JACKSON, Miss.—Voter turnout was strong and steady through the morning of the Nov. 7 Mississippi gubernatorial election pitting Republican incumbent Tate Reeves against Democrat challenger Brandon Presley.
Both candidates expected a strong turnout to improve their chances in this unexpectedly close contest that has been marked by charges of corruption and a huge influx of out-of-state campaign contributions.
Mr. Reeves has campaigned on his economic record, telling voters that “Mississippi has momentum” due to record-low unemployment, a large reduction in the state’s income tax, and improvements in education. He has attacked his opponent for being beholden to liberal out-of-state donors, which threatens to change Mississippians’ way of life.
Mr. Presley is a state utility regulator and cousin of Elvis Presley. He has campaigned on a promise to assist financially challenged rural hospitals and to expand the state’s Medicaid coverage. He has also attacked his opponent for alleged corruption.
Strong Suburban Turnout
At a GOP rally on Nov. 6, a lineup of Republican officials cast the election as a referendum on conservative governance.“This is the first time the National Democratic Party has pulled out all stops to try to win the governorship in Mississippi,” former Gov. Haley Barbour told the crowd.
Mr. Barbour, a hero to Mississippi Republicans, decried the millions of dollars given to Mr. Presley’s campaign, which he said had come from California, New York, and Washington.
“They obviously want Mississippi to become like New York, to become like all those blue states that ride near the bottom ... for economic growth, for controlling crime,” Mr. Barbour said. “And that’s what this election is about.”
Despite strong voter turnout in Ridgeland, a suburb of Jackson, some voters seemed unconvinced the stakes in this election were that high.
About 25 voters lined the sidewalk at Ridgeland’s Old Town Wesley Church before the polls opened at 7 a.m. About 100 people had voted within 40 minutes, and traffic remained steady through mid-morning.
Longtime poll worker Gary Davis of Ridgeland told The Epoch Times the turnout was as good as he’d seen at this location.
Several among the racially mixed group of voters saw the election in less dramatic terms.
“It’s just a regular election,” one woman said.
Mr. Davis, expressing agreement with another voter, said, “Like him, I’m ready for it to be over.”
Ridgeland resident Walter Huff said he was confident that his candidate would win, but then became more serious. “Many men and women have died for the privilege of voting for those I voted for today,” he said. “And I’m grateful.”
Strong Urban Motivation
Voter turnout in the city of Jackson appeared equally strong, but voter motivation seemed somewhat higher.About 130 people had voted by 9 a.m. at Fire Station No. 20 in Jackson. Turnout was steady through late morning despite the cramped parking lot in which drivers had difficulty maneuvering and finding space. Some resorted to parking along the road, and at least one person left without casting a ballot.
Poll worker Maurice McIntyre of Jackson said motivation was high among voters he knew. “People have been talking about the election. They’re planning on coming out to vote.”
Voter Devan Simmons of Jackson said he thought this election was “pretty big,” but was unsure it would affect the issues people face. “I don’t know what goes on in big meetings behind closed doors,” he said. “I’m not sure what will change.”
“I want to know why they’re closing all these schools,” Annie Odie of Jackson said. “And why they’re closing all these hospitals.”
Supporting struggling rural hospitals has been a signature issue for Mr. Presley, who has promised to expand Medicaid to serve about 300,000 more Mississippians.
At Fonden Presbyterian Church in Jackson, resident Julia S., who declined to give her last name, said she was motivated to vote by the example of her mother, who had been politically active and had marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Trusting the Turnout
Mr. Presley and his wife, Katelyn, voted in the morning in his hometown of Nettleton in northern Mississippi. The candidate then headed out for one last pass through the state to rally voters.
Mr. Reeves appeared at a campaign rally in Jackson, then a tele-town hall with President Donald Trump on the eve of the election.
Both campaigns projected confidence of victory on the day before the election.
“We’re expecting a big win,” Mr. Reeves told supporters on Nov. 6, adding, “Big turnouts are good for conservatives.”
Mr. Presley told supporters that victory was within reach, “And all of the door knocking, all of the phone banking, all of the things each of you are doing is going to make a difference,” he said. “If we continue this momentum, come tomorrow night we’re going to be celebrating a victory.”
