Jackson, Miss. – On Sunday afternoon, NAACP officials gathered in the state capital to demand a fair and legal count of ballots in the closely contested U.S. Senate race. The group warned that election workers must be free from pressure or intimidation as they tally votes.
NAACP leadership stresses vigilance
Derrick Johnson, the national CEO of the NAACP, joined Mississippi State Executive Director Charles Taylor and other leaders to reaffirm the organization’s support for voters and election workers. Johnson said the state has witnessed one of the highest turnouts in its history and that every voter who legally cast a ballot “should and deserves to be counted.”
Taylor added that any attempt to tamper with the election will be met with resistance, stating, “Today we will control the vote by making sure that every vote is counted.” He urged officials to follow Mississippi’s election laws without interference.
Race remains extremely close
Current results show Democratic challenger Scott Colom holding a lead of more than 2,500 votes over Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde‑Smith. The margin is narrow enough that both campaigns continue to monitor the count closely.
The NAACP has set up a “strategy room” to watch the process and ensure transparency. Johnson warned that Mississippi’s election laws are contributing to delays and called for continued vigilance to prevent sabotage or tampering.
Calls for legal safeguards
Both Johnson and Taylor emphasized the importance of monitors acting as safeguards rather than disruptors. “We must stay ever vigilant to ensure that the monitors are not disrupting the process but the monitors also are safeguards against individuals who would try to sabotage or tamper with the election process,” Johnson said.
The organization’s appeal comes amid heightened national attention on election integrity and voter confidence. By focusing on a fair, lawful count, the NAACP aims to protect the rights of Mississippi’s voters and uphold the democratic process.
What’s next for voters
Mississippi voters are encouraged to stay informed about ballot‑counting updates through official state channels. The NAACP will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the count progresses.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
