1 Million People Expected To Go Vote in Mississippi

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) — Mississippi heads into Tuesday’s election with a nationally watched U.S. Senate contest, a series of high-profile campaign visits and a turnout question that could shape the outcome: Will at least 1 million Mississippians cast ballots?

The Nov. 3 election features Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Democratic challenger Scott Colom and independent candidate Ty Pinkins competing for the same statewide Senate seat. Voters will also decide all four of Mississippi’s U.S. House races and judicial contests appearing on their local ballots.

Although no official forecast confirming 1 million voters was identified for this report, the campaign’s closing weeks have brought national political figures into Mississippi as both parties work to turn attention into votes.

Reaching that threshold would represent a substantial increase over the approximately 709,000 people who voted in Mississippi’s 2022 midterm election. It would not, however, establish a statewide turnout record.

When did Mississippi last surpass 1 million votes? The most recent example was just two years ago.

Mississippi’s certified results show 1,228,008 votes cast for president on Nov. 5, 2024. Donald Trump received 747,744 votes, while Kamala Harris received 466,668. Other presidential candidates accounted for the remaining votes. Those figures measure votes in the presidential contest rather than every ballot submitted.

The comparison matters because Tuesday’s election does not include a presidential race. A million-voter midterm would demonstrate significantly stronger participation than Mississippi recorded in the previous federal midterm, even while falling below the 2024 presidential vote total.

Hyde-Smith, Colom and Pinkins compete for U.S. Senate

Hyde-Smith is seeking a second full six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Colom, a district attorney from the Columbus area, is trying to unseat her. Pinkins, an attorney and military veteran who previously ran statewide as a Democrat, is competing as an independent. All three are seeking one office; Mississippi’s other U.S. Senate seat is not on Tuesday’s ballot.

Hyde-Smith has emphasized her support for agriculture, tax policies intended to encourage job growth and stronger enforcement of immigration laws. Her Senate office identifies support for farmers and rural communities among her priorities, along with border security and a nationwide employment-verification system.

Colom has centered his campaign on household costs, access to health care and the future of rural hospitals. He has called for a higher minimum wage and criticized tariffs that he argues have hurt Mississippi farmers and businesses.

Pinkins has also criticized tariffs and argued that ending the war in Iran would help reduce economic pressures on families. His independent candidacy gives voters a third choice beyond the Republican and Democratic nominees.

The race carries potential historical significance beyond turnout. Mississippi last elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 1982. A Colom victory would make him the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction and its first Black senator elected by popular vote.

Hattiesburg-area voters also choose a U.S. House representative

In Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Hattiesburg, Republican incumbent Mike Ezell faces Democrat Jeffrey Hulum III and independent Carl Boyanton for a two-year term in the U.S. House.

Elsewhere, Republican Trent Kelly faces Democrat Cliff Johnson and Libertarian Johnny Baucom in the 1st District. Democratic incumbent Bennie Thompson faces Republican Ron Eller and independent Bennie Foster in the 2nd District. Republican incumbent Michael Guest faces Democrat Michael A. Chiaradio and Libertarian Erik Kiehle in the 3rd District.

Polls open Tuesday at 7 a.m.

Mississippi polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. is legally entitled to vote.

The Secretary of State’s Office advises voters to verify their polling location and review their sample ballot before leaving home. Voters must present acceptable photo identification; those without it may cast an affidavit ballot under the state’s procedures.

After weeks of advertising, endorsements and campaign appearances, the outcome now rests with Mississippi voters — and how many of them participate.

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