A special election for Noxubee County superintendent of education will proceed as scheduled, Tuesday.
Gov. Phil Bryant decided a special election was needed after a Noxubee County Circuit Court judge, in January, determined some absentee ballots from the August Democratic primary were improperly processed.
Superintendent Roger Liddell, who has been on the job since January, had requested the Mississippi Supreme Court allow additional time to review Bryant’s decision. But the request first was denied by Noxubee County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth Coleman.
Liddel defeated longtime former Superintendent Kevin Jones in the primary by just 77 votes. The two Democrats were the only candidates in the race. Jones also is on Tuesday’s ballot.
“The Secretary of State’s Office would like to remind voters about the April 3 special election for Noxubee County superintendent of education,” Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann said. “Our agency has been made aware some confusion may exist, regarding primary election participation and the upcoming special election. All eligible voters may cast a ballot in the April 3 special election, regardless if they voted March 13, 2012, in any party primary (election). Any qualified elector, who is a resident of Noxubee County, may vote in the election for county superintendent of education.”
Liddell was ordered by State Auditor Stacey Pickering to repay $111,581 to the Hollendale School District. The Macon Beacon reported Liddell purchased $111,581 worth of electronic equipment for his personal use, between 1996 and 2009, when he was employed as the principal at Simmons High School.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.