Only pharmaceutical-quality marijuana is allowed.
• Tracking of patients would be required to determine the effectiveness of marijuana treatment.
The first ballot question asks voters if they approve changing the state constitution to allow medical marijuana. They can vote “neither” against legalizing medical marijuana or “either” to allow it to become legal.
The second question asks voters to choose between initiative 65 or 65A. Voters who selected “neither” should still choose between initiative 65 or 65A in the event medical marijuana is approved by a majority of voters.
» Ballot Measure 2 would amend the state constitution so a candidate wins a statewide election by receiving a majority of the votes. Currently, he or she must win the popular vote and a majority of state House districts.
» Ballot Measure 3, the flag referendum, allows voters to vote “yes” or “no” on adopting the “In God We Trust” flag as the state flag.
