by A Democrat hasn’t won a governor’s race in Mississippi in more than two decades. On Tuesday, the state’s voters could decide whether that trend will hold for another four years.
The state’s Republican governor, Tate Reeves, is facing a credible threat from his Democratic challenger, Brandon Presley. While Mr. Presley remains an underdog, he has gained decent momentum.
Mr. Presley, a member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission and a second cousin of Elvis Presley, has attacked Mr. Reeves over a welfare scandal and tried to make his opposition to Medicaid expansion a key issue in the contest. If neither candidate wins a majority of the popular vote on Tuesday, the race will go to a runoff on Nov. 28.
Here’s what else to know:
How to vote
Mississippi is among states that have a voter ID law. Be sure to bring along a valid form of identification, like a driver’s license, gun license or passport, to the polls.
Voting sites are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time.
While it’s too late to request an absentee ballot, it’s not too late to mail one in. Absentee ballots can be postmarked up until the close of business on Tuesday. All ballots must be received by the state before Nov. 18 to be counted. Voters can use an online tracker to monitor the status of their absentee ballots.
Where to vote
Voters can find their polling place by entering their home address on the secretary of state’s website.
What’s on the ballot
In addition to the governor’s race, several other statewide contests — lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer and more — will be decided on Tuesday. State legislative races are also taking place.
A full sample ballot is available online here.
Rick Rojas contributed reporting.
