Less than two weeks remain until local voters head to the polls in a special election to choose who will represent them in the state House of Representatives. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 25 for residents to cast their votes.

 

House District 82 has been vacant since December after longtime Rep. Charles Young Jr. died in a hospital in Jackson. Gov. Tate Reeves in January called a special election to fill the seat.

 

On the ballot, voters will have a choice between three candidates: Joe Norwood Sr., Greg Elliott and Joseph Denson.

 

Norwood has served on the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors representing District 4 for more than 24 years, as well as having sat on different state and local committees. The years of experience, he said, are what make him the best candidate for the job.

 

If elected, Norwood said he plans to continue advocating for Meridian and Lauderdale County to improve public safety, education and healthcare, as well as draw economic development to the area.

 

Elliott, a Meridian native, also has public service experience as a current member of Meridian’s Civil Service Commission and has highlighted his deep ties to the area as well as his time as a public servant to explain why he believes he is best for the role. Should he win the seat, he said he wants to increase opportunities for small businesses as well as increase economic development and combat brain drain.

 

Denson is an attorney who founded Denson & Associates PLLC in Meridian in 2005. He has also served as a public defender for the City of Meridian and is an assistant pastor and minister of music at his church. If sworn in to the House seat, he said he promises to uphold family values, promote healthcare, improve public safety and strengthen public education. He also plans to promote job growth in the district by attracting new industry, supporting small businesses and growing workforce development opportunities.

 

Residents of District 82 who will not be able to go to the polls on March 25 can request to vote via absentee ballot, which are available now at the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk’s office.

The special election for House District 82 is separate from this year’s municipal elections, which include Meridian’s mayor and five City Council seats. Primary elections in those races are set for April 1.