Maintaining trust in Mississippi elections is not a partisan issue. Trust in our elections is a foundational pillar of our democracy. We must protect the integrity of our elections while maintaining access only for eligible voters. We all should have assurance that our elections are fair, transparent, and secure.
The recent Republican efforts at both the state and federal levels are worthy of merit and support. They are the reason for my attention in the following:
The passage of the Mississippi Shield Act is an example of how Mississippi is leading the nation’s efforts to ensure election integrity. Our Republican leaders in Mississippi have now ensured the law promotes transparency and accountability in our election system. I commend their efforts and Governor Reeves’s support of this law.
Now it is time for Congress to follow Mississippi’s lead and pass the SAVE America Act at the federal level. We need consistency across the country to ensure that election integrity is not anchored to one geographic location. Requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections, as the SAVE Act provides, will help further strengthen the safety and peace of mind in our election systems.
Both the Mississippi Shield Act and the SAVE Act are common-sense legislative efforts that will protect the ballot and help ensure only eligible voters participate in our elections.
Mississippi has taken the necessary steps to protect our elections. I will make sure the law is enforced as Secretary of State, and I will always support our Circuit Clerks in their training to execute the new guidelines properly. Our efforts cannot just end in Mississippi.
Mississippi’s federal delegation, including Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, has been long-time champions of voter ID and consistent in their support of reinforcing election integrity efforts. It is imperative that their continued leadership on this matter and the advancement of the SAVE America Act be supported. Now is not the time to pull back our efforts. It is time to continue building on the momentum we have already achieved. For this reason, Congress should act now and pass this important legislation that will protect the integrity of our elections while simultaneously improving public trust in our election system.
Democrats in Mississippi want to use the idea of voter ID and proof of citizenship to instill fear in our electorate. Republicans must stand strong and push back against this misinformation and hold a resolute position in ensuring that our elections are free from illegal voting or participation by those who are not Mississippi residents.
Mississippi is leading, and the Shield Act is what leadership looks like. My hope is that Washington will take note and follow Mississippi’s lead.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
