As the fall season approaches, with it comes the November elections. Mississippi State University students are usually temporary residents of Oktibbeha County during the school year and often wish to vote in their hometown elections. 
With hectic class schedules, it can be difficult for students to travel home on a weekday in order to vote.  Casting a vote is a civic duty, so for those students not willing to make the journey home, the solution is to vote by an absentee ballot. 
This year is an off-year for presidential and congressional elections, so voting will be for gubernatorial positions. In addition, statewide and local positions and issues will be voted on in this election. 
In order to get an absentee ballot, voters can contact the local circuit clerk office. For those not yet registered to vote, they must first register by either going to their local courthouse or by filling out and mailing in an application, which can often be accessed online.  Once registered, voters request an absentee ballot.
Angie McGinnis, Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk, said voting in Mississippi is the same throughout.
At least 45 days prior to election day on Nov. 8, a person must contact the local circuit clerk’s office and request an application for an absentee ballot.  The application will then be mailed and must be signed by the voter and notarized.  A notary can be obtained from a bank for little or no charge.  Then the application must be returned to the circuit clerk’s office.
 ”Once (the application is) received, the clerk will mail the ballot; you will vote it before a notary and return it by mail to the county’s circuit clerk,” McGinnis said.
Students who are able to return home and do not wish to vote by absentee ballot can also vote at their local circuit clerk’s office one of the two Saturdays preceding the election date.
Oktibbeha County republican chairman Rob Roberson said he believes students who do not plan on returning to live in their home cities after college should consider voting in the Oktibbeha County elections. 
“Most students have not gotten involved unless the issue at hand stems from hours of operation of our restaurants and bars or the cold beer issue.  Students have far more to gain or lose when it comes to who our supervisor, mayor and board or state representatives are than they realize.  For instance, if taxes on property go up it will directly influence what (students’) rent will be.  Students can influence elections in this town far more than any other group if they would get motivated and actually vote,” Roberson said.
Oktibbeha County democratic chairman Albert Gore gave his opinion on college age students voting.
“They’re old enough to make their decision according to the law, and every one of them should vote,” he said. 
McGinnis also stressed the importance of voting once given the opportunity.
“Voting is a great privilege – one that many have lost their lives for to preserve America as a free nation.  If you don’t vote, don’t complain.  America will only remain great if we exercise our right to vote.  I am always impressed when I see countries such as Iraq walk miles and stand in line to cast a vote,” she said.