Oxford, Miss. (TLV) – On March 13, 2012, Mississippians will finally have a say on which Republican Presidential candidate will face off against President Barack Obama in the general election later this year. The Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, March 13 from 7 am to 7 pm statewide. This election will be the 30th national election in the 2012 Primary season so far out of 56 total elections to nominate a Republican Candidate.
Unlike many other states, Mississippi’s Primary is an Open Primary, which means that any registered voter can vote in the election, no matter which party they affiliate. It is not unusual for Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, the Religious, and people of all walks of life to vote in a Republican or Democratic Primary in Mississippi. There are only 17 states including Mississippi with Open Presidential Primaries.
The candidates still in contention for the Republican nomination include the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives from Georgia Newt Gingrich, Texas US Representative Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. There are several other candidates still on Mississippi’s Republican Primary ballot, including Minnesota Senator Michelle Bachman, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, who is now seeking the Libertarian Party’s Presidential bid.
Also on the Republican ballot this Primary are candidates for US Senate, including incumbent Roger Wicker, Robert Maloney, and Ethan Hathcock. In the race for US House of Representatives District One, Republican incumbent Alan Nunnelee is facing challenges from Robert Estes and Henry Ross.
The Democrat Party is also holding their Open Primary on Tuesday, March 13. President Barack Obama is officially unopposed, however voters may write in a candidate if they desire. In New Hampshire earlier this year, Republican Ron Paul actually came in second to Barack Obama in their Democratic Primary.
The Democrat nominees for US Senate include Albert Gore, Jr., Will Oatis, and Roger Weiner. Brad Morris is running for Democratic nominee for US House of Representatives District One and he is unopposed in the Democrat Primary.
Although Mississippi’s Primary on Tuesday, March 13 will take place during Spring Break, voters may cast their choices by absentee ballot through Saturday, March 10 from 8 am to noon, by visiting the Circuit Clerk’s office in the Mississippi County they are registered to vote.
