Secretary Michael Watson Update

Michael Watson - Secretary of State


September 14, 2021


National Voter Registration Month

NWCC voter drive

Joining fellow Secretaries of State around the nation, I announced September as National Voter Registration Month (NVRM) and Tuesday, September 28, as National Voter Registration Day. NVRM is a nonpartisan initiative aimed at increasing voter registration and awareness.

Visit our Y’all Vote website (yallvote.ms) to register to vote, update your registration information, or learn more about our state’s voting process. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our Elections Division. Remember, our office is your most trusted source for election information. 

If you prefer in-person assistance, you can check us out at one of our many upcoming voter registration drives. I’ve had the opportunity of attending several high school and junior college football games to not only promote voter registration but to participate in the coin toss—in which I’m currently undefeated. Come visit with us to learn more about Mississippi voting requirements and catch some good Mississippi gridiron action! 


Hurricane Ida donation

Answering the Call: Hurricane Ida

We have all seen the devastation Hurricane Ida caused our friends to the west. During a recent conversation with Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, he stated his office was conducting a supply drive for those affected most by the storm. In a quick email to our 100+ employees, I noted that we would accept donations for our neighbors in need if anyone felt compelled. Let me tell you, the SOS team showed up and showed out.

Together, we collected 100+ cases of water, 100+ bottles of hand sanitizers, 100 flashlights (with batteries), and a wide variety and supply of non-perishable food items. While I am always proud to be your Secretary of State, I am prouder to work beside such amazing individuals who answered the call to help those in need.

Click here to view our team hard at work!


NASS conference

NASS Summer Conference

In late August, I attended the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. It was a great opportunity to fellowship with other Secretaries of State while discussing best practices and policies, including our state's provision for first responders in our Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

Mississippi is leading the nation when it comes to providing emergency responders access to voting during natural disasters. Following Hurricane Zeta, we quickly learned other states do not have the same voting access for these constituents. During a NASS panel session on voting processes for first responders, I reiterated the significance of our efforts and stressed the importance of other states adopting the same provision. It was an honor to advocate for some of our greatest heroes.


Business Growth_Performance Measures

Serious Business

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, our office continued to provide the highest level of customer service possible. Reports from fiscal year 2021 prove our team's ability to seamlessly adapt to change and exceed expectations during challenging times. Take a look at the significant progress from our Business Services & Regulation Division:

Number of Scrap Metal, Pre-Need, Perpetual Care, Athletic Agents exams, investigations, or complaints completed:

67% increase
Business-Related Phone Calls Received and Handled: 

45% increase
Corporate/Other Business-Related Documented Filed:

35% increase
Number of Metal Dealers/Processor Registrations:

33% increase
UCC Searches Requested and Completed:

10% increase
Notary and Apostille Registration/Applications Processed: 10% increase

Recent News


Supertalk

SuperTalk: New Businesses in MS

"The number of new businesses opening up in Mississippi is on the increase.  Secretary of State Michael Watson told SuperTalk Mississippi those numbers are tracked through his office."

Click here to watch the interview

WAPT TTT

WAPT: New Program Helps Curb Regulations for MS Business Owners

"The Mississippi Secretary of State is helping curb regulations on behalf of business owners with the Tackle the Tape Initiative. Watson said the initiative will also increase economic opportunities for all Mississippians."

Click here to watch the interview. 


Staff Spotlight

Bill Cheney

BillCheney

Hometown:
Mountain Brook, AL

Bill Cheney serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for the Lands Division. He's been with our Office since 1999, offering both wit and wisdom to our Senior Staff. He's a dedicated public servant whose years of service are invaluable to our office.

He’s always prepared and prompt with his responses, even those I send late at night when I can’t sleep. He’s a family man with strong character and a great leader. If you're ever in our Capital Towers Office, please do not pass up on the chance to stop and have a conversation with Mr. Cheney. He's truly one of a kind!


Social

Stay Connected

Facebook: @MississippiSecretaryOfState

Twitter:
@MississippiSOS

Instagram:
@Mississippi_SOS

Website:
www.sos.ms.gov