Meridianites will head to the polls in March to select the next person to represent them in the state House of Representatives after Gov. Tate Reeves on Friday declared a special election to fill the seat.

 

House District 82, which includes Meridian, was represented by Charles L. Young Jr., who died Dec. 19.

 

In a Writ of Election issued to Lauderdale County Election Commissioners, Reeves set the election for March 25 with a runoff date of April 22 if needed.

 

Candidates for the House seat will have until 5 p.m. on Feb. 3 to qualify for the race.

 

In separate announcement, Reeves also declared a special election to replace 12th District Chancery Court Judge Charlie Smith, who retired July 1, 2024. The special election will be held on Nov. 4, with the deadline to qualify also at 5 p.m. on Feb. 3.

 

The 12th District Chancery Court includes both Lauderdale and Clarke counties.