“By and large a great number of Mississippians are coming to vote,” stated Delbert Hosemann Hosemann, Mississippi Secretary of State. “We are seeing long lines and they are moving quickly. We’d like to vote more than a million people today. Hosemann reported minor issues at a few precincts on Tuesday. However, Secretary of State Laura Rupp Smith stated Tuesday that there were no major problems. Technical issues. At least one voter spoke to Mississippi Today to disagree. Elizabeth Riley Dickson Gavney, a voter at the Flowood library was present at her polling station at 7:45 a.m. She voted for President and State Supreme Court Judge, but the touchscreen machine locked up when she tried to select her favorite candidate in 3rd Congressional District. A similar problem was encountered by another voter. She was suggested by poll workers to press the button to vote in favor of incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper. They thought it might unlock the machine and reset it; after that she could change her vote to her opponent. Gavney stated that she didn’t believe this was OK. She doesn’t feel comfortable pressing the button. Gavney claimed that poll workers advised her to choose a different candidate, or wait until they could contact technicians. Becky Boyd, Rankin County Circuit Clerk, did not answer her call. Mississippi Today spoke to Boyd on Tuesday afternoon. She said she wasn’t familiar with Gavney’s situation, but that it would need attention by the county’s IT department. Boyd stated that the turnout has been high. Boyd stated that “we are extremely busy right at the moment.” Hosemann reported two issues to his office in his late morning update. Some electronic poll books in Jackson County were not functional at 7 a.m., and there was no paper backup, which caused delays for some voters. Machines at Madison County’s Ridgeland Recreational Center were also not operational when voting began at 7 a.m. Voters could vote on paper until machines were repaired by the late morning. The precinct of Presidential Hills in northwest Jackson didn’t work early in the morning, and the voting machine at the Church of Christ at Hanging Moss Road was malfunctioning. Officials from Hinds County said Tuesday afternoon that both problems were quickly fixed. Gavney reported the issue along with several others she saw at the polling station to the U.S. Department of Justice. A representative returned her call to confirm that they were investigating. Gavney also reached out to the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, and took a photograph of the serial number on the electronic vote machine. Gavney stated that it wasn’t a problem with prejudice against one party. “I don’t believe anyone was trying to intimidate voters or had malice. It was a lack of training, lack in resources, and lack of education. The choices are limited, so there were few surprises. There are seven options for presidential ticket choices, including Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump is expected to win the majority of popular vote. The U.S. House races will be decided Tuesday. However, none of the incumbents – Rep. Trent Kelly and Rep. Gregg Harper, Rep. Bennie Thomson, and Rep. Steven Palazzo – are expected to lose. The three most competitive races for the state Supreme Court are likely to be the most intense of the day. The most expensive race in the state is the central district Supreme Court contest. Initiated Justice Jim Kitchens will be challenged by Kenny Griffis, Court of Appeals Judge. In the Southern District, Justice Dawn Beam will face McComb attorney Michael T. Shareef. Justice Ann Lamar vacated a seat on the Northern District Supreme Court. John Brady and Steve Crampton will be facing circuit judges Bobby Chamberlin, James “Jim” Kitchens Jr. There might also be other county-wide judicial or administrative races depending on where you live. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today.