The University of Mississippi

Are You Ready ... to Vote?

University of Mississippi

Help America Vote Act Anniversary

by

On October 29, 2002, President George W. Bush signed the Help America Vote Act into law. It was a widely supported bill, passing the Senate 92-2 and the House 362-63. With its nineteenth anniversary passing us by, it is a good time to look back and reflect upon the law’s provisions and how they matter today.

The first provision of the law was a fund dedicated to every state for the purpose of replacing their punch card voting or lever voting machines. This change fundamentally altered the way we vote. Punch cards were at the heart of the contentious 2000 presidential election, and their contribution to the uncertainty meant immediate replacement. Lever voting machines were being phased out by the companies that made them, leaving few replacements for an aging set of crucial machines. The provisions in this law hastened our transition to electronic voting machines, which have become ubiquitous today. Three hundred twenty-five million dollars were set aside for this purpose.

Another three hundred twenty-five million dollars were set aside for additional purposes, including:

  • improving the administration of elections for Federal office
  • educating voters concerning voting procedures, voting rights, and voting technology
  • training election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers
  • improving the accessibility and quantity of polling places, including providing physical access for individuals with disabilities, providing nonvisual access for individuals with visual impairments, and providing assistance to Native Americans, Alaska Native citizens, and to individuals with limited proficiency in the English language
  • establishing toll-free telephone hotlines that voters may use to report possible voting fraud and voting rights violations, to obtain general election information, and to access information on their own voter registration status; among others.

While these matters were more intangible to our actual system, they were no less important in ensuring the smoothest possible elections. Of those provisions, a specific few deserve attention. The Act set basic requirements for voting machines, such as having alternate language settings and an option to correct the ballot before it is submitted. It also set aside millions of dollars to give those with disabilities greater access to voting. It introduced guidelines to provisional voting and a requirement to post election information, such as a sample ballot and instructions on how to vote, at every polling place. 

The Act also created the Election Assistance Commission. The Commission, which still exists today, is responsible for the testing and certification of voting hardware and software. It also disburses federal funding for voting and produces training materials, along with news bulletins. 

There are certainly more exciting pieces of voting legislation than the Help America Vote Act. The bipartisan Act serves more to make minor changes than sweeping ones, and perhaps that explains its relative anonymity. Anonymity, however, is not relevance. Nearly two decades on, the Help America Vote Act has branches that have spread across America’s voting system. How we vote today would not be the same without it.

 

https://www.businessinsider.com/voting-machines-types-photos-2016-10#mechanical-lever-machines-7

https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/document_library/files/EAC_2020_Annual_Report-508c.pdf

https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/eac_assets/1/6/HAVA41.PDF

https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/3295/actions

 

Previewing the MS State Ballot

by

Obviously, this election year is very important as it includes the Presidential election. However, there are still Senate and House of Representative elections going on that are worth your attention. Below is a comprehensive list of what will be on the Mississippi Ballot this November, along with a link to a sample 2020 ballot for Mississippi. Be sure to do your research on each candidate before you vote, and choose the candidate that best serves your beliefs!

Out of state students can check their ballots and information here: State by State Voting Guide

How do I research candidates?

Here are several nonpartisan resources for information on these candidates:

Other resources include:

  • Candidate websites
  • Political party websites
  • Issue-based policy groups
  • Local newspapers or media outlets

Presidential Election:

  • Joseph Biden, with Kamala Harris as VP – Democrat
  • Donald Trump, with Michael Pence as VP – Republican
  • Don Blankenship, with William Mohr as VP – American Constitution
  • Brian Carroll, with Amar Patel as VP – American Solidarity
  • Phil Collins, with Bill Parker as VP – Independent
  • Howie Hawkins, with Angela Nicola Walker as VP – Green
  • Jo Jorgensen, with Jeremy “Spike” Cohen as VP – Libertarian
  • Brock Pierce, with Karla Ballard as VP – Independent
  • Kanye West, with Michelle Tidball as VP – Independent

U.S. Senate:

  • Mike Espy – Democrat
  • Cindy Hyde-Smith – Republican
  • Jimmy L. Edwards – Libertarian

U.S. House of Representatives:

(What district am I in? Check online here!)

