Secretary Michael Watson Update

We began our third annual Voter Registration Roadtrip last month in conjunction with National Voter Registration Month. Ahead of the November General Election voter registration deadline, our team visited numerous schools and events across the state to host voter registration drives.

Additionally, our office equipped individuals and groups with resources to facilitate their own voter registration drives. From Northwest Mississippi Community College to Mississippi College School of Law, Florence High School to Mississippi Association of Realtors, September was a busy month of registering Mississippians across the state to vote!

Through our efforts, we registered 18,588 voters during the month of September and over 320,000 since taking office in 2020. I am especially appreciative of our students who helped spearhead events in their communities. Thanks to these young leaders, the future is bright in Mississippi!

There's still time to dedicate your vote to your hero before Election Day! Through our Vote in Honor of a Veteran program, Mississippi voters may honor their military heroes with their vote in the November General Election. Upon submission, participants will receive a button and social card to highlight their veteran or soldier at the polls on Election Day (November 5). Submissions may also be displayed on the Vote in Honor of a Veteran "Honor Wall."

We are blessed to live in a great nation where thousands of Americans sacrifice their safety to protect our families and communities. Help us honor our veterans and soldiers while also ensuring your voice is heard at the ballot box!

A big thanks to Savanna Edwards and the rest of my friends in Jasper County for inviting me to speak at their Law Enforcement Ball! I appreciate any opportunity to celebrate these brave heroes.

Proud of the hard work these men and women are doing to ensure safety in our communities. I remain thankful every day for their commitment to service in Mississippi!

Had a great time with the third and fourth grade students at Kossuth Elementary to talk about government and elections! I'm always thrilled to see our young Mississippians excited to learn about civic engagement.

Kossuth is one of our numerous schools registered for Promote the Vote. Free and open to all students and teachers in Mississippi, PTV is our annual K-12 voter education program. This year's theme, "This Land is My Land," encourages students to reflect on the unique qualities and charm of the state of Mississippi and why they are proud to call it home.

I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about PTV and to register your school!

Shelby Scoggins

Shelby serves as the Campaign Finance Officer in our Elections Division. She has been employed with the Secretary of State's Office since 2022.

Shelby brings a great work ethic and positive attitude to an extremely difficult and stressful position. From the time she stepped into the position, she has taken the challenges head on and remains a true asset in the Elections Division. As the point person for campaign finance, she interacts daily with politicians and candidates from across the state. Her charisma and charm ensure a positive interaction for all.

We are extremely blessed to have Shelby on our team and appreciate her service to Mississippi!