State representatives encourage residents to vote

Representatives Cheikh Taylor and Kabir Karriem continue to increase voter participation and encourage safety at the polls.

Entering the final stretch as voters prepare to head to the polls tuesday for election day.

Two state representatives are still encouraging more people to vote.

Wtvas nicole dantzler tells us about their efforts to increase voter participation during the pandemic.

0:00-0:14 0:15-0:23 0:32-0:38 nicole dantzler starkville, oktibbeha county on the eve of election day,, one of the biggest questions people have is "will i be safe from the coronavirus at the polls?"

I took that question to representatives cheikh taylor and kabir karriem to get some answers.

((sot)) "we have to continue to pay homage to our ancestors and go to the polls and vote.

And i think we're going to see that in this election."

Kabir karriem-state representative, house district 41 its less than 10 hours before the polls open for voting in tuesdays election..

And for manyit's the first time people will vote during a pandemic.

((sot)) "we've been working tirelessly around the clock to make sure voters are informed and engaged."

Cheikh taylor-state representative, house district 38 as people are bracing for a record turnout,, state leaders tell residents to prepare by taking your medicine and drinking water for the possible long lines.

"if you go to the polls please social distance, wear your mask, have your hand sanitizer together."

Karriem said knowing this ahead of time is apart of your voting planespecially because this election is like no other.

"this is probably one of the most important elections of our lifetime."

"i've heard it a thousand times that this is the most important election in our lifetime and i fully believe that it is."

A local circuit court clerk told cheikh taylor in the 2016 presidential election only 1600 people voted absenteethis year over 4000 people casted their ballots early.

He said the high turnout reflects voters investment in key issues.

"this election is the fight over healthcare, affordable healthcare.

It's about keeping our rural hospitals open and making sure preconditions such as covid 19 are covered.

He also said this election is the fight over narrowing the wealth gap of mississippians.

But there's one sentiment shared by those on all sides.

"people tell you want they want.

And what they want?

They want to be healthy and they want to vote."

Reporting in starkville nicole dantzler wtva nine news.

And while mainly people are focused on the presidential, u-s senate, and other state office elections, there are some other important things mississippi voters will decide upon this year.... one of them is whether to approve or reject the use of medical marijuana in the state.

Folks will decide on initiative 65 -- 65a -- or vote no for both.... initiative 65 supports approving medical marijuana treatment for more reporting in