OperationRedNovember

    Mississippians have many decisions to make on November 8th. As previously noted, they will be voting for their elected officials, as well as on citizen initiatives, such as the Personhood Amendment (Initiative 26), discussed in my previous blog post. They have two additional initiatives to mark on the ballot, a voter identification initiative and an eminent domain initiative, as well.
    Initiative 27 lays the groundwork for voter identification when one goes to the voting booth, or will if passed. One would be required to offer a government issued photo identification when at the voting booth. If one did not have the proper government issued identification card, they could obtain one free of charge. It also exempts certain residents who cannot have a photo identification for religious reasons. According to the fiscal note attached to the initiative, the Department of Public Safety would accumulate a loss of revenue of almost $1.5 million. However, this is the best measure to deter voter fraud. Americans are required to have a photo identification for simple visits to the library, hospital, etc.. Why not show a photo identification at the voting booth?
    The second initiative, Initiative 31, if passed, would prohibit state and local governments from taking private property by eminent domain. There are exclusions for road, bridge, port, airport, and utility construction.
    Mississippians have an important election on November 8th! Not only can this be a Red November for elected officials, but it can also be a Red November for ballot initiatives. Vote yes on Initiatives 27 and 31!