It’s time to head to the polls for Mississippi’s primary

Anyone picking up a newspaper or clicking an article knows voters across the USA have been choosing party candidates for November’s general election for weeks now. Tuesday, it’s Mississippi’s turn.

Since this is a primary election, voters must vote by party: Republican or Democrat. Independent candidates won’t be on the ballots, but independent voters can choose to participate in one of the party primaries in Mississippi. If there is a runoff, one must vote in the same as the first primary and may not change parties unless they did not vote in Tuesday’s election.

Although presidential candidates are included in this primary, the biggest contested race in Mississippi’s election is for U. S. Senate where Sen. Roger Wicker is facing two Republican challengers: Ghannon Burton and Dan Eubanks. A Democratic candidate, Ty Penkins, will be on the other ballot.

Both Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are expected to receive enough delegates Tuesday to officially receive their parties’ nominations. Even though most candidates have dropped out, Mississippi’s Republican ballot will still show Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy on the list of options.

Mississippi’s candidates for House of Representatives will also be on the ballot. In District 1, Diane Dodson Black will face Bronco Williams on the Democratic ballot. Trent Kelly is on the Republican side.

In Congressional District 2, Republican candidates are Ron Eller, Andrew Scott Smith, and Taylor Turcotte. Longtime Congressman Bennie Thompson is on the Democratic ballot.

Congressman Michael Guest is the Republican candidate for District 3 with no candidates on the Democratic ticket.

Finally, in District 4, Democrat Craig Elliot Raybon is the only candidate on that ballot, but there are several Republicans: Carl Boyanton, Mike Ezell, and Michael McGill.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday.