A group of Mississippi leaders met on Friday to discuss roadblocks to voting. They focused mainly on legislation that would allow for early voting and online registration. Senator David Blount (D-Jackson), Secretary of State Attorney Kim Turner and Executive Director of NAACP Mississippi Corey Wiggins were part of a panel discussing expanding voter access. The ACLU of Mississippi hosted the event at the Mississippi College School of Law. Blount, vice-chair of Senate Elections Committee, stated that he believes the government will be more successful if there are more participants. The government will become weaker if there are fewer participants. “The balance act has always been participation and people being free to express their rights and any concerns that people might have about fraud.” Mississippi voters approved a bill in 2011 to require the presenting of a voter ID when casting a ballot. Blount stated that the law was in effect when he spoke on behalf of his opponent. The law requires that voters present one of the 10 forms of photo ID. Wiggins stated that fraud, abuse and abuse in Medicaid is discussed. She also spoke about fraud and waste in SNAP programs. “But we have not yet found substantial data to support that.” When we talk about voting, I use the same context. “Particularly when we’re struggling financially, and we want money to limit the opportunity for people to vote; just look at fraud and abuse and you will see if it is worth the investment.” In 2016, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann advocated reforms to allow early voting and online registration. With bills sponsored by Rep. Jarvis Dortch (D-Raymond) and Rep. Noah Sanford (R-Collins), in the House, and Sen. Hillman Trome Frazier (D-Jackson), in the Senate, the ACLU intends to revive these efforts in this legislative session. Turner explained that such reform poses logistical challenges for election officials, clerks, and poll workers to be on the same page. She stated that early voting is an issue that is not partisan. “Early voting is a non-partisan matter. Every election official in the state wants increased voter participation. But you have 410 commissions and 82 clerks who all have different views about how this should work and who should take responsibility for it. Turner stated that there are specific details to be considered, such as where to store early voters’ voting machines and making sure they are secure. It is a challenge and the clerks and election officials already have a lot to do. She said that you’re just adding another thing to the job without additional compensation or pay. The panel was organized by the ACLU, Mississippi Votes and the League of Women Voters. Wiggins stated that there is a moral obligation and a birthright to have a say in the direction of your community. Wiggins stated that Mississippi was 44th in turnout, with 55.5 percent of the vote in the 2016 general election.