Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said Mississippi has one of the nation’s top election integrity ratings and, while he helped, it was local poll-watchers who made the difference in their communities.
Speaking to a packed room at the Tate County Republican Club Annual Banquet at the Haraway Center on the campus of Northwest Mississippi Community College, Watson said Mississippi was ranked 30th in the nation when he took office and is now ranked 11th in election integrity.
“So often Mississippi is stigmatized as being in last place,” said Watson to a crowd of over 180 local Republicans. “But I am here to say we have charted the course in elections, education and economic development.
“Mississippi is on the move and I’m proud of that,” Watson added. “This part of the state needs to be proud of this change, because it’s a grassroots effort. Tate County was motivated to make changes several years ago and this is one of the top GOP regions in this state.”
Watson pointed out he got a phone call in January from the White House asking him to be part of a national effort to lead a group to establish national election policy and procedure.
“Mississippi is at the tip of the spear in election integrity,” said Waton. “While California, Illinois and other states are having problems with their elections, we have cleaned ours up and working to make the better.”
Watson encouraged his audience to stay vigilant and to stay engaged in local politics and the conduct of local elections.
“When you say, ‘I’m not going to vote today; it doesn’t make a difference,” that’s when state, local and federal government goes off the track,” said Watson. “Call me if you need help. I work for you.”
The Monday, Oct. 6 Tate County Republican Club Seventh Annual Banquet also recognized a large group local and regional GOP leaders and special guests.
The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by the National Anthem and the meal. The evening concluded with a live auction.
