On a crisp fall morning at the University of Southern Mississippi, students hurry across campus balancing coffee cups and class notes, but this semester, some are also juggling campaign schedules, voter drives and the weight of democracy itself.
With Mississippi’s special legislative elections approaching, students are diving headfirst into civic engagement and reshaping what political participation looks like on campus and across Hattiesburg.
From organizing voter registration drives to volunteering on local campaigns, students are gaining firsthand experience in civic responsibility.
Among them is USM student Oliver Dawson, who has found himself at the heart of a high-stakes race. Behind the scenes, Dawson is helping steer the campaign for District 45 candidate Anna Rush, one of several candidates running in newly redrawn legislative districts.
“A lot of what I do is behind the scenes; setting up events, managing spreadsheets, walking and campaigning around town,” Dawson shared. “I also run errands and gather supplies we need for the campaign.”
His work may sound routine, but it’s part of a historic moment in Mississippi politics.
The special elections were prompted by a 2024 federal court ruling that found Mississippi’s 2022 legislative redistricting diluted Black voting power in North and South Mississippi. In response, a federal three-judge panel ordered the state to redraw its legislative maps and hold elections for 14 seats. This includes new elections in House Districts in Chickasaw County and Senate Districts in the Hattiesburg and DeSoto County areas. The revised map introduces two new majority-Black districts—one in DeSoto County and another in Forrest County.
District 45, where Dawson is campaigning, is one of these newly formed districts. It spans parts of Forrest and Lamar counties and has a population that is over 50% African American, making it a Minority-Majority district.
According to a Tufts University report on youth participation in 2024, about 47% of voters aged 18–29 cast ballots — a slight dip from 2020’s 50% turnout, but still higher than the 39% recorded in 2016. However, turnout among the youngest voters, those aged 18–19, was only 41%.
That number troubles Dawson, which is why he emphasizes the importance of voting knowledge within young people.
“If you look at the numbers, a lot of people in the United States don’t vote,” he said. “Schools, especially young people, should encourage voting. I think it’s important for me as a student to set an example, to be part of a campaign and show others my age that politics isn’t scary. Local elections matter because these are the people who represent you and create ordinances that affect your daily life.”
Through his work, Dawson contributes to ensuring smooth and transparent elections. He helps with voter education and works to make sure every eligible Mississippian has the information they need to participate.
The special elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can find their local polling places by visiting myelectionday.sos.state.ms.us.
