MS Judge rules Mississippians with underlying health conditions may vote absentee due to COVID-19

Earlier this week, A Hinds County Judge, Denise Owens ruled that voters in Mississippi who have underlying health conditions may vote absentee due to COVID-19 concerns.

In mid August, the American Civil Liberties Union and Mississippi Center for Justice filed a lawsuit requesting a judge to clarify that voters who are concerned about COVID-19 can vote absentee in the November election.

The lawsuit argues that Mississippians shouldn’t have to choose between their health and a vote. The League of Women Voters of East Central Mississippi spoke on their take of the lawsuit.

“That’s the whole reason why lawsuits have popped up because the law didn’t provide enough clarification about who is considered being at risk during this worldwide pandemic by voting in person so that lawsuit just boils down to clarification,” says Co-President Becky Glover.

Ford believes the lawsuit isn’t a bad thing.

“I think it’s good because it does clarify. Secretary of State Watson was allowing each individual circuit clerk to determine who could vote under the temporary disability and now this is providing consistency,” Co-President Debbie Ford explains. “I don’t think the lawsuit is a bad thing. I think it’s a good thing because It helps everybody understand what’s to happen and get on the same page.”

According to the Associated Press, Secretary of State Watson announced Thursday, he is appealing Owens’ order to the state Supreme Court. He expresses in a statement he would like clarification so Circuit Clerks will know what does and doesn’t qualify as a temporary disability for absentee voting.

The appeal was filed on late Thursday.