VIDEO: Low Voter Turnout Could Affect Oktibbeha County Election

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Saturday was the last day unregistered Oktibbeha County residents could register to vote in the November 7th elections.

The number of registered voters is around the same that it has been the last few years, but it’s the turnout that’s been low.

WCBI’s Parker King speaks with county party members and elected leaders about the importance of voting for these issues and joins us live in the studio with more.

In recent local elections, Oktibbeha County has some of the lowest voter turnouts in Mississippi, producing less than half of their registered voters.

With the variety of issues coming up in the November 7th elections, leaders emphasize voters should make their way to the polls now more than ever.
It’s a right given to American citizens, voting.

“It’s a basic part of being a good citizen,” said county Democratic Party Representative, Patti Drapala.

In Oktibbeha County, the turnout has been consistently low for local elections, part of that due to having a university.

“You see Mississippi State University that’s bringing a good many registrations, probably anywhere between 2,500 to 3,000 at a time. They vote in the presidential election and then don’t usually participate in local elections,” said interim Circuit Clerk, Angie McGinnis.

Come November 7th, county officials will see if those numbers will rise.

The list of issues to be voted include Circuit and Chancery Clerk positions, a District Constable, the potential sell of the OCH Regional, and a position that hasn’t been open in decades, the House District 38 position.

“Tyron Ellis has left an important legacy. Those are going to be big shoes to fill, and it’s important to let the person who will adequately fill those shoes and even surpass what he did during his 38 years,” said Drapala.

“My goodness! We haven’t had that position open in so long, so it’s very important that your voice is heard about that representative that’s going down to jackson to represent you,” said McGinnis.

With the variety of issues on the ballot, the hope is that voters understand the importance of voting in local government.

“We need to voice our concerns about government. We need to elect people who are going to represent what we want in good government, so it’s important to vote,” said Drapala.

“I don’t think people realize what one vote can do and how much of a difference it can make in an election,” said McGinnis.

Even if residents in Oktibbeha County missed that deadline this past Saturday, they are still encouraged to register.

Should any of the elections go to a runoff, there will be another opportunity to vote.