Jackson Free Press

STATEMENT TODAY: Secretary of State Eric Clark today predicted that voter turnout in Tuesday's General Election will be up slightly from the last gubernatorial election and anticipates 775,000 ballots will be cast in races from Governor to Supervisor to Coroner. "I encourage every Mississippian to vote in this important election," Clark said. "On Tuesday, voters will decide who will run our state and county governments for the next four years. We will hire the people who write our laws, set our taxes, and pave our roads. In order to choose the best people, it's important that Mississippians get out and vote."

Next to the Presidential election, this statewide election is Mississippi's biggest draw, Clark said. Slightly more than 700,000 Mississippians voted for Governor in the 2003 primaries. Almost 1 million Mississippians cast votes for President in November 2000, which set the historic record for high turnout in our state's elections. The turnout in the 1999 statewide election was approximately 764,000.

Clark also encouraged Mississippians to participate in the state's "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" program by wearing a sticker at the polls. The program, begun by Clark this year, is designed to remind citizens that the right to vote was earned and safeguarded in part by the sacrifices of American servicemen and women. "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" stickers are available from the Secretary of State's Office, county Circuit Clerks' offices, and from veterans groups across the state.

Many Election Day questions (For example, "Where do I vote?") should be directed to the appropriate county Circuit Clerk, who works with county election commissioners to run the election. The Secretary of State's Office toll-free number is 800-829-6786.

- 30 -

PAST TURNOUT
Total votes counted for Governor in recent statewide general elections:
1999: 763,938; 1995: 819,471; 1991: 711,212; 1987: 721,695.
Total votes counted for President in recent statewide general elections:
2000: 994,184; 1996: 893,857; 1992: 982,063; 1988: 934,527.
Mississippi voting age population: 2,069,471 (2000 Census).