1st Congressional District

  • Antonia Eliason – Democrat
  • Trent Kelly – Republican

2nd Congressional District

  • Brian Flowers – Republican
  • Bennie G. Thompson – Democrat

3rd Congressional District

  • Dorothy Dot Benford – Democrat
  • Michael Guest – Republican

4th Congressional District

  • Steven M. Palazzo – Republican

NONPARTISAN JUDICIAL ELECTION for Supreme Court Justice

District 1, Position 1

  • Kenny Griffis – Nonpartisan
  • Latrice Westbrooks – Nonpartisan

District 1, Position 2

  • Leslie D. King – Nonpartisan

District 2, Position 2

  • Mike Randolph – Nonpartisan

District 3, Position 3

  • Josiah Dennis Coleman – Nonpartisan
  • Percy L. Lynchard – Nonpartisan

SPECIAL NONPARTISAN JUDICIAL ELECTION for Circuit Court Judge

District 08 Place 1

  • Brian K. Burns – Nonpartisan
  • Caleb E. May – Nonpartisan

Statewide Ballot Measures

Ballot Measure 1:

  • Initiative Measure No. 65, Should Mississippi allow qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions, as certified by Mississippi licensed physicians, to use medical marijuana?
  • Alternative Measure No. 65 A, Shall Mississippi establish a program to allow the medical use of marijuana products by qualified persons with debilitating medical conditions?

Secretary of State Initiative Brochure

Mississippi Today Election Guide

Ballot Measure 2: 

House Concurrent Resolution No. 47- Amendment to propose that to be elected Governor, a candidate has to receive a majority of the votes. If no candidate has the majority, there will be a runoff election, under this amendment. This amendment would also remove the requirement of receiving majority votes for House of Representative candidates.

Mississippi Today Election Guide

Ballot Measure 3:

House Bill 1796 – Flag Referendum

This ballot measure is a vote to approve or deny the new Mississippi State Flag, as pictured below.

Mississippi Today Election Guide

Election Day is November 3rd!

Be sure to make a voting plan, or contact the voting ambassadors at engaged@olemiss.edu if you need help creating one!

For your reference:

Preparing for Post-Election

by

It’s no secret that the tone of politics has changed in recent years. With things like hyper partisanship and an increasing lack of dialogue between sides, it can be difficult to imagine a world in which your chosen candidate does not win the election.

It’s important, however, to remember that at the end of the day we are all Americans that want the best for this country, and we will continue to live together as a community after Nov. 3rd.

This Election Day is unlike any other because of Covid-19 and increased mail-in voting. It is also likely that we may not know the outcome of the election for several days or even weeks, especially if results are close or challenged in court by either candidate.

Additionally, this election is viewed by many on either side of the political aisle as a high stakes election and tensions seem to be increasing as the Election Day draws near.

So, what can we do? 

The Voter Engagement Roundtable and the Office of Community Engagement have two major ways we are working to cultivate mutual respect and find ways forward together this election season.

Everybody Loves Lincoln

Everybody Loves Lincoln Logo
Everybody Loves Lincoln

Let’s be honest guys, who doesn’t love Lincoln? He was an incredibly wise American president who fought to end slavery and keep America unified. Finally, something Republicans and Democrats can agree on!

That fight for unity and dialogue amidst politically intense times is exactly what we should be looking for this election season.

Join us Tuesday, October 20th, from 6:30-8:00pm for a special evening featuring Comedian Tehran Von Ghasri and a panel discussion around defunding the police or defending the blue. With a little humor and some open minds, let’s show that we can delve into complex issues together, be serious and thoughtful about politics, AND be respectful and civil towards those with whom we disagree.

