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2024 GENERAL ELECTION DAY
I'm incredibly proud of the hard work done by Mississippi's election team consisting of our circuit clerks, election commissioners, poll workers, and the phenomenal team here at the Secretary of State's Office. Thanks to these individuals' efforts, our state had an outstanding General Election Day. All Mississippians should be proud of the integrity and efficiency of our elections.
Unfortunately, we saw a significant dip in turnout this year from previous presidential elections. Less than 60% of Mississippians cast a ballot in this year's elections, the lowest since 2004. While we were hopeful to see our voters rise to the occasion, it has become apparent we continue to face voter apathy and fatigue. I encourage each of you to continue to encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to engage in the elections process and fulfill civic duty and responsibility. Mississippi needs an engaged electorate now more than ever.
Be sure to check the My Election Day portal for any runoff races in your area. All runoff elections will be displayed following the November 15 certification deadline for counties. Any potential runoff elections will be held on Tuesday, November 26.
MORE NEWS
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WXXV: Secretary of State Watson discusses voting in the Magnolia State
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SUPERTALK MS: Secretary of State says Mississippians can have faith in election process
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MAGNOLIA TRIBUNE: Election security in Mississippi: From touchscreens to paper trails
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TIDELANDS CHECK PRESENTATION
On behalf of the Gulf Coast legislative delegation, I was proud to present the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources with a check for $11,000,000, representing the Tidelands Trust Funds amounts collected during Fiscal Year 2024 for use during Fiscal Year 2025.
Revenue for the Tidelands Trust Funds is generated by leases on lands owned by the state in trust for the people of Mississippi and assessments for onshore gaming operations. Generated funds are appropriated for projects in the lower three counties and to MDMR for additional programs and projects geared toward conservation, preservation of Mississippi tidelands, and increased public access to the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.
As the first Secretary of State from the Gulf Coast, I have a unique perspective of the significance of the Mississippi Tidelands and ensuring we preserve such a beautiful and important resource, improve public access and spur economic development when possible.
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BROADWATER RESTORATION PROJECT
We are thrilled to commence the Broadwater Marina Restoration Project on our beautiful Gulf Coast! This 30 acre state-owned area will undergo infrastructure repair over an estimated timeline of 15 months. The project will ensure the marina's long-term viability and restore this public area as a safe, sustainable space.
Thanks to the support of federal and state funding, the Broadwater Marina will finally receive the restoration it deserves. This project exemplifies Mississippi's commitment to environmental stewardship, public safety, and economic development!
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DELTA WATERFOWL EVENT
Grateful for the invite to the Delta Waterfowl's Mississippi Gulf Coast event in D'Iberville! It's always great to visit with my friends on the coast. We enjoyed an evening of fellowship, including a good visit with Congressman Mike Ezell.
This group is engaged and dedicated to supporting conservation throughout Mississippi and our nation. Nice work by Randall Tynes and the rest of the DW team!
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STUDENT AMBASSADORS VISIT WITH COACH YO
A big thanks to Coach Yo, head coach for the Ole Miss Women's Basketball team, for visiting with our SOS Student Ambassadors! Coach Yo is a great friend of mine and an inspiration to all. Appreciate her taking time to mentor and encourage Mississippi's young leaders.
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SHARK TANK: EAST CENTRAL UPPER STYLE
Honored to be a "Shark" for East Central Upper Elementary's Shark Tank! I always relish an opportunity to visit with some of our best and brightest, especially when it's to hear their great entrepreneurial ideas.
Investing in our students is important to ensure we are helping them achieve their goals. They are our next generation of leaders, and I am proud to have a glimpse into Mississippi's strong future!
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PATHWAYS TO RESILIENCE SUMMIT
It was great to be with so many experts from across the nation at the Pathways to Resilience Summit. Thank you to Narcisa Pricope and Mississippi State University for inviting me to speak on behalf of the Conservation Task Force.
Meetings like these help drive Mississippi forward as a prosperous and sustainable state. Through these important conversations, the false narratives about Mississippi can be rebutted allowing us to continue to work together to make Mississippi a better place to live and raise a family!
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BIG RIVER FOREST PRODUCTS OPENING
A first-class grand opening for Big River Forest Products in Gloster! Proud of my friend William Van Devender and his family for their hard work. This expansion of their forestry operations is a major success for Mississippi's continued economic growth!
Mississippi is open for business!
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Lauren Armstrong
Lauren serves as the Chief Administrative Officer in our Human Resources Division. She has had several stints at the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office including beginning her career as an intern.
Lauren is a bright and shining face around the office who manages her difficult role with a smile. Her experience and expertise are invaluable to the daily functions of not only her position but the entire agency. No task is too big or too small for her as she employs her "roll up the sleeves" mentality regardless of the assignment.
We are blessed to have Lauren on our team and appreciate her service to Mississippi!
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