Hyde-Smith Seeks Ballot Preservation Across 82 Counties

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson estimates that 12,000 to 20,000 affidavit ballots remain uncounted in the close U.S. Senate race, with about 76% currently being accepted. County election commissions must review the ballots and decide whether to accept them within 10 days; voters who cast affidavit ballots because they lacked photo ID have five days to present it. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign, whose candidate is trailing Democrat Scott Colom by roughly 1,000 votes, has asked officials in all 82 counties to separate, secure and preserve the ballots and document their decisions, voter cures and handling of the ballots and related materials. The campaign says the records may be needed for post-election review or a possible election contest, but has not announced a lawsuit and says the request should not interfere with lawful counting. Both campaigns have indicated the outstanding ballots could affect the result.