Cianna Hope Reeves
Editor-in-Chief
It is five days away from Mississippi’s most crucial primary election, where the outcome falls in the hands of voters, both young and old.
It is the year where endorsements cannot buy votes, but the campaigns and pledges of change made by candidates will be the guiding principle as people across the state enter into their precincts to select the best-fit politician.
Tuesday’s ballot will consist of top-ranking vacant positions on state level such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture along with state senate and house of representatives.
With over fifty candidates total running for statewide office, the feeling of not knowing who to vote for may feel a tad bit nerve-wracking—but there is a strategy.
Though all roles are important when serving Mississippians, the Governor’s race exceeds above all because it will have greatest impact on the greatest number of people.
Here’s what you need to know before selecting a candidate.
The first major rule is to vote policy, not politics. Simply meaning, select a few policies that are essential in your eyes and whoever is aligned closely with what you support that is how a vote is conducted by a well-informed decision.
Republican Gubernatorial candidate, Tate Reeves, has an extensive political track record. From serving as a state treasurer at just 29 to being elected to serve as lieutenant governor in 2011.
During his term in office, Reeves proposed one of the state’s largest ever tax cuts known as the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act.
This law was passed to eliminate corporations franchise tax, take away the 3 percent individual income and corporate income tax brackets and allow self-employed Mississippians to exempt a portion of their self-employment taxes, according to Mississippi Today.
Reeves is also an opposer to Medicaid expansion in the state because he believes low-income residents who are on private health care insurance plans would move to government program.
From suggesting teachers’ pay is not adequate enough to opposing the increase of gas tax to repair roads and bridges, Reeves is a conservative who sticks to traditional measures.
Meanwhile, the rival democratic candidate for governor, Attorney General Jim Hood, is an avid supporter of uniting the state. Hood believes the state flag should be changed without the controversial Confederate battle emblem included.
Finding solutions to retaining youth in the state of Mississippi is also on Hood’s agenda considering that there is a 0.3 percent annual growth rate, according to statistical data.
As attorney general, Hood’s focus has been on cracking down on pharmaceutical companies, supporting pro-life by defending multiple lawsuits over the legislatures attempt to restrict abortion access.
Once policies are understood, now it’s time to watch debates, read speeches and follow them on the campaign trails through social platforms.
Making an educated decision requires lots of researching and listening. Not saying it is necessary to binge-watch every speech and read every press release that comes out about candidates but knowing a bit of everything can go a long way.
Lastly, pick the change you want to see! Remember the policies that will potentially impact you and your future and vote accordingly.
Statewide election day will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your registered local precinct. Let the race begin!
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