Letter to the editor
Commissioner thanks many whose cooperation made Election Day happen

To the Citizens of Panola County:
The Primary Election on August 4 finally happened!  Many preparations preceded that day and many poll managers, voters, poll watchers, and candidates and their supporters participated on that day.

Many thanks to the Panola County residents who participated in the primary races on August 4 and came prepared to present their photo ID for voting. 

Groups of citizens and businesses participated in the process to ensure that voters were prepared to make their choices.  The Panolian staff was helpful with their informative articles that related the importance of each vote and the impact of that vote on the local and state races.  Ricky Swindle and other citizens encouraged us to vote.  Our local candidates put themselves on the ballot and shared their vision for Panola County and allowed us to speak through our vote.

The Board of Supervisors granted the Election Commission, the Democratic Party, and the Republican Party the necessary supplies and manpower to conduct this election. The Election Commission and the Logic and Accuracy committee prepared the TSX machines for voting.  Jesse Frison and other county workers delivered and retrieved the TSX machines from the twenty five precincts.  The Circuit Clerk and deputy clerks processed many requests for absentee ballots prior to the election.

Many citizens trained to be poll managers for both the Republican and Democratic primaries.  They performed a valuable service on Election Day.  The Election Commission tries to make the voting experience and reporting the results better with each election.  Having the votes counted in the courtroom where visitors can be seated made a big difference last fall.  This election we were able to project the results on a large TV as the precincts reported.  The local and state papers and the local radio station were gathering the latest results.  A technical problem with the server delayed some of the precincts reporting for a while but the audience was understanding. 

The voting process was a success.  The Democratic Party will hold a run-off election on Tuesday, August 25. Voters who voted in the Republican primary will not be allowed to vote in the Democratic run-off.  Voters who participated in the Democratic primary may vote in the run-off and any qualified voter who did not vote in the primary on August 4 has the right to vote in the Democratic run-off.

Thanks to all who planned, worked, and participated in the Primary.  Please participate in the Democratic Run-off on August 25.  Look with anticipation to the General Election on November 3 as the voters of Panola County invest in their future.

Sincerely,
Kaye Smythe
Election Commissioner, District 5