The Aug. 2 Primary Election is only three days away. Do you know who you are voting for? Have you been presented enough information from political candidates to make informed decisions? Have you done your homework as it relates to researching and evaluating the available choices? Better yet, do you even know the qualifications, duties and responsibilities of the post and whether the candidates meet them?
If you can answer, “Yes” to the above-mentioned questions, then The Mississippi Link would like to send you to the “Head of the Class.”
But for those who are willing to admit you cannot answer yes to these questions, like local college student Corell McGee, this article has important information you can use. “I actually have not made up my mind, because to be honest, I don’t know the candidates, other than what I see on their television commercials,” said McGee. “The commercials are so political that all I really learn from the them is that the candidate is either “Democratic or Republican.”
As shocking as it may sound to some, there are possibly hundreds of citizens at this weekend prior to the election who are in McGee’s shoes. However, McGee did tell The Mississippi Link that he would go online to review various candidates and their platforms before the election. His friend MaNieJeea Clay said she will do the same. “The election process is crucial,” she said. “It is time for young people to help develop our state and nation, so we need to make a point of staying informed.”
To help you become more informed, The Mississippi Link suggests the following bullet points for undecided voters or for those who just need more information:
1) Give yourself a little Mississippi Government History lesson or refresher course. Google and read the following article: “The Government of Mississippi: How it Functions.” This article is found at http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/276/government-of-mississippi-how-it-functions. Also follow the posted lesson plan.
The state official website is also a great source for information on the functions of state government. Log on to: http://www.mississippi.gov/
2) Then go to the Secretary of State website, www.sos.ms.gov and review all the information under the Election tab as well as the side links that offer valuable information. Here, you can also download sample ballots containing the candidates running for office in the Democratic Primary as well as the Republican Primary. A link to county elections are also found on this site.
3) After you have reviewed who is vying for which post on the sample ballots, Google that person’s name to see if he or she has a campaign website. Here is an example of how to enter your search in an effort to produce the most information: John Doe for Governor of Mississippi. A list of links to articles, etc. should pop up pertaining to the candidate, including his or her website if one has been launched.
4) As you discover the candidates for each post and their position on issues as well as their track record, refer back to your refresher course or other materials on the duties, responsibilities and functions of the post to see which candidate best fit the bill.
The information on the functions of the governor: “As chief executive officer of the state, the governor is charged with presenting a balanced budget to the Mississippi Legislature for its consideration. The governor either signs into law or vetoes all bills passed by the state legislature. Additionally, the governor serves as the commander-in-chief of Mississippi’s militia. The governor appoints officials to various government positions as the law requires.”
According to the sample ballot, the Republican governatoral candidates are James Broadwater, Phil Bryant, Dave Dennis, Hudson Holliday and Ron Williams. On the Democratic side, the candidates are Johnny L. DuPree, Bill Luckett, Guy Dale Shaw, and Williams Bond Compton Jr.
Some of you reading this article are possibly thinking to yourself, ‘I’ve never heard of some of these names.’ With that being the case, it is crucial is it to you and your family’s future to know who you are granting that type of power.”
It’s highly recommended that you do your homework, Mississippi!
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