Mississippi GOP makes claims of election fraud and vote buying in Gulfport mayoral race

With the race for Gulfport mayor just days away, the Mississippi GOP has presented what it calls evidence of voter buying, when it comes to ongoing absentee voting.

“Certain individuals in Gulfport, Mississippi have handed out and are still believed to be handing out vouchers which say “Souls to Polls,” and promise a prepared meal in exchange for a vote,” said Mississippi GOP Chairman, Mike Hurst, who led the state Republican Party’s press conference in Gulfport Wednesday.

The Mississippi GOP presented pictures of those vouchers, also showing a menu of what a local restaurant in Gulfport is offering in exchange for the vouchers. Hurst also stated they have video evidence of the vouchers being handed out to voters.

“We’ll also provide the District Attorney and the Attorney General video evidence of individuals parked in front of Gulfport City Hall, and specifically handing out these vouchers where you can clearly see in multiple videos individuals handing out these vouchers after individuals come out of City Hall having voted absentee.

The state GOP also saying the Sonya Williams-Barnes campaign reposted an invite for “Vote and Vibe,” on social media in which they say was encouraging voters this past weekend to meet and city hall, vote, and get a wristband good for a brunch meal afterwards.

Several supporters for All Souls to the Polls were in attendance at the press conference, voicing that their movement does not endorse specific candidates.

“It’s strictly non-partisan, it’s about getting people out to vote. All we’re doing is saying go and vote. We’re not telling anybody anything. I am not a member of either campaign or anything like that,” said Eddie Hartwell Sr., a Souls to Polls organizer.

The GOP’s evidence has been delivered to Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who sent a letter to the campaign for Sonya Williams-Barnes, stating they have opened an investigation and would like to speak with her no later than May 29th.

During this investigation, Souls to Polls members say they aren’t doing anything illegal and will still be at City Hall handing out vouchers in the days to come.

We reached out to both mayoral campaigns for their response to these allegations.

Sonya Williams-Barnes said in part:

“As part of my grassroots effort, I’m out canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls, and encouraging every eligible voter to participate in the June 3 election. I’m committed to voter engagement, civic responsibility, and ensuring that everyone participates lawfully. I am not affiliated with, nor do I support, any illegal voter activity of any kind.”

Meanwhile, the campaign for Hugh Keating sent a brief statement, simply stating: “It’s important for every voter to look at the facts presented at this press conference.”

WXXV News 25 will continue to monitor any developments in this matter as they happen.