Campaigns and associated parties are working hard to register voters and get them excited to vote on Nov. 8. With 66.8% of 1,924,080 registered voters voting, the 2012 presidential election saw the highest turnout. In presidential election years, the highest turnout is usually seen. The highest turnout is generally seen in presidential election years. In 2011, 893,458 voters (48.5%) participated in the statewide gubernatorial election. However, this number dropped to 718.185 (39%) in 2015. Jennifer Dunagin (communications director, Mississippi Republican Party), stated that voter turnout was a top priority. “In an election that is so unpredictable and critical, we don’t take anything for granted.” Dunagin stated that the party is focused solely on getting Republicans registered by the deadline and passing out materials from Donald Trump. Some state GOP supporters are being organized by the state GOP into a chapter for the Mighty American Strike Force. This group of volunteers will travel across swing states to support Donald Trump’s bid for the White House, Republican U.S. House or Senate candidates. Dunagin stated that Trump must win Mississippi by a wide margin and that all of the Republican candidates in the state are victorious in November. Nathan Shrader is an assistant professor in political science at Millsaps College. He believes that the Republican party will work to expand the political infrastructure they have. They’ve reached the point where they can command a super majority. They have a substantial lead in Senate, and a significant lead at the House. Shrader stated that they have all the statewide elected positions except one. “Republicans are not trying to win more seats. If your numbers are so healthy, you are playing the maintenance games. They are trying to keep (their) different factions happy. You are trying to ensure you don’t lose these seats.” He continued. “What I’ll be watching is how they hold that alliance.” “How serious are those fractures in the long-term?” Jacqueline Amos, Mississippi Democratic Party field director, stated in an interview that Democrats are focusing on all potential voters. Amos stated that while we coordinate county-by-county voter register drives, “we are more concerned with registering those voters and registering voters who have moved. Because you can only vote where you live.” Amos stated that Democrats are focusing on the 18-44 age group, which is traditionally low in turnout. They also want to get voters registered in the right location, so there will be no discrepancies on election day. The party has also raised volunteers to call Clinton in Florida. Amos stated that “this election is very important” but added, “but at a time, my focus more towards (20)17-18 and 19. This is a kind of a steppingstone. A high voter turnout is essential. To secure the future, we need a higher turnout than President Obama. We are working towards that goal. Kenneth Townsend is an assistant professor in political science at Millsaps College. He said that this year’s election was unlikely to be in the favor of the Democratic party. Townsend stated that Democrats must play the long game in Mississippi, as there is no short game. “All of this is up in the air. Not to minimize down-ticket elections for judges. But none of it is going to drastically reshape Mississippi.” Townsend stated that Democrats must think long term. Although that may sound like a excuse to not do well, I believe that Mississippi has a future for Democrats. You have almost 40% of the state’s black population. If black voters are statistically Democratic, then it only takes 20 percent of the white populace to vote democratically in Mississippi. Townsend stated that although it seems unlikely, it doesn’t seem as insane as some might believe._x000D