OperationRedNovember

    In Mississippi, they do things a little differently, but in a good way. They speak a little slower, their football tailgates are a little bigger, their sweet tea is a little sweeter, and their politics are just a little different. Mississippians still do typical campaigning, but they shorten the process, leaving it friendlier to candidates and voters alike.
    Coming from North Carolina, the election season is a very drawn out process.  We file in late February, we primary in May, and the general election is a month before the actual Election Day. Early voting occurs in North Carolina, as in only a few other states, about 4 weeks prior to the General Election Day. Campaigning is a marathon sprint, burning out many volunteers who enthusiastically believe in their candidates, but with the many long days throughout the year, their voice gets winded a bit too early, leaving some candidates in second place. The North Carolina State Legislature recently attempted to pass legislation to shorten the early voting process with no avail.
    But, Mississippi has got it all figured out. Their filing date occurs in early June and their primary for the state legislative races occurs in early August, leaving under 100 days for the general election cycle. This short campaigning season, in my opinion, is the most friendly to the candidates and volunteers, as well as the voters. Candidates can voice their message and platform to their constituents in a timely fashion, while still leaving their volunteers to aptly and enthusiastically reach their fellow neighbors on their candidates’ message. And voters do not feel as if they are being thrown promises for months on end, sometimes empty, down their throats. Everyone wants to be involved in the process because of the short season.
    Being in Mississippi has been an exciting time thus far. Everyone wants to be involved in the election process, simply because they feel as if they need to be involved in their communities, helping Republicans to take back both the State House and Senate for the first time since Reconstruction. The next 64 days are going to be exciting for many, especially me! All three College Republican Chapters at Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Mississippi University for Women have had record recruitment this fall and many students are ready to hit the campaign trail, making phone calls and knocking on doors! This is going to be a great election, with many great college students involved, making this a Red November for the history books!