News Summary
Starkville and Columbus are approaching the deadline for in-person absentee voting for upcoming municipal general elections. Voters have until this Saturday at noon to cast their ballots. Columbus has already seen 465 absentee ballots, while Starkville reported 104. Residents traveling on election day, those with disabilities, and voters over 65 qualify for early voting. Municipal offices in both cities will be open for voting this Saturday. For those unable to vote in person, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday to count.
Time is Ticking for In-Person Absentee Voting in Starkville and Columbus!
Hey there, Starkville and Columbus! The countdown has officially begun as we quickly approach the deadline for in-person absentee voting for our municipal general elections. If you haven’t made it to the polls yet, you need to act fast—this Saturday at noon is when the doors close!
Important Absentee Voting Details You Need to Know
In Columbus, Registrar Brenda Williams shared that so far, voters have cast a total of 465 absentee ballots and counting! Meanwhile, in Starkville, City Clerk Lesa Hardin has reported 104 absentee ballots received. It seems that many of you are taking advantage of the option to vote early, which is fantastic!
So, who qualifies for in-person absentee voting? Well, if you are going to be away from your municipality on election day for any reason, you’re in luck! This means traveling out of town, working during polling hours, or being on-call all make the cut. Additionally, voters with a temporary or permanent disability, as well as those over the age of 65, can also cast their ballots in person before the big day!
Where to Go for Absentee Voting
Ready to vote absentee in Starkville? Head on over to the City Clerk’s office located at 110 West Main Street. They’ll be open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Make sure you don’t miss your chance!
In Columbus, you can visit the city registrar’s office at 1605 Main St.. They are keeping their doors open during normal business hours and will also be ready to assist you this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. So get that ballot in!
Exciting Races on the Ballot
Turning our attention to Columbus, the mayoral race is heating up too. Current Ward 5 Councilman Stephen Jones (Democrat) is vying against independents Bill Strauss and Darren Leach. Additionally, there are several council races to keep an eye on. In Ward 1, incumbent Ethel Stewart (Democrat) takes on current Mayor Keith Gaskin (Independent). The Ward 4 race features Lavonne Harris (Democrat) facing incumbent Pierre Beard, an independent. In Ward 5, it’s Gary Jefferson (Democrat) versus Mary Beth Jeter (Republican), while Ward 6 is shaping up to be a contest between Jason Spears (Republican) and Donald Pope (Independent). All these candidates are stepping up to the plate to serve our community, and your vote counts!
Don’t Forget About Mail-In Voting!
If after all this info you’re still not able to vote in person, don’t worry! You can still make your voice heard with a mail-in absentee ballot. Just remember, these ballots need to be postmarked by Tuesday and received within five days after the election to count. So check your mail systems and don’t delay!
So, whether you chose to vote absentee or plan to head to the polls on election day, make sure your voice is heard! Good luck to all the candidates, and let’s make this election one to remember!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starkville Prepares for Municipal Elections
Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline
- Wikipedia: Voting in the United States
- Magnolia Tribune: Municipal Primary Elections Overview
- Google Search: Absentee Voting Mississippi
- Columbus Dispatch: Voter Registration Deadline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Columbus Dispatch: Absentee Voting Concerns
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
