The Hattiesburg mayoral special election will be under close scrutiny by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says his staff is helping train the city’s newly appointed election commissioners and will have observers at every precinct. He wants voters to feel confident in the election results.
Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree won the June regular election by 37 votes. Challenger Dave Ware contested the outcome in court, and a judge called for a new election after the suit ended in a mistrial. Hosemann says, with this special election, voter turnout is critical.
Any voting irregularities observed will be forwarded to the Mississippi attorney general’s office and to Forrest County district attorney Patricia Burchell.
Polls in Hattiesburg’s special election will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
