A Mississippi voting meltdown deserves more attention than it’s getting | Jessica Huseman/Votebeat
The 2023 off-cycle election concluded with overall smooth proceedings, but Hinds County, Mississippi, emerged as a significant exception. Despite high expected turnout for a competitive gubernatorial race, precincts in Hinds County repeatedly ran out of ballots, leading to long lines and frustrated voters. Local officials cited unexpectedly large turnout as the main problem, with some pointing to issues related to 2020 redistricting, which changed precinct lines and split precincts in new ways. While State law requires counties to have ballots for 60% of total active voters, local officials have discretion over distribution. The situation in Hinds County highlights concerns about election preparation and challenges in ensuring adequate ballot supplies. Read Article