By Ida Brown
A 30-day petition drive by the Meridian Tea Party to collect signatures needed to get a Voter ID Initiative on ballot next year has exceeded expectations, according to organizers.
"It's been a good process; hopefully, we'll be able to turn in over a thousand signatures," said Paul Tarver, co-founder of the local organization.
Tonight, the signatures – which have been certified by the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's office – will be presented to Jeppie Barbour of the Mississippi Republican Party during a public meeting at the EMEPA Auditorium. Barbour spoke to tea party members in October about the Voter ID Initiative. He will provide an update on the process at tonight's meeting.
About 90,000 signatures are needed. According to Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, more than half have been gathered thus far.
"Last time I checked, they were approaching 55,000 signatures," Hosemann said last week.
The Republican party is in charge of acquiring the signatures; the secretary of state's office will have to confirm them. Signatures have to be equally divided between five congressional districts.
"So you could have 25,000 in one (district) and 6,000 in another and you wouldn't make the requirements for the initiative," Hosemann said.
Signatures collected by the Meridian Tea Party represent five counties: Clark, Newton, Neshoba, Kemper and Lauderdale.
"Most of the signatures that we gathered were from Lauderdale," Tarver said. "But from what I understand, the area that includes Lauderdale County is head of the other districts."
As of Monday, more than 750 signatures had been gathered; however, Tarver said not all members have reported their totals.
"They probably will deliver them at the meeting, and we think that will put us over a thousand," he said.
A Web site has been set up to track each signature by district. The required signatures must be gathered by Feb. 14, 2010, to get the initiative on the 2011 ballot.
Although encouraged by the number of signatures gathered thus far, Hosemann said it has not been without a challenge. He said a grassroots effort will probably bring in the final required numbers.
"I think that's what you'll see during the last couple of months that we have to get these signatures," he said. "A grassroots effort where you'll see people who have an interest in this – Republicans, Democrats and all others – being voted on in 2011. I think you'll see them hitting the streets in the last push to get to 90,000."
Tarver said the Meridian Tea Party felt the initiative was one they needed to support.
"Free and fair elections is kind of the basis of our democracy," he said. "And we think this helps encourage an honest voting process."
To make collection signatures a little more competitive and exciting, several incentives were offered. Prizes will be given to the following top signature getters: first place, dinner for two gift certificate for a local restaurant; second place, lunch for two gift certificate for a local restaurant; and third place, free movie passes for two.
There also will be a Wild Card Winner for a free night’s stay at the Lion & Harp Bed & Breakfast. The names of members who gathered 25 signatures will be entered into the special drawing.
Want to go?
What: Meridian Tea Party submits signed petitions for the Mississippi Voter ID Initiative to Jeppie Barbour.
When: Today, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Where: East Mississippi Electric Power Association Auditorium, 2818 Highway 39 North
Additional information: Barbour will discuss the progress of the Voter ID Initiative Petition Drive Statewide. Prizes awarded to those who gathered the most signatures. Refreshments available.