Tehran Von Ghasri is an up and coming comedian from the Hollywood comedy scene. His background is as diverse as this country: Black and Persian, Muslim and Jewish. He has been featured on HBO, Comedy Central, and Fox. He has been compared to Dave Chappelle meets Maz Jobrani, so the night is sure to be a fun one! You can find Tehran in his hit Comedy Store podcast called Imperfect Gentleman or on social media @IAmTehran.

For more information and registration, visit the event page – Everybody Loves Lincoln

Hold America Together Campaign

Hold America Together logo
Hold America Together

As a way to demonstrate our individual commitment to non-violence and to peaceful post-election season, we invite you to join the Hold America Together campaign hosted by Braver Angels. This trans-partisan group brings together Reds and Blues across the political spectrum committed to preserving our democratic structures and putting the greater good ahead of any political party or platform.

At this moment of danger and in this era of divisiveness, we the American People come together to speak for the Union. Some will vote for President Trump and others for Vice President Biden. But in this season of intense and legitimate partisanship, we commit ourselves also to a higher partisanship, for the maintenance of our Union; for the importance of our shared civil life; and for those feelings of goodwill that Lincoln called the better angels of our nature.

Here is the information you need to participate in the  Hold America Together initiative. Click here to sign the letter. Click here to find out how to organize a group.

With Malice Toward None Initiative and Pledge

“With malice toward none, with charity for all…” – Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865

We have the privilege of living in a democracy, where our ideas and ideals can be shared and exchanged with the constant goal of producing a better republic. Issues, however, arise when our ideas or desires for this country conflict. When this happens its important to remember that moments like this are inherent to democracy, but that at the end of the day we should aim for charity towards our fellow Americans. This can look like a couple of things:

  • Perspective taking
  • Pursuing civil dialogue
  • Exposing yourself to a variety of news outlets

Having to confront a loss on election day is no easy feat. It will be normal to experience feelings of hostility and anger towards the other side or even seek isolation from people who voted differently from you.

The With Malice Toward None initiative through Braver Angels seeks to work against this division by encouraging organizations to hold gatherings for dialogues between both sides in an effort to promote perspective taking and unity. They have a variety of resources and talking points for these gatherings which can be found here (Link: Braver Angels).

There is also a pledge that we would encourage you to read over and see if it is something you would like to sign. The pledge reads as follows:

“Regardless of how the election turns out, I will not hold hate, disdain, or ridicule for those who voted differently from me. Whether I am pleased or upset about the outcome, I will seek to understand the concerns and aspirations of those who voted differently and will look for opportunities to work with people with whom I don’t agree.”

A link to the pledge can be found here (Link: With Malice Toward None Pledge).

With Malice Toward None programming will be held in January, leading up to the inauguration.

Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos

For your reference:

Absentee Ballots – What You Need to Know

by

Once you have registered to vote, there is a good chance that either because you are not going to be in your home county on election day or because of concerns about coronavirus, you are interested in obtaining an absentee ballot. (See Elections and COVID 19 Guide Here)

In Mississippi, you have two choices for casting your ballot:

  • Vote in-person on Election Day, 11/3
  • Vote by absentee ballot, 9/21 – 11/3

In Mississippi, there are a limited number of valid reasons to get an absentee ballot. Being outside your home county because you are here at Ole Miss on election day is the main one that would apply to college students, but other reasons include being required to work during polling hours on election day or having a disability that keeps you from going to the polls. The state of Mississippi is currently among the stricter states for accepting concerns of the coronavirus as a reason to vote absentee, so that reason on its own is not enough.

View the full MS Secretary of State guide on absentee ballots here.

View absentee ballot information for other states here.

To cast absentee ballot in-person:

Yes, you can cast an absentee ballot in-person throughout the election season! This is an easy way to know your ballot has been cast and avoids any potential delays by mail.

Circuit Clerk’s Offices are open during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).

Circuit Clerk’s Offices will also open on Saturdays during Election season:

  • 8 a.m.- noon on 10/24
  • 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on 10/31

To request a mail-in absentee ballot:

Contact your county circuit clerk’s office and request an absentee ballot. You will tell them your reason for voting absentee (you are a college student and away from your home county), and they will get your ballot sent to your mailing address. Make sure they have the correct mailing address!

