DESOTO COUNTY, Miss. — Mississippi voters faced long lines on Election Day due to the absence of early voting in the state.
Some reported waiting in line for hours.
“About three hours, it was well worth it,” Percy Lawson said. “Because the forefathers who went before me and they paid a much higher price than I did for us to vote.”
In addition to the local and national candidates, voters in the Magnolia State could choose a new state flag and approve a medical marijuana program.
Below: Ben Hembruch took this time-lapse video of the line to vote at Beautiful Savior Lutheran church in Olive Branch.
Back in June, Mississippi lawmakers retired the last state flag. About 3,000 designs came in to replace it, but a state commission settled on the one appearing on the ballot Tuesday which features a magnolia bloom and the words “In God We Trust.”
If voters don’t approve the design, the selection process will start over.
Another initiative up for a vote is medical marijuana. The measures have drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement who fear dispensaries could increase the state’s problems with drug abuse and addiction.
Supporters argue that marijuana can help people suffering from certain medical conditions.
There is also the tight U.S. Senate race between Republican Cindy Hyde- Smith and Democrat Mike Espy. The latest poll out Monday show the candidates are in a tie.
Mississippi does allow absentee voting before Election Day.
