By Rupert Howell

“We encourage Mississippians to continue their preparations in the upcoming election,” Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman said last week in an email announcement attempting to answer inquiries regarding the recent redistricting appeal and the upcoming primary election.

Early last week the NAACP appealed a Federal Court decision to give elected lawmakers another year to finish the redistricting process to the United States Supreme Court.

“Our agency will continue to proceed with the election as planned unless otherwise ordered by the Supreme court,” Hoseman’s notice stated.

The Secretary of State said absentee ballots will be available to overseas military on June 18. Voter registration deadline is July 2 for the Primary Election and the last day for absentee balloting in person in the primary election is July 30.

Tate County Planning Director Steve Hale this week made his formal announcement to run for the Senate District 10 spot in the Democratic Primary August 2.

The former Senatobia mayor who was also head of the Mississippi Development Authority under Governor Ronnie Musgrove, is seeking the seat being vacated by Senator Nolan Mettetal.

Hale cites experience in former business experience, experience as mayor and industrial developer as qualifications needed for the job he seeks. (His announcement can be found on page A7)

Hale faces Senatobia alderman and Vice-Mayor Michael Cathey and Batesville attorney and State Democratic Executive Committee secretary Mona Pittman in the primary.

Both Cathey and Pittman have previously run unsuccessfully for the District 10 post.

The winner of that primary faces Republican Vann Branch in the November General Election.