Video: Voter Turnout in Oktibbeha County

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – There is a special election today, in Oktibbeha County and portions of Clay and Lowndes Counties.

Voters are casting their votes for five different races, including for the hospital referendum, the Circuit and Chancery Clerk races, District 1 Constable, and also the House of Representatives for District 38.

Voters started waiting in line to cast their votes before seven Tuesday morning, at this South Starkville voting precinct.

“We’ve had somebody voting the whole time here, until about 11:15, so we’ve had about 800 people through this morning. Based on my experience, moderate to above average turnout today,” says election bailiff, Tyson Gair.

This voting precinct is one of the largest in Oktibbeha County.

Ten voting machines line the floor and voter after voter cast their votes.

“I feel it’s important to, you know, have my voice heard. Being a member in the community is important to me and being able to let everybody know that, you know, voting is important and if you’re going to make change, then you’ve got to be able to vote for change,” says Oktibbeha County voter, Daniel Morgan.

Many voters say the future of the OCH Hospital is one race that’s bringing many voters to the polls.

“You feel like you really have a personal interest in it. Especially, because of the hospital. Whether you’re for or against, the hospital is going to be there, so i think it’s important to voice what you believe,” says Oktibbeha County voter, Lucy Carpenter.

“Well, it’s just been here for years and years. I think it’s been here for forty years, around forty years, and people have been use to it and want to keep it and some of us do, and some of us don’t. It’s a mixed bag I think,” says Oktibbeha County voter, Dr. Warren Couvillion.

Be sure to follow WCBI News for all of the latest election information.