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Mississippi General Election Outlook

by Sophia Chen
5 comments
Mississippi general election

On the upcoming Tuesday, voters in Mississippi will be heading to the polls for the general election, with the race for the governorship being the marquee event. Republican Governor Tate Reeves is campaigning for re-election, aiming for a consecutive term, following his initial victory in 2019.

Governor Reeves, having previously served as the lieutenant governor for two terms, is contending against Democrat Brandon Presley, who serves as a state utility regulator. Notably, Presley shares familial ties with the iconic musician Elvis Presley. In the last election, Reeves secured his position with a 52% majority, which was considered a close call for a state that typically leans Republican.

Brandon Presley has remained a formidable contender, especially in financial terms, due to considerable funding from his party at the national level. His fundraising prowess has surpassed that of Governor Reeves, leading to a neck-and-neck spending race. Nonetheless, Reeves holds a financial edge with a larger remaining war chest as the campaign enters its final phase.

Historically, Democrats maintained a firm grip on Mississippi’s governor’s office through much of the 20th century. However, the political tide has turned, with Republicans being in command for the past two decades.

Contests for the position of lieutenant governor are also critical in this election. Delbert Hosemann, the Republican incumbent, will compete against Democrat D. Ryan Grover after overcoming a tough primary earlier in the year against state Senator Chris McDaniel.

The state legislature’s composition is also at stake, with elections for seats in both the state Senate and House occurring. Currently, the Republican Party holds a substantial majority in both legislative bodies.

Here’s what to anticipate as the election unfolds:

Election Day Dynamics

Mississippi’s general election is set for this Tuesday. The closing of polls across the state is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, equivalent to 8 p.m. ET.

Ballot Breakdown

There will be extensive coverage by The Big Big News of 55 electoral races in Mississippi. These include the positions of governor, lieutenant governor, and other key roles such as treasurer, attorney general, and more, alongside numerous legislative seats.

Voter Participation Details

Eligibility to vote in the general election is extended to all Mississippi residents who have completed their voter registration by the cutoff date of October 10. The state does not offer same-day registration on Election Day.

Results Reporting Process

This year introduces the possibility of a runoff for the gubernatorial election, slated for November 28, should no candidate gain a majority of votes on Tuesday. The declaration of a definitive winner may be deferred until it’s clear whether a majority has been achieved, considering the presence of three candidates on the ballot.

The anticipation of a tight race around the 50% mark could delay the race’s call until the tally of additional ballots. The AP pledges to only announce victors when a candidate has evidently garnered over 50% of the votes, or to note that no candidate has achieved a majority, thereby necessitating a runoff.

The AP adheres to a strict policy of not projecting winners and will only announce a victor when the possibility of the trailing candidates catching up has been ruled out. Should a race remain uncalled, the AP will report on relevant developments while clarifying that an official winner has not been declared, along with the rationale behind it.

Mississippi does not have provisions for automatic recounts.

Turnout and Early Voting Statistics

Mississippi’s registered voter count stood at 2.1 million as of late July. The state does not track voters based on party affiliation. The turnout in the previous 2019 general election was recorded at 43%.

Absentee voting in Mississippi is not common. The state does not permit early in-person voting and restricts absentee voting by mail to those with valid reasons, accounting for about 7% of votes in the last midterm elections.

Vote Counting Timeline

Historically, in the 2019 general election, initial results started coming in by 8:12 p.m. ET on election night, with the count wrapping up after 1:30 a.m. ET, with 95% of votes tallied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mississippi general election

What is the significance of the upcoming election in Mississippi?

The upcoming Mississippi general election is significant as it includes the high-stakes gubernatorial race where Republican Governor Tate Reeves is seeking re-election against Democrat Brandon Presley, among other key state and local contests.

When will the Mississippi general election take place?

The Mississippi general election is scheduled for the coming Tuesday, with polls closing at 7 p.m. CT.

Who are the main candidates for the Mississippi governorship?

The main candidates for Mississippi governor are incumbent Republican Tate Reeves and his Democratic challenger, state utility regulator Brandon Presley.

Can voters still register on Election Day in Mississippi?

No, Mississippi does not permit Election Day registration. The deadline for voter registration was October 10.

Will there be a runoff for the Mississippi gubernatorial race?

Yes, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes in the gubernatorial race on Tuesday, a runoff is scheduled for November 28.

What races are covered in the Mississippi election?

The Mississippi election coverage includes the governor, lieutenant governor, and other statewide offices, along with 30 state House seats and 14 state Senate seats.

What are the rules for absentee voting in Mississippi?

Absentee voting in Mississippi is limited to those who provide a valid excuse, as the state does not allow in-person early voting.

How does the Associated Press report election results?

The Associated Press will declare winners only when a candidate has a clear majority or note that no majority was achieved, and a runoff is needed. They do not make projections and will only call races based on the collected data.

More about Mississippi general election

  • Mississippi Voter Registration
  • Tate Reeves’ Political Profile
  • Brandon Presley’s Campaign
  • Mississippi Election Laws
  • Associated Press Election Coverage Standards

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5 comments

Anna K November 6, 2023 - 7:10 am

i heard Brandon Presley’s related to Elvis? That’s pretty cool, wonder if that helps with the votes haha

Reply
Eliza22 November 6, 2023 - 1:00 pm

wait, there’s no early voting in Mississipi? that seems a bit outdated no? gotta keep up with the times!

Reply
Jim Green November 6, 2023 - 5:23 pm

Wow just read about the Mississippi election, so interesting to see such a tight race for the governor seat down there

Reply
Gary S November 6, 2023 - 5:34 pm

so if no one gets 50% there’s a runoff, election seasons just keep getting longer and longer…

Reply
Tommy_Lee November 6, 2023 - 7:48 pm

didn’t realise how competitive the fundraising aspect has goten, these campaigns must really be something

Reply

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