Directory of MS Circuit Clerk’s Offices

Notarizing your mail-in absentee ballot:

Yes, you have to have your ballot notarized! The notary will certify that you are the one who has filled out your ballot before you get it sent off.

Yes, we can help you with that! – For FREE!

Email engaged@olemiss.edu to schedule an appointment to have your ballot notarized. We have several notaries that have made their services free of charge for absentee ballots this election season. Need other options? Pak Mail on campus has notaries on staff for a fee on $5 and the Oxford public library has two notaries on staff. Reach out to any of these groups to set up a time to get your ballot notarized.

Even though absentee ballots are typically returned by mail, you can also bring your ballot in person to the circuit clerk’s office to ensure a timely delivery. It is very important to make sure that your ballot is postmarked by 5:00 pm, Election Day, Tuesday, 11/3, and received within 10 days, 11/13. If you are worried about potential mail delays, you can drop the ballot off in person at your circuit clerk’s office.

Remember that if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the voting ambassadors at engaged@olemiss.edu or call your circuit clerk’s office (in the county in which you are registered)!

Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos

For your reference:

“Fall” Into Voter Registration

by

By Madeleine Dotson, UM Voting Ambassador

It’s that time of year again: the leaves are changing, the weather is getting cooler, and suddenly, Pumpkin Spice is everywhere. It’s time for you to pull out your sweaters, jeans, costumes, and obtain that voter registration card. That’s right, Fall 2020 also means the beginning of election season, and with a deadline of Monday, October 5th, you want to be sure to get to registering ASAP. Here are a few quick steps to help you get registered:

1. COMPLETING THE FORM
If you plan to register for the state of Mississippi, the deadline is coming fast (THIS MONDAY), and it is a paper process. You will need to print the form linked below  and fill it out legibly and accurately.

There is one big thing I want to note: the Mississippi eligibility requirement. In addition to being 18, a US Citizen, and not convicted of any one of the disenfranchising crimes, you must live in a specific county or city for 30 days. Meaning, those of us living in Oxford can be considered eligible to vote for Lafayette County. College students can legally choose to register either in your home county or here in Lafayette County, Oxford.

Tips to remember:

  • When listing the address, you want to make sure BOTH the mailing and physical address are located in the county you are requesting to vote in. Your mailing address should be currently in use, so folks on-campus can use a P.O. Box or PakMail.
  • On-campus students needing a physical address should list the address of your residence hall, apartment, or Greek house, and you can find these addresses on the Virtual Ole Miss Map. For example, if you live in Crosby Hall, list 115 Northgate Dr.
  • You need to provide your driver’s license number, but it must be from a Mississippi driver’s license. If you do not have a Mississippi driver’s license, you will need the last four digits of your social security number.

Download the MS Voter Registration Form (PDF).

Access the State by State Directory for other states.

2. DELIVERING THE FORM
Once your form is filled out, you’ll need to mail it to your Circuit Clerk’s Office or drop it off physically.

Your envelope needs to be postmarked October 5th at the latest, or you need to make sure you visit your Circuit Clerk’s office before 5:00 PM on Monday, October 5th.

For Lafayette County, the Circuit Clerk’s Office is located on the Square at 1 Courthouse Square (the big, white building). If you would like to register in person and do not have a ride to the Square, you can take the Blue West line.

For those registering in other MS counties, look up your Circuit Clerk Office here: https://courts.ms.gov/trialcourts/circuitcourt/circuitclerks.pdf

3. Confirming Your Voter Registration

After registering, you will receive a voter registration card in the mail. It’s important to check all that information. You can also check your registration status online in about two weeks at (https://www.msegov.com/sos/voter_registration/AmIRegistered ).

 

Need other assistance, have technical issues, or want to schedule a one-on-one appointment? Email us at engaged@olemiss.edu.

For your reference: