Voter Runoff Projection

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Day two at the polls for Magnolia State voters is around the corner.

“I believe it’s going to be about the same or higher,” said Clay County Commission Chairman Linda Ivy.

Clay County election officials are optimistic about voter turnout for the runoff election on the 27th.

MUW Political Science Professor Dr. Brian Anderson says midterm elections don’t carry as much popularity, let alone a runoff.

“It’s very tough to get people to believe that they have to vote again. They have to get re-engaged and excited again to do so. So, we usually see it plummets,” said Anderson.

In 2014, the Mississippi Midterm elections carried more than six hundred thousand voters to the polls. Earlier this month, the number increased to more than eight hundred thousand votes cast.

Anderson says the stakes are high and that might be what draws a crowd.

“If it’s a high profile, high stakes race, and this one seems to have those indicators, the Senate is very competitive. The campaign trail is very active. So, I think the voters will see a lot on tv and on social media. Hopefully it will inspire them to turn out,” said Anderson.

Ivy says turnout was so large November 6th, she doubts voters are going to leave unfinished business at the polls.

“I feel that the runoff is going to be very high. I feel that this is the “rubber” of the show. So, for the Democrat to get there people out. The Republicans want to get there people out and this is what it’s going to show. We plan to order more affidavit because we were running short before. This time we’re going to be prepared,” said Ivy.

Anderson voters will show up to have their voices heard.

“This is our democratic duty we need to put people in office that we believe will represent as well and make good policy we have pretty clear choices available at least in the Senate race and it’s really our obligation to go forward and vote again,” said Anderson.

Approximately 57% of people cast a ballot in Clay County for the November 6th election.