This fall, Mississippi’s midterm elections will take place Nov. 8.
A midterm election is an election that is held between presidential elections. The election ballot will include candidates for both local and district elections. Local positions on the ballot include Circuit, Chancery and Court of Appeals judge seats.
In Starkville, District positions on the ballot will include the House of Representative seat for the Third Congressional District.
Shuwaski Young is the Democratic candidate running for the House of Representative seat, now held by Republican candidate, Michael Guest.
According to his website, Young has promoted policies that support low-income residents, bring jobs into rural areas and fund criminal justice reform.
Guest’s website said he has promoted policies that align with limited government intervention, traditional Mississippi values and free market economic principles.
Mississippi State University’s College Democrats and College Republicans have been preparing for the upcoming elections by actively supporting their chosen candidates.
College Democrats President Justin Childs said his organization was working to elect all of the democratic candidates on this year’s ballot.
“We are planning to canvass campus, phone bank and door knock for the Shuwaski Young campaign, as he is our Democratic nominee for Mississippi’s Third Congressional District, which encompasses Mississippi State University,” Childs said.
According to Childs, College Democrats’ goal is to move Mississippi forward toward ensured equity, freedom and justice for all.
Christopher Denmark, chairman of College Republicans, said his organization is planning a fundraiser to support the Republican candidate, Michael Guest.
“We are partnering with the county Republican party to have a fundraiser for Michael Guest and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in October. There will be a dinner, and both will speak,” Denmark said.
According to Denmark, students who wish to become involved in elections can fill out volunteer forms online.
“If students want to get involved, most organizations have a volunteer page where they can put in their email addresses and be contacted to make phone calls or to knock on doors,” Denmark said.
Denmark shared locations where students could register to vote.
“There will be a voting drive with the Student Association and the College Democrats next Tuesday and students can register to vote there,” Denmark said.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 10.
Despite representing different parties, Denmark and Childs agreed that the most important thing students can do is register to vote and show up on election day to cast their ballots.
Both organizations often work together to encourage students to vote.
“Whether you vote blue or red, everyone should vote maroon in November,” Childs said.
JC Watson, a freshman majoring in chemistry, said he has heard positive feedback about both organizations.  
“From what I know, both groups have been very civil in their debates, intellectually sound and very respectful,” Watson said.
Regardless of which party an individual plans to vote for, Watson said students should learn more about each candidate’s campaign goals.
“Take it upon yourself to vote knowledgeably and educate yourself,” Watson said.