Mississippi Secretary of State Office launches ‘2026 Promote the Vote’ programThe Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office is launching its 2026 Promote the Vote program, giving K-12 students a chance to learn about elections and civic engagement. This year’s theme is called ‘America 250: Celebrate Today, Vote for Tomorrow.’ It recognizes our nation’s 250th anniversary and includes a statewide mock election, along with art, essay, and poetry contests. Secretary of State Michael Watson says the goal of the contest is to educate the next generation of voters. Schools can register for the free program through the secretary of state’s website.