What are some of the issues driving Mississippians to the polls on election day?

Hattiesburg resident Davis Morgan wants his vote to support helping impoverished and vulnerable communities across the state. He said Mississippians need more access to mental health care and help in areas where food deserts are prevalent.  

“I think access to healthcare and maybe connected to that, I would love to see parts of Mississippi be better equipped to handle issues of poverty and homelessness and food insecurity,” Davis said.  

His wife, Ashleigh Morgan, echoed the need for more healthcare in Mississippi, specifically when it comes to accessing medical care for rural areas.  

“A lot of times people don't have access to health insurance or even just driving to and from doctor appointments,” Ashleigh said. “I'd like to see that promoted in Mississippi to take care of children, elderly. People who are underprivileged. I want them to be able to have access to health care.” 

Young people are a critical voting bloc in today’s elections. Bailey Conrad, a student at Jackson State University from Arkansas, is voting in Mississippi for the first time this year. She said the voting landscape in the two states has been an adjustment.  

“Living in a new state for the last two years, things are very different where I'm from. People listen to us where I'm from. They listen [to] the oppressed,” Conrad said. “They listen [to] people who have been ignored for hundreds and hundreds of years. And down here, I feel like it's kind of been stuck.” 

Conrad said that after listening to student voices on campus, she was inspired to become informed about Mississippi issues and vote this year. Now, she is working to stay informed and bring others with her to the polls. 

“I ask everybody, I'm like ‘Are you voting? Are you voting? You better be registered,’” Conrad said. “I think everybody really does care, and we know that if we don't vote then you know things aren't gonna happen, so we all have to stand together.” 

Another Jackson State University Student, Keshawn Brown, is a member of Men of Excellence. The student organization hosts events to encourage students to register to vote throughout the semester and supported a Blackout Rally on Oct. 7^th.  

Brown said for him, this year’s election is about holding Mississippi accountable and finding clarity in what goes on in the state. 

“I feel like it's a lot of things that happen under our noses and that we don't pay attention to and there's not a lot of light shed on it,” Brown said. “I feel like us coming out there together and voting, that's first step to making a change in some sort.” 

Jakari Holland, a 21-year-old Jackson State University student who spoke out during a redistricting hearing in Jackson and organized a Blackout Rally earlier this year, is a prominent figure on campus. Both Brown and Conrad said Holland’s influence has made a difference on campus.  

Other students like Khi Weston, who is from Arkansas, are already planning to register and vote in Mississippi next year. Even though she can’t vote in this year’s election, she is encouraging her peers to make their voices heard at the ballot box. 

“Any complaint that you have about anything ever can be fixed at the polls. If you complain about the roads being bad, you should go vote... if you're complaining about gas prices, you have to vote. If school is too high and you can't afford it, you should be voting,” Weston said.  

Mississippi law allows for absentee voting under certain circumstances. Visit the secretary of state’s website regarding eligibility.  

Voters can also find a sample ballot of candidates in your district by visiting MPB’s voter guide.