Turnout Expected To Be Low In Municipal Elections

HOUSTON, MISS. (WCBI) – Talk around the lunch counter at Houston’s Rexall Drugs centers on the weather, sports and politics. Those who live in the city say they;re ready for election day.  Voters in Houston will cast ballots for mayor, city marshal and also for the city councilman or alderman for the ward where they live. In all, 13 people in Houston are running for seven offices.  And if absentee numbers are any indication, turnout is expected to be low. As of Monday afternoon, 41 absentee ballots had been cast.

 Potential voters we spoke with said that number is a sad reflection on any community.

 “It’s our freedom, we fought for it,” said Reggie Callahan.

 “That’s the only way you can control our government , is to vote.  It’s a God given liberty,” said James Clark. 

 “It’s a responsibility as a citizen that, you get out and be heard and do your part,” said Ralph Thomas.

 Of the 13 candidates, 9 are running as Democrats, 4 are Republicans.  None of the races have been characterized by mudslinging. In fact, both men running for city marshal, or police chief, the incumbent, and his challenger, have waged low key campaigns.

 “Something I have been working towards, trying to move up within the police department, decided wanted to do a change and make sure things are progressing like they should and basically a change for Houston,” said Robert Ivy, candidate for City Marshal. 

 “I decided to run again to serve and protect people of Houston Mississippi all surrounding areas. I do appreciate everybody’s support and everything, it is important that everybody go out and vote,” said City Marshal Billy Voyles. 

 Voters will cast their ballots here at the Chickasaw Development Foundation and although there’s not a hot button issue in this election, those votes will decide the makeup of city government for the next four